What is one of the primary duties after an occurrence in an insurance policy?

One of the primary duties after an occurrence in an insurance policy is to give written notice to the insurer as soon as practical. This duty is essential as it ensures that the insurance company is informed of the event promptly, allowing them to begin their investigation and assessment of the claim. Prompt notification helps protect the insured's rights under the policy and allows the insurer to fulfill its obligation to provide coverage and assistance.

Insurance policies typically contain clauses that establish timelines for notifying the insurer, which can directly impact the claim process. Failure to provide timely notice could result in complications or even denial of the claim due to perceived negligence in notifying the insurer. Hence, the emphasis on notifying the insurance company as soon as possible reflects the need for quick action to facilitate the claims process and ensure that all parties are aware of the situation.

In comparison, notifying local police, settling a claim directly with the injured party, or ignoring the incident are not standard primary duties outlined in insurance policies. While notifying authorities might be necessary in certain circumstances, it is generally the insured's responsibility to inform the insurance company first. Settling claims independently could jeopardize the coverage provided by the insurance policy, and ignoring the incident would certainly lead to complications and potential losses in terms of coverage.