What is the typical form type for CGL and why?

• A. Occurrence form; BI/PD must occur during the policy period for coverage to apply.
• B. Claims-made form; BI/PD must be reported promptly.
• C. Coinsurance form; It sets a deductible.
• D. Special form; It provides worldwide coverage.

Answer: (A)

Commercial General Liability is typically written on an occurrence form. In this setup, the key trigger is the event itself—bodily injury or property damage—that occurs during the policy period. If the incident happens while the policy is in force, the claim can be filed later and still be covered, which fits the long-tail nature of many general liability claims. This means coverage is linked to when the event occurred, not when the claim is made.

The other concepts don’t fit as the standard form for CGL. A claims-made form governs coverage based on when a claim is made (or reported), which is common for professional liability but not typical for CGL. Coinsurance describes sharing risk and isn’t a form type. A special form is a property insurance term for all-risk coverage, not the liability form, and worldwide coverage is a coverage territory issue, not the form type.