16 Named Perils in Homeowners Insurance: What’s Covered and What’s Not

When reviewing your homeowners insurance policy, you may come across the term "named perils." While it sounds technical, the concept is actually pretty straightforward. A named peril is a specific cause of loss that your insurance policy covers. If the cause of damage is listed in your policy, coverage may apply. If it isn't listed, it generally won't be covered.

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that not all policies cover losses the same way. Some policies provide broader protection, while others only cover specific named risks. Understanding these perils can help you better understand what your policy protects and where you may have coverage gaps.

What Are the 16 Named Perils?

A standard HO-2 homeowners insurance policy typically provides coverage for the following 16 named perils:

1. Fire or Lightning

Covers damage caused by accidental fires or lightning strikes. This remains one of the most common causes of homeowners insurance claims.

2. Windstorm or Hail

Provides coverage for damage caused by wind, hail, and certain storm-related events. Coverage can vary in coastal or high-risk areas, where separate wind deductibles or restrictions may apply.

3. Explosion

Covers damage resulting from explosions, such as a gas leak or propane-related incident.

4. Riot or Civil Commotion

Provides coverage for damage caused by riots, civil disturbances, or similar public events.

5. Damage by Aircraft

If an aircraft, drone, or falling object from an aircraft damages your property, this peril may provide coverage.

6. Damage by Vehicles

Covers damage caused by a vehicle striking your home, garage, fence, or other covered structures on your property.

7. Smoke

Protects against sudden and accidental smoke damage, even if no fire occurs.

8. Vandalism or Malicious Mischief

Provides coverage when someone intentionally damages your property, such as breaking windows, damaging siding, or defacing your home.

9. Theft

If personal belongings are stolen from your home, this coverage can help replace them, subject to your policy's limits and deductibles.

10. Falling Objects

Covers damage caused by objects falling onto your home, such as tree limbs during a storm.

11. Weight of Ice, Snow, or Sleet

Provides coverage for damage caused by the weight of accumulated ice, snow, or sleet on a roof or other structure.

12. Accidental Discharge or Overflow of Water or Steam

Covers sudden water damage resulting from plumbing systems, water heaters, HVAC systems, or household appliances. It's important to note that this does not cover flooding from outside your home.

13. Sudden and Accidental Tearing Apart, Cracking, Burning, or Bulging

Applies to covered systems and appliances, such as boilers, furnaces, water heaters, and air conditioning systems that fail unexpectedly.

14. Freezing of Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, or Fire Sprinkler Systems

Provides coverage for damage caused by frozen pipes or systems, provided reasonable steps were taken to protect the property.

15. Sudden and Accidental Damage from Artificially Generated Electrical Current

Covers damage caused by electrical surges, short circuits, and similar electrical events that affect appliances or home systems.

16. Volcanic Eruption

Provides coverage for damage caused by volcanic eruptions, including airborne volcanic material. While not a major concern in Maine or New Hampshire, it remains one of the standard named perils included in many policies.

What Isn't Covered?

While the 16 named perils provide important protection, there are several common risks that are generally excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies.

Some examples include:

• Flood damage

• Earthquake damage

• Normal wear and tear

• Mold resulting from ongoing maintenance issues

• Pest or insect infestations

• Neglect or lack of routine maintenance

These risks may require separate coverage or may not be insurable at all, depending on the situation.

Named Perils vs. Open Perils Coverage

One area that often causes confusion is the difference between named perils and open perils coverage.

A named perils policy only covers losses caused by events specifically listed in the policy.

An open perils policy works differently. Instead of listing what's covered, it generally covers all causes of loss except those specifically excluded.

This is one reason many homeowners choose an HO-3 or HO-5 policy, which often provide broader protection than an HO-2 policy.

The Bottom Line

Understanding the 16 named perils can help you better understand what your homeowners insurance policy does, and doesn't, cover.

Every policy is different, and coverage can vary between insurance companies. If you're unsure what type of policy you have or whether you have the right protection in place, it's worth reviewing your coverage with your insurance agent.

A quick policy review today can help prevent surprises when you need to file a claim tomorrow.

(207) 363-7894 | www.tapleyagency.com | 300 York St . PO Box 808 . York, Maine 03909