What is defined as physical injury to, destruction of, or loss of use of tangible property?

The concept defined as physical injury to, destruction of, or loss of use of tangible property is known as property damage. This term specifically addresses the harm that can occur to physical items, such as a building, vehicle, or other personal possessions, which can result from various incidents, including accidents or natural disasters.

Recognizing property damage is important in many insurance policies, as it often triggers coverage that reimburses the insured for the loss or pays for repairs. It is distinct from other concepts in insurance, such as liability, which involves legal responsibility for causing damage to another party, or personal injury, which relates to non-physical harm like defamation or emotional distress. Business interruption refers to the loss of income that results from a disruption of normal business operations, and while this can stem from property damage, it is not itself a direct definition of property damage.