Info Gulp

What Is a Named Perils Insurance Policy?


Last Updated:
Info Gulp employs strict editorial principles to provide accurate, clear and actionable information. Learn more about our Editorial Policy.

    Highlights

  • Named perils insurance covers only the specific risks listed in the policy, making it a budget-friendly option for targeted protection
  • All-risks insurance automatically covers any peril not explicitly excluded, shifting the burden of proof to the insurer
  • Homeowners can choose named perils to avoid paying for unnecessary coverage like earthquakes if they don't live in prone areas
  • Riders or floaters allow adding excluded perils to all-risks policies for an extra premium
Table of Contents

What Is a Named Perils Insurance Policy?

Let me explain what a named perils insurance policy is. It's a type of home or business insurance that only covers losses to your property from the specific hazards or events listed right there in the policy. You might choose this as a cheaper option compared to comprehensive or broad policies, which generally cover most perils.

How a Named Perils Insurance Policy Works

Here's how it operates in practice. If you own a home and don't live in an area prone to earthquakes or flooding, you could opt for a named perils policy and just include coverage for things like fire, theft, and hail, skipping the earthquake and flood parts entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • A named perils insurance policy only provides coverage on losses incurred to your property from events or risks named on the plan.
  • Homeowners may purchase a named perils insurance policy and only declare coverage against hazards like theft or fire.
  • If a homeowner lives in a flood zone, they may elect to get a named perils insurance policy rather than earthquake coverage.
  • Theft, fire, and natural disasters like hail, earthquakes, and flooding are events or hazards that may be declared on a named perils insurance policy.
  • When a person purchases an all risks policy, it covers all perils except those expressly excluded from the list.

Additional Considerations

Keep in mind that an all risks policy doesn't guarantee coverage against every possible peril. You should check your broad coverage policies to ensure they include all the perils you're worried about. If they don't, consider buying a named perils policy to fill those gaps in your coverage.

Named Perils Insurance vs. All Risks Insurance

Insurance providers typically offer two main types of property coverage for homeowners and businesses: named perils and all risks. An all risks policy automatically covers any risk that isn't explicitly excluded in the contract. For instance, if your all-risk homeowner's policy doesn't exclude hurricane damage, your house is covered if a hurricane hits.

A named perils policy includes conditions for what the insurer sees as the most likely perils. It only covers the perils specifically listed in the policy. Take an example: if the contract says it covers losses from fire or vandalism, then if you have damage from a flood, you can't claim it because flood isn't named. Under this type of policy, you, the insured, bear the burden of proof.

In contrast, an all risks policy covers you from all perils except those specifically excluded. It doesn't list what's covered; instead, it lists what's not. So, anything not mentioned as excluded is automatically covered.

Special Considerations

Common perils excluded from all risks policies include earthquakes, war, government seizure or destruction, wear and tear, infestation, pollution, nuclear hazards, and market loss. If you need coverage for one of these excluded events under an all risks policy, you can often pay an additional premium for a rider or floater to include it in the contract.

Other articles for you

What Is Series 9/10?
What Is Series 9/10?

The Series 9/10 exams qualify individuals to supervise sales activities in securities, requiring a prior Series 7 license and covering topics like options and general trading practices.

What Is a Level Death Benefit?
What Is a Level Death Benefit?

A level death benefit in life insurance provides a fixed payout that doesn't change over time, offering lower premiums but risking value erosion due to inflation.

What Is the Circular Flow Model?
What Is the Circular Flow Model?

The circular flow model illustrates the continuous movement of money between producers and households in an economy, contributing to a nation's GDP.

What Is an Operating Loss (OL)?
What Is an Operating Loss (OL)?

An operating loss happens when a company's operating expenses surpass its gross profits, indicating unprofitable core operations.

What is Second World?
What is Second World?

The term 'second world' originally referred to Soviet-influenced countries but now describes nations between first and third world in development.

What Are Liquid Alternatives?
What Are Liquid Alternatives?

Liquid alternatives are accessible investment vehicles that mimic hedge fund strategies with daily liquidity for retail investors.

What Is the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976?
What Is the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976?

The Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 mandates premerger notifications for large companies to antitrust regulators.

Exploring Financial Terms Starting with 'H'
Exploring Financial Terms Starting with 'H'

This text is a comprehensive glossary of financial and economic terms starting with the letter 'H' from Investopedia.

What Is the Inflation-Adjusted Return?
What Is the Inflation-Adjusted Return?

Inflation-adjusted return measures an investment's true performance by accounting for inflation to reveal actual earning potential.

What Are Consumer Goods?
What Are Consumer Goods?

Consumer goods are finished products bought by individuals for personal use, categorized into durable, nondurable, and service types.

Follow Us

Share



by using this website you agree to our Cookies Policy

Copyright © Info Gulp 2025