Simplifying insurance: what is claims made vs claims occurring

When you’re choosing insurance, you’ll often come across two terms: claims made and claims occurring.

They both refer to the claims basis your insurance policy works on i.e. if a claim might be covered based on when the claim is made versus when the incident took place.

They might sound technical, but understanding the difference is really important – it can affect whether you’re covered when something goes wrong. The good news is getting your head around what both terms mean is probably easier than you think.

In this guide, we’ll break it down in simple terms, with examples you can relate to – whether you’re on-site or in office.

Disclaimer: this is a general guide relating to insurance. Always check your policy documents and schedule for exact coverage details. If you’re unsure, always check with your insurance provider for confirmation.