Which torts can be covered by insurance policies?

Insurance policies generally cover negligent torts, which arise when an individual fails to act with the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would in a similar situation, resulting in harm to another party. This coverage is essential as it protects individuals and businesses from financial loss due to accidents that occur as a result of negligence.

Negligent torts often stem from actions deemed careless or thoughtless. For instance, if a business owner neglects to repair a broken sidewalk and a customer is injured as a result, the business’s general liability insurance would typically cover the claims arising from the negligent act. This type of insurance is designed specifically to cover damages for unintentional harm, emphasizing the importance of responsibility in everyday actions.

In contrast, intentional torts that cause intended harm or those committed with the specific purpose to inflict injury are generally excluded from coverage. This includes acts like assault or willful damage, as these actions demonstrate a deliberate intention to cause harm, which diverges from the protective scope of most liability insurance policies. Therefore, understanding the distinction between negligent and intentional torts is key to navigating insurance coverage in these contexts.