How does negligence differ from intentional acts in insurance?

Negligence is characterized as a failure to take reasonable care in a situation that results in harm or damage to another party. This concept is rooted in the idea that individuals and organizations have a duty to act with the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in similar circumstances. When someone fails in this duty and causes an injury or loss, that individual may be considered negligent, regardless of whether there was any direct intention to cause harm.

In contrast, intentional acts involve a deliberate choice to engage in conduct that results in harm. This means that the person committing the intentional act is aware of the consequences of their actions and chooses to commit them regardless of the potential negative outcomes to others.

The distinction is significant in the context of insurance because negligence typically falls under general liability coverage, while intentional acts are often excluded from most liability policies due to the fact that they reflect a conscious disregard for the rights of others.

Understanding how negligence operates helps clarify how courts and insurers address claims and the types of coverage provided.