Chapter Overview of Homeowners Insurance Perils and Their Impact on Your Policy
The following chapter covers perils in detail. Put another way, this chapter covers whether or not your Claim may be covered because perils are specific risks or events that can cause damage to your home or property.
Homeowners insurance policies are designed to protect against these perils, but the level of protection varies depending on the type of policy you have. Let's start with major policy types and then briefly define each Peril before turning to the details inside each article.
Major Policy Types: Open Perils vs. Named Perils
Open Perils Policy: This type of policy covers all risks except those explicitly excluded in the policy. If a peril isn’t specifically mentioned as excluded, it’s covered.
Named Perils Policy: This policy only covers the perils specifically listed in the policy. If a peril isn’t named, it isn’t covered.
The 16 Named Perils
Accidental Tearing / Cracking / Appliances
What It Covers: Sudden and accidental tearing, cracking, burning, or bulging of Built-in appliances, HVAC systems, and Plumbing.
Aircraft
What It Covers: Damage caused by aircraft, such as a plane crashing into your home or debris falling from an aircraft.
Explosion
What It Covers: Damage from explosions, whether caused by gas leaks, faulty appliances, or other sources.
Falling Objects / Trees
What It Covers: Damage caused by objects falling onto your property, like tree branches, satellite dishes, or other items.
Fire / Lightning
What It Covers: Damage caused by fire or lightning strikes, including direct hits or fires started by lightning.
Freezing
What It Covers: Damage caused by freezing of plumbing, heating, air conditioning, or other systems, provided the home was adequately maintained.
Power Surge / Short Circuiting
What It Covers: Damage caused by power surges or short circuits that can harm electrical appliances and systems.
Riot / Civil Commotion
What It Covers: Damage resulting from riots, civil unrest, or other violent disturbances.
Smoke
What It Covers: Damage caused by smoke, including that from sudden and accidental events like a fireplace malfunction or a nearby fire.
Theft
What It Covers: Loss of Personal Property due to theft, whether from within your home or another covered location.
Vandalism & Malicious Mischief
What It Covers: Damage caused by vandalism or deliberate destruction of property by others.
Vehicles
What It Covers: Damage caused by vehicles, such as a car crashing into your home or property.
Volcanoes
What It Covers: Damage from volcanic eruptions, including lava flow, Ash, and shockwaves.
Water / Steam Sudden & Accidental
What It Covers: Damage from the sudden and accidental discharge or Overflow of water or steam from plumbing, heating, or cooling systems.
Weight of Ice / Snow / Sleet
What It Covers: Damage caused by the weight of ice, snow, or sleet, such as roof collapse or structural damage.
Windstorm / Hail / Hurricane
What It Covers: Damage from windstorms, hail, or hurricanes, including damage to the structure, roof, and exterior elements.
Learn More
Understanding perils and how they apply to your insurance policy is crucial for ensuring your home and belongings are adequately protected against potential risks. Let’s start by diving into each of the above and get busy…