Tennessee Insurance Practice Exam

How does a policy using "accidental bodily injury" differ from one that uses "accidental means"?

1. More inclusive in coverage criteria

2. Less restrictive in defining accidents

3. Includes intentional injuries

4. Focuses exclusively on workplace injuries

The correct answer is: Less restrictive in defining accidents

A policy utilizing "accidental bodily injury" is characterized by its broader interpretation of what constitutes an accident. This term focuses on the result of an accident rather than the specific mechanism or means that caused the injury. Therefore, if an individual suffers an injury that occurs unexpectedly and unintentionally, it will likely be covered under this type of policy. In contrast, a policy based on "accidental means" imposes a more restrictive framework. It requires that the injury must result from an accident that arises out of a distinct and unexpected cause, which can often limit coverage to situations where the means of injury was itself accidental. As a result, policies using "accidental bodily injury" can capture a wider array of incidents and provide more comprehensive coverage compared to those that rely strictly on the concept of "accidental means." This approach to defining accidents allows for a broader application of coverage, more effectively encompassing a variety of scenarios where injuries arise unexpectedly, as opposed to being strictly governed by the means of how the injury occurred.