Occurrence vs Claims-made
Occurrence and claims-made are two policy forms. An occurrence policy covers incidents that happened during the policy period, no matter when the claim is filed. A claims-made policy only responds if the policy is active when the claim is filed. For marketplaces, this matters: Amazon requires occurrence-based coverage.
Head to head.
Occurrence
Claims-made
What triggers coverage
When the incident happened
When the claim is filed
After the policy ends
Still covers incidents from the policy period
No cover unless you buy tail coverage
Marketplace fit
Amazon requires occurrence-based forms
May not satisfy Amazon's requirement
Ongoing requirement
No tail needed
Needs continuous coverage or a tail policy
Simplicity
Simpler for sellers
More to manage over time
Which do you need?
Straight answer.
For selling on Amazon and most marketplaces, you want an occurrence-based policy. Assureful policies use occurrence-based forms.
From $26/mo
Pay-as-you-sell insurance
- A-rated underwriters
- 42% less than comparable A-rated insurers (avg)
- Quote in 2 minutes
- No annual forecasts
- Cancel anytime
No obligation. Cancel anytime.
Questions
Common questions.
Does Amazon require occurrence or claims-made insurance?+
Amazon requires occurrence-based commercial liability insurance. A claims-made policy may not satisfy Amazon's requirement, so confirm your policy is occurrence-based before uploading a Certificate of Insurance.
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General information, not insurance advice. Sources: Amazon Seller Central: Commercial Liability Insurance, Insurance Information Institute. Reviewed 2026-07-01.