What is concurrent causation?

Concurrent causation refers to a scenario where a loss has multiple causes, and among those causes, at least one is excluded from coverage by the insurance policy. This concept is particularly significant because it can lead to disputes over whether a claimed loss should be covered, especially when a covered cause and an excluded cause are both involved in producing the loss.

In the context of an insurance claim, if two different causes contribute to a loss—one of which is covered under the policy and the other is specifically excluded—the insurer may deny the claim entirely, arguing that since one of the causes is excluded, the entire loss is not covered. This can create complex situations for policyholders who might reasonably expect coverage for the loss that was instigated by the covered cause. Understanding concurrent causation helps policyholders identify potential pitfalls in their coverage and reinforces the importance of reviewing policy language and exclusions carefully.