Most standard homeowners insurance policies in San Antonio are occurrence-based, meaning they cover damage that happens during the policy period regardless of when the claim is filed. Claims-made policies, common in commercial insurance, require the claim to be filed while the policy is still active. Knowing which you have affects your coverage window.
Occurrence-Based Policies (Most Common)
An occurrence-based policy covers any damage or loss that happens during the policy period, even if you do not discover it or file a claim until after the policy has expired. For example, if a pipe leaks in January while your policy is active, but you do not discover the damage until June after switching insurers, your original policy still covers the claim. This is the standard for homeowners insurance.
Claims-Made Policies
A claims-made policy only covers claims that are both incurred and reported during the active policy period. If damage occurs while the policy is active but you do not file the claim until after the policy expires, coverage may be denied. Claims-made policies are rare for homeowners but common for professional liability, errors and omissions, and some commercial policies.
Which One Do You Have?
Your standard HO-3 homeowners policy is almost certainly occurrence-based. Check your policy declarations page or the definitions section. If it says occurrence-based, you have the standard coverage. If you have a specialty policy or a landlord policy, confirm with your agent. The distinction matters most for claims that are discovered or filed after the policy ends.
