Critical Analysis in the Claims Handling Process - One or Multiple Occurrences?

An issue that often arises when an insurer is determining whether a policy provides coverage for bodily injury or property damage under a liability policy is the number of occurrences that may be triggered under the policy.

Occurrence-based liability policies usually contain a ‘per occurrence’ limit. While some policies also contain a general aggregate limit, others do not.

Typically, liability policies define an ‘occurrence’ as an accident, including continuous or repeated exposure to substantially the same general harmful conditions.

The number of occurrences triggered by an accident is therefore the subject of consternation during the claims handling process.