Search
 

Intent of an Action Determines Insurance Coverage

At the heart of general liability insurance is coverage for a policyholder's liability for bodily injury and property damage caused by an occurrence. Since 1986, an occurrence has been defined in standard-form language as an accident, including continuous or repeated exposure to substantially the same general harmful conditions.

At the heart of general liability insurance is coverage for a policyholder’s liability for bodily injury and property damage caused by an “occurrence.” Since 1986, an “occurrence” has been defined in standard-form language as an “accident, including continuous or repeated exposure to substantially the same general harmful conditions.”

Disputes surrounding the meaning of “occurrence” often involve the question of whether it is the act of the policyholder or the resulting injury that must be accidental. In many instances, the act and injury are either both intentional or accidental. An example of the first is when someone intends to cause bodily harm and succeeds, such as in a murder. An example of the latter is a typical auto accident where, while the act of driving is volitional, both the collision and any resulting bodily injury and property damage are wholly unintentional.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free
PropertyCasualty360 Digital Reader.

INCLUDED IN A DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP:

  • All PropertyCasualty360.com news coverage, best practices, and in-depth analysis.
  • Educational webcasts, resources from industry leaders, and informative newsletters.
  • Other award-winning websites including BenefitsPRO.com and ThinkAdvisor.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Tonya Knudesn

Recommended Stories

PropertyCasualty360

Join PropertyCasualty360

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed decisions for your P&C insurance business. Join PropertyCasualty360.com now!

  • Unlimited access to PropertyCasualty360.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including BenefitsPRO.com, ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on PropertyCasualty360, National Underwriter, Claims and ALM events

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join PropertyCasualty360

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.