In Boiler and Machinery insurance, an accident is defined as:

• A. Occurring within the policy period of an occurrence policy
• B. A continuous and repeated exposure to the same condition
• C. A sudden and accidental breakdown of a part
• D. A one-time occurrence

Answer: (C)

In Boiler and Machinery insurance, an accident means a sudden, unintended breakdown of a covered part or component, causing direct physical damage. This emphasis on suddenness and the breakdown of a specific part is what the policy covers, not gradual wear, corrosion, or long-term deterioration.

That’s why the description of a sudden and accidental breakdown fits best. The other options miss this key point: timing within the policy period doesn’t define an accident; continuous exposure describes wear and tear rather than an abrupt failure; and a one-time occurrence alone doesn’t necessarily capture the required sudden, accidental nature of the event.