What constitutes an 'occurrence' under a standard CGL form?

• A. An accident or continuous exposure to substantially the same general harmful conditions resulting in BI or PD during the policy period.
• B. Any event that causes financial loss.
• C. A single intentional act.
• D. Only events occurring within the first 30 days.

Answer: (A)

Occurrence means 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. This definition covers both a one-time mishap and a gradual exposure that causes harm, as long as the resulting BI or PD happens while the policy is in force. It’s not just any financial loss, and it doesn’t hinge on a single intentional act (which is typically excluded). It also isn’t limited to the first 30 days—the event must occur during the policy period, but the form can treat a continuous exposure as a single occurrence if it results in BI or PD within that period.