What defines a tort in the context of insurance?

A tort is defined as a wrongful act that violates another individual's rights, which can result in legal liability. In the context of insurance, understanding torts is crucial because they often relate to claims that arise from such wrongful acts. For instance, if one person causes harm to another through negligence, the injured party can pursue a tort claim to seek compensation for their losses. This legal framework underpins many types of insurance coverage, including liability insurance, which is designed to protect individuals and businesses from claims arising from torts.

The other options each represent different legal concepts: for instance, a criminal act against the state involves criminal law, which is separate from tort law; a contract breach pertains to civil law regarding agreements and obligations rather than wrongful acts causing harm; and a natural disaster typically refers to events that are not the result of human action, which are not categorized as torts but may be covered under property insurance policies. Understanding torts is essential for properly navigating personal lines insurance, as it relates directly to liability and the responsibilities associated with it.