Named Perils — Insurance Claims Definition
Coverage form that insures only against the specific perils listed in the policy, such as fire, windstorm, or vandalism.
Named perils coverage applies only when the loss is caused by one of the perils explicitly stated in the policy — for example fire, lightning, windstorm, hail, explosion, riot, aircraft, vehicle, smoke, vandalism, or theft. The insured generally must show the loss resulted from a listed peril.
Named perils forms are narrower and often less expensive than open perils. Basic and broad homeowners forms typically use named perils for personal property.
Examples
Water damage from a burst pipe may be covered as an accidental discharge peril if listed; slow seepage over months often is not a covered named peril under a basic form.
Common Mistakes
Assuming any sudden event is a named peril leads to denied claims; read the enumerated list and definitions. Fungi and mold may be limited or excluded regardless of triggering peril.
