What is the definition of an accident in the context of insurance?

In the context of insurance, an accident is defined as an unforeseen and unexpected event that results in loss or damage. This definition encompasses situations that are not anticipated or intended, which aligns with how insurance policies typically respond to claims. Coverage is generally designed to protect against unexpected incidents, reflecting the nature of risk that insurers manage.

For instance, if a car accidentally crashes due to a sudden tire blowout, this would be categorized as an accident since it was not planned and occurred unexpectedly. Insurers rely on this definition to determine liability and assess claims, emphasizing that the element of surprise is central to qualifying an incident as an accident within most insurance policies.

In contrast, other definitions such as a planned event or a predictable occurrence do not fit within the insurance framework since they imply intent or foreseeability, which are oppositional to the notion of an accident. Events that happen gradually are also excluded from this definition because they suggest a pattern or ongoing situation rather than a one-time, unforeseen incident.