South Carolina Personal Lines Practice Exam

What term describes a loss caused by continuous exposure to a harmful condition?

1. Incident

2. Occurrence

3. Event

4. Situation

The correct answer is: Occurrence

The term that describes a loss caused by continuous exposure to a harmful condition is "occurrence." In insurance terminology, an occurrence refers to an accident, including continuous or repeated exposure to the same harmful conditions, which results in bodily injury or property damage. This definition emphasizes the ongoing nature of the exposure and its cumulative effects over time. For instance, consider a situation where an individual is continually exposed to toxic substances leading to health issues. Rather than being attributed to a single incident, the losses would be classified under occurrences, as they are the result of repeated exposure rather than an isolated event. The other terms listed do not convey the same concept effectively. "Incident" typically refers to a single event or happening that may cause loss or damage, while "event" can refer to a specific happening that is often singular and not ongoing. "Situation," on the other hand, generally describes the context or conditions that may lead to various outcomes but lacks the specific link to ongoing harmful exposure that "occurrence" provides. Thus, the term "occurrence" is the most accurate description for the situation presented.