Also known as: Coverage Trigger · Claims-Made Policy · Occurrence Policy
Claims-made responds to claims first made and reported during the policy period for events after the retroactive date; occurrence responds to any event that occurs during the policy period.
Occurrence policies cover events that happen during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is filed. Claims-made policies cover claims first made and reported during the policy period—but only for events that occurred after the retroactive date. If no retroactive date is specified, coverage may extend back to policy inception. Most startup liability policies (Tech E&O, D&O, Cyber) are claims-made.
Most startup liability policies—Tech E&O, D&O, Cyber, and EPL—are claims-made. General Liability (GL) is typically occurrence-based. Workers' Compensation is also occurrence-based. The distinction matters most when switching carriers or cancelling a policy.
If the new carrier advances your retroactive date to the new policy start date, you lose coverage for events that happened before that date. Always negotiate "full prior acts" (retro date matching your original policy inception) when switching carriers, or purchase tail coverage from the old carrier.
Definitions are educational and may be modified by your specific policy language, endorsements, and state rules. For regulatory guidance, refer to the California Department of Insurance or the NAIC.
Last updated: July 2026.