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Compare two coverages
Claims-made vs. occurrence
Published 2026-06-12 · by Brokly
| Aspect | Claims-made | Occurrence |
|---|---|---|
| What triggers coverage | The claim date — when someone files against you | The incident date — when the harm happened |
| After you cancel | Coverage for past work ends unless you buy an extension ("tail" coverage) | Old incidents stay covered by the policy that was active at the time |
| Typical lines | Professional liability and similar lines often are | General liability is usually written this way |
| Price pattern | Often starts cheaper, then steps up as years of past work accumulate | Steadier premium |
What triggers coverage
Claims-made: The claim date — when someone files against you
Occurrence: The incident date — when the harm happened
After you cancel
Claims-made: Coverage for past work ends unless you buy an extension ("tail" coverage)
Occurrence: Old incidents stay covered by the policy that was active at the time
Typical lines
Claims-made: Professional liability and similar lines often are
Occurrence: General liability is usually written this way
Price pattern
Claims-made: Often starts cheaper, then steps up as years of past work accumulate
Occurrence: Steadier premium
The difference only bites when time passes: work you did years ago can produce a claim today. Under an occurrence policy, the policy that was active back then is the one that pays. Under a claims-made policy, today's policy must still be active — and must reach back far enough — or the claim lands uncovered.
That's why switching or dropping a claims-made policy is the moment to slow down: the premium for tail coverage buys the right to report claims after the policy ends. If you carry professional liability, ask which form you have before you ever let it lapse.
See how this plays out for your trade: physician offices · home-health agencies
Related terms
Descriptions reflect how these coverages typically work — exact terms live in the policy. Not legal or compliance advice.
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