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Insurers shift focus from sudden pollution to time-element coverage
Insurance publication Risk & Insurance says coverage for gradual pollution can better match how pollution losses unfold when policies use defined time periods.
The outlet argues that the familiar phrase “sudden and accidental” is often a misfit for pollution claims, comparing the term to the idea of overnight success that downplays longer timelines.
Risk & Insurance also notes that confusion stems from older general liability pollution exclusions that historically included an exception for certain “sudden and accidental” events, while modern pollution coverage is typically handled through specialized policy forms.
According to Risk & Insurance, whether coverage applies depends on the specific policy language, and “sudden and accidental” is described as an archaic term that may be better understood in the context of time element requirements.