What is a Policy Period?

Policy Period is the specific timeframe during which your insurance policy is active and provides coverage, typically one year from the effective date to the expiration date.

What You Need to Know

Your policy period is shown on your declarations page—for example, January 1, 2024 to January 1, 2025. Claims must occur (for occurrence policies) or be filed (for claims-made policies) during this period to be covered.

Why It Matters for Restaurant Owners

Mark your policy expiration dates on your calendar and begin renewal discussions 30-60 days early. Gaps in coverage are disastrous—claims during uninsured periods become your personal responsibility.

Switching Insurers:

If you switch insurers, coordinate effective dates carefully to avoid coverage gaps.

Coverage Duration:

For occurrence policies, any incident during the policy period remains covered forever; for claims-made policies, maintaining continuous coverage without lapses is critical.