Not every loss involves damage to the insured’s own property. Casualty insurance broadly covers liability for injury to others or damage to their property, as well as certain accident-related first-party benefits. The term historically distinguished these coverages from fire and marine lines.

Modern usage often overlaps with liability insurance and includes general liability, auto liability, workers’ compensation, and umbrella policies. Some definitions still encompass accident and health or fidelity coverages. Policy forms focus on legal obligation to pay damages rather than on repair of the insured’s assets.

Pricing depends on the nature of operations, territory, limits, and loss experience. Claims frequently involve litigation and protracted negotiation. Because a single incident can produce large third-party awards, casualty exposures are a central concern for both personal and commercial risk management.

• Coverage for liability and certain accident risks
• Distinct from pure property insurance
• Includes general liability and workers’ compensation
• Often involves third-party claims and litigation