How does an occurrence form trigger coverage in a CGL policy?

• A. Coverage triggers only at the time the injury occurs.
• B. Coverage triggers when the claim is filed.
• C. Coverage triggers if the injury occurs outside the policy period.
• D. Coverage applies to bodily injury or property damage that results from an occurrence during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is filed.

Answer: (D)

In an occurrence form, coverage is triggered by the actual event that causes the injury or property damage, as long as that event happens during the policy period. The date the claim is filed doesn’t decide whether there’s coverage—the insurer on duty is the one whose policy was in effect when the occurrence occurred. This means a claim filed after the policy ends can still be covered if the damaging event happened while that policy was in force.

For example, if a slip-and-fall happens during the policy period, the resulting bodily injury can be covered even if a lawsuit is filed years later, as long as the injury stemmed from that occurrence and other policy terms are met. This contrasts with a claims-made form, where coverage depends on when the claim is filed or reported, and with the idea that coverage would occur only if the injury happened within the policy period.