What Are the 16 Named Perils in an Insurance Policy?

A “named perils” insurance policy explicitly lists the events or causes of loss for which coverage is provided. These policies specify the exact dangers, known as perils, that your insurance will protect against. This article details the commonly referenced 16 named perils found in many insurance policies.

Foundational Concepts of Peril Coverage

Named perils coverage protects only against losses directly caused by events itemized in the policy. If an event is not on this explicit list, the resulting damage is generally not covered. This approach contrasts with “open perils” or “all-risk” coverage, which covers all causes of loss unless specifically excluded.

With a named perils policy, the policyholder must prove the damage resulted from one of the listed events. Common homeowners insurance policy forms, such as the HO-2 (Broad Form) and personal property coverage within an HO-3 (Special Form) policy, frequently utilize this named perils structure.

The 16 Specific Named Perils

• Fire or Lightning: This peril covers direct loss or damage to property caused by fire or lightning strikes. This includes damage from flames, smoke, soot, and water used for extinguishing.
• Windstorm or Hail: This peril covers property damage resulting from severe winds, including tornadoes and hurricanes, and from hailstones. This often applies to exterior damage like roofs and siding.
• Explosion: This peril covers damage caused by an explosion, which could originate from sources like gas leaks or pressure vessel failures.
• Riots or Civil Commotion: This peril covers property damage incurred due to riots, civil unrest, or commotions, including acts of vandalism or destruction by groups.
• Aircraft: This peril covers physical damage to property caused by direct contact with an aircraft or objects falling from an aircraft, such as parts or debris.
• Vehicles: This peril covers damage resulting from a vehicle, such as a car or truck, striking the insured property. This typically applies to vehicles not owned or operated by the policyholder.
• Smoke: Covers sudden and accidental damage caused by smoke, beyond that from a hostile fire. This might include smoke from a malfunctioning furnace.
• Vandalism or Malicious Mischief: Covers intentional damage to property by someone other than the insured, including acts like graffiti or deliberate destruction.
• Theft: Covers loss of personal property due to theft or attempted theft. This often includes specific limits for certain types of valuable items.
• Falling Objects: Covers damage to the insured property caused by objects falling onto it, such as trees or debris.
• Weight of Ice, Snow, or Sleet: Covers damage to buildings or contents caused by the excessive weight of ice, snow, or sleet accumulating on roofs or other structures.
• Accidental Discharge or Overflow of Water or Steam: Covers damage from sudden and accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam from plumbing, heating, air conditioning systems, or household appliances.
• Sudden and Accidental Tearing, Cracking, Burning, or Bulging: Applies to damage from sudden and accidental events affecting hot water heating systems, air conditioning systems, or fire sprinkler systems.
• Freezing: Covers damage to plumbing, heating, air conditioning systems, or household appliances caused by freezing. Maintaining heat in the building is often a condition for this coverage.
• Sudden and Accidental Damage from Artificially Generated Electrical Current: Covers damage to appliances, wiring, or other electrical devices caused by sudden, accidental surges or short circuits in the electrical system.
• Volcanic Eruption: Covers direct physical loss or damage to property caused by the eruption of a volcano, including associated ash, dust, and lava flow.

Claiming Under Named Perils Coverage

When a loss occurs under a named perils policy, the policyholder must initiate a claim by contacting their insurance provider promptly. Providing essential details about the incident and your policy number is necessary.

Document the damage thoroughly with clear photos, videos, and a detailed list of damaged items. This evidence directly links the damage to a named event.

The insurance company will send an adjuster to evaluate the damage and estimate repair costs. During this meeting, it is important to share all collected documentation and be prepared to answer questions. The adjuster will assess whether the cause of loss aligns with a named peril, and if approved, the claim will proceed towards resolution.