ACORD 3 — General Liability Notice of Occurrence/Claim

Edition 2008/10 · PDF format

Reports liability claims and incidents. Captures occurrence details, injured party information, nature of injuries, property damage, and circumstances leading to the claim.

What is ACORD 3?

ACORD 3 (General Liability Notice of Occurrence/Claim) is used to report a liability incident or formal claim to the carrier. Importantly, it can be used to report an occurrence, an event that may give rise to a claim, even before any actual claim has been made.

Reporting potential occurrences early protects coverage. Most CGL policies require notice 'as soon as practicable' for occurrences likely to result in claims. Failing to report early can give the carrier grounds to deny coverage when a claim eventually materializes.

Who needs this form

Any insured experiencing an incident that could trigger a liability claim: slip and fall on premises, customer injury, product complaint, etc.

When to use it

Report as soon as the insured becomes aware of an occurrence that may lead to a claim, even if no claim has been formally made yet. Definitely report any formal demand or lawsuit immediately.

Key Fields on ACORD 3

The information the form captures, in the order it typically appears:

Insured name and policy number
Date and place of occurrence
Description of occurrence
Injured party name, address, age
Description of injury or damage
Witnesses
Police/EMS reports (if any)
Whether claim has been formally made (yes/no)
Documentation attached (photos, statements)

Common Mistakes

Recurring errors that delay processing or expose brokers to E&O claims:

Waiting for a formal claim before reporting

CGL policies typically require notice of occurrence, not just claims. Waiting can void coverage. Report as soon as you reasonably believe a claim could result.

Insufficient detail

The adjuster's investigation depends on the data on the form. Provide names, contact info, witness statements, photos. The more, the better.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between an occurrence and a claim?

An occurrence is an event that causes injury or damage. A claim is a formal demand for damages. CGL policies generally require notice of both, but reporting an occurrence early protects coverage even before a claim materializes.

Should I report a minor incident with no injuries?

When in doubt, report. The cost of reporting is nothing. The cost of late notice can be a denied claim.

Related ACORD Forms

ACORD 126