[Education - CPD] Claims Made vs Claims Occurring: A Broker's Guide to Policy Triggers

Claims Made vs Claims Occurring: A Broker's Guide to Policy Triggers

A 60-minute technical webinar for insurance brokers on one of the most commonly misunderstood — and highest-risk — areas of general insurance: how a policy's trigger decides which year responds to a claim. The session covers the mechanics of occurrence and claims-made cover, retroactive dates, extended reporting periods, where each trigger is typically used, and the practical advisory steps brokers need to take to avoid leaving clients — and themselves — exposed. Includes a real-world case study and live Q&A.

Key Takeaways

• The fundamental difference between an occurrence trigger (responds to when the event happened) and a claims-made trigger (responds to when the claim is made)
• Why retroactive dates and continuity are critical on any claims-made renewal or insurer switch
• The difference between extended reporting periods and discovery periods — and when clients need each
• Which classes of business typically sit on each trigger, and why (long-tail liability vs professional/emerging risk)
• How coverage gaps commonly arise — and the specific questions to ask to prevent them
• The most common broker pitfalls that create E&O exposure on claims-made business