Define sudden & accidental

Insurance coverage usually excludes damage that results over time.  For example, a leaky wall faucet which over time leads to damage drywall in a building, is not covered.  The reason this claim is denied is because insurance is meant to cover sudden and accidental damage. By its very definition, sudden and accidental excludes damage resulting over time or gradually.Two common examples include:

• Coverage is usually provided should a pipe rupture suddenly resulting in a water damage claim.
• X   Coverage is not provided should a pipe leak slowly resulting in water damage over time.