Definition of "Open Perils Policy"

Ann Costigan real estate agent

Written by

Ann Costiganelite badge icon

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hudson Valley Properties

The open perils policy is the counterpart to the named perils policy. In it, any peril NOT mentioned is covered by the policy.

Here's an example: let's say you got an open perils policy homeowner's insurance and it lists volcanoes eruptions and floods. If there was a fire or if a hurricane sent a tree through your window (and, why not, it provoked a fire afterward), your damages will be me covered and your house repaired by the insurance company. Now, if a volcano erupted and lava burned your house to the ground or a flood damaged the whole electrical circuit... sorry, no deal. You're on your own.

So, basically, if the insurance company cannot prove that whatever happened to your house was listed as an exclusion, they will have to afford the repair or replacement of it.

This is usually done in areas where it is just highly probable for specific damages to happen. So, you will most likely find open peril listing volcanoes on Hawaii than in Florida, because, what's the point?

 

Real Estate Tips:

Don't let yourself open to unfortunate events: know your lingo by searching our Real Estate Glossary!

Search as you want and then find a real estate agent to serve you!

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Insurance Terms

Same as term Original Age: insured's age at the date a term life insurance policy is issued. An original age or retroactive conversion option permits the insured to convert the term policy ...

HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION that restricts to a relatively small amount the number of medical providers from which an HMO member may seek services. Usually, HMO members may select the ...

Assistance program for the financially needy. Medicaid, also referred to as Title XIX of the Social Security Act, was enacted in 1965 at the same time as medicare. It is a joint ...

Policy underwritten on either a monoline primary insurance or monoline excess insurance basis that will allow the purchaser to increase the limits of liability coverage above that of ...

Coverage for the contents of a renter's home or apartment and for liability. Tenant policies are similar to homeowners insurance, except that they do not cover the structure. They do, ...

Surrender of rights by an insured against the third party to an insurance company that has paid a claim. ...

Monetary sum paid to an intermediary who acts as the contact between the lender (an insurance company) and the borrower. ...

Additional coverage designed to provide protection against economic losses incurred by insured wage earners when their income is interrupted or terminated because of illness, sickness, or ...

Provision that excludes from coverage under Form No. 3: flood damage, except if the flood causes a fire, explosion, or theft; water damage from the backup of sewers; earthquake, except if ...

Popular Insurance Questions