INSURANCE GUIDE
Claims-Made vs. Occurrence Insurance
Claims-made and occurrence policies use different timing rules to determine which policy may respond to a claim. Understanding the distinction helps when comparing liability coverage.
Quick answer
An occurrence policy generally looks to when the covered event happened. A claims-made policy generally looks to when the claim is first made, and often when it is reported, together with other policy requirements.
Common examples
General liability is commonly written on an occurrence basis, while many professional liability and E&O policies are written on a claims-made basis. The actual policy form controls.
Why timing matters
With claims-made coverage, continuity, retroactive dates, reporting deadlines, and extended reporting options can be critical. With occurrence coverage, the policy in force when the covered occurrence took place may be relevant even if the claim arrives later.
Changing coverage
Before replacing a claims-made policy, review prior acts, pending claims, known circumstances, and any available extended reporting period. Do not assume a new policy automatically preserves the old policy’s timing protections.
What to compare
Compare policy trigger, reporting requirements, retroactive date, defense provisions, limits, deductibles or retentions, exclusions, and any tail or extended reporting options.
Related resources
Coverage note: Insurance coverage varies by insurer, policy form, endorsement, limits, exclusions, and the facts of a claim. This article is general educational information and is not a substitute for reviewing the actual policy.
In this guide
- Claims-made trigger
- Occurrence trigger
- Reporting rules
- Changing policies
Related coverage
Questions about this coverage?
Talk with ECLICK about your current policy, upcoming renewal, or the coverage you are comparing.