What term describes losses caused by continuous or repeated exposure to conditions?

The term that describes losses caused by continuous or repeated exposure to conditions is "occurrence." This term is particularly significant in the context of insurance because it encompasses a broad range of situations where damage or loss arises not from a single event but from an ongoing series of exposures. For example, a building that suffers deterioration due to prolonged water exposure would be experiencing an occurrence rather than being affected by a singular event.

In insurance policies, understanding what constitutes an occurrence is crucial as it may impact how claims are processed and what coverage applies. This definition can affect claims related to things like mold growth, property wear and tear, or ongoing environmental damage, thereby influencing policy terms and conditions.

The other terms do not capture the essence of continuous exposure in the same way. An "incident" often refers to a specific event or happening rather than a series of exposures. A "claim" is the request for payment or coverage that arises after a loss has occurred, and "catastrophe" typically denotes a major event that causes significant damage and leads to a high number of claims, often used for large-scale disasters.