Coverage Trigger in Insurance

In insurance, a coverage trigger refers to the specific event or circumstance that must occur for an insurance policy to provide coverage and for the insurance company to be obligated to pay a claim. It establishes the conditions under which the policy responds to a loss or a liability.

The coverage trigger is a fundamental aspect of an insurance policy and varies depending on the type of coverage and the nature of the risks being insured. Here are a few common coverage triggers:

1. Occurrence Trigger: This trigger is commonly used in liability insurance policies. It provides coverage for claims arising from events or incidents that occur during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is actually filed. Under an occurrence trigger, the policy responds to claims based on when the alleged incident took place, regardless of when the claim is reported or when the lawsuit is filed.

2. Claims-Made Trigger: This trigger is typically used in professional liability insurance, such as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. Coverage is triggered when a claim is made against the insured during the policy period. Unlike the occurrence trigger, the claims-made trigger focuses on when the claim is actually made, rather than when the incident occurred. It is important for the insured to have continuous coverage in order to be protected for claims that may arise in the future, even if the policy has expired.

3. Loss Occurrence Trigger: This trigger is used in property insurance policies. It provides coverage for physical loss or damage to insured property that occurs during the policy period. The occurrence of the loss, such as a fire, theft, or natural disaster, triggers the coverage under the policy.

These are just a few examples of coverage triggers commonly used in insurance. It's important for policyholders to carefully review their insurance policies to understand the specific coverage triggers and how they apply to their situation. The coverage trigger determines when the insurance policy responds to a claim, and understanding this aspect is crucial for both the insured and the insurance company in determining coverage and claim eligibility.

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