Policy definitions of occurrence are technical. Claims-made vs. occurrence forms also differ (especially in professional liability). When a COI shows “$1M per occurrence,” ask what aggregate applies and which form version you’re on.
Occurrence
- What it means
- In liability insurance, an accident — including continuous or repeated exposure to substantially the same general harmful conditions — that results in bodily injury or property damage during the policy period, as the form defines it.
- Tennessee example
- A one-time slip at your Cordova storefront and a slow leak that damages a neighbor's property over weeks can both raise 'occurrence' questions under a GL form.
- Why it hits your wallet
- Limits often apply per occurrence and in aggregate; understanding the unit of claim changes how big a lawsuit looks relative to your limit.