In insurance terms, what defines an accident?

An accident in insurance terms is defined as an unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance. This definition is integral to how many insurance policies operate, particularly in liability and property damage claims. Insurers typically cover events that are accidental because they arise unexpectedly, leading to damages or harm that were not anticipated by the insured party.

The concept is crucial for determining whether a loss is compensable under an insurance policy. For instance, if a tree falls on a house after a storm, this incident is considered an accident because it was not planned or expected. Events that meet this criterion often trigger coverage under standard insurance policies.

Other options focus on aspects that do not align with the traditional definition of an accident. A planned event causing damage denotes intent, which usually excludes it from being classified as an accident. A routine incident implies a regular occurrence and lacks the element of unforeseen circumstances. An event resulting from negligence involves a failure to act with reasonable care, which can lead to liability but does not inherently define an accident since negligence might be part of a broader context beyond mere accidents.