What does 'occurrence' refer to in insurance terms?

In insurance terms, the concept of 'occurrence' is best understood as a series of similar events that happen over time, especially in the context of liability policies. An 'occurrence' is typically defined as an event that results in bodily injury or property damage, which is covered by the policy as long as the damage occurs during the policy period.

This definition is crucial for understanding how claims are managed and what is covered under various types of insurance, particularly liability coverage. If an incident causes ongoing damage or injury through repeated actions, it is treated as a series of occurrences rather than just a single event. Each instance could represent a claim or a basis for coverage.

In contrast, a single event refers to one isolated incident, which does not capture the ongoing nature of some liabilities. Similarly, a progressive condition would not apply because it suggests a gradual deterioration rather than a series of discrete incidents, and recurring liability could imply more about the nature of claims rather than their definition within the occurrence framework. Understanding this terminology is essential for an insurance adjuster, who must accurately assess claims within the scope of policy definitions.