What is the definition of an accident in insurance terms?

In insurance terms, an accident is defined as an event that occurs suddenly, unexpectedly, and is unforeseen. This definition captures the essence of what makes an accident qualify for coverage under many insurance policies. Insurers typically cover unforeseen and unintended events because these are inherently unpredictable and typically outside the control of the policyholder.

For example, if a tree falls on a house during a storm, that incident would be considered an accident because it happened suddenly and was not planned or intended by the homeowner. This characteristic of being unexpected is critical in insurance, as it differentiates accidents from other events, such as those that are premeditated or planned, which are often excluded from coverage.

In contrast, the other choices reflect concepts that do not align with the standard definition of an accident in the insurance context. A planned event indicates that there is intent and foreknowledge involved, which contradicts the accidental nature of covered incidents. An intentionally caused event also implies that there was deliberate action taken, removing the element of surprise or lack of control. Meanwhile, a delayed occurrence suggests that the event was anticipated or expected to happen over time, which again does not fit the unexpected criteria of what constitutes an accident.