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 Direct Response Marketing: method of selling insurance directly to insureds through a companies own employees, through the mail, or at airport booths. The company uses this ...

Group arrangement in which a network of attorneys provides legal services to the participants in the plan with the attorney fees being reimbursed by the provider. The attorneys who are ...

Period allowed an insured to notify an insurer of loss. Many policies require immediate written notice, or notice as soon as practicable. Different types of policies have their own time ...

Insurance company that restricts its underwriting of risks to one state. ...

Commercial liability insurance form providing coverage for an insured business in the event of a pollution liability suit. The insurance provides claims made basis liability coverage. ...

Liability arising out of the operation of a motel or hotel as it pertains to the physical safety of guests and their property. ...

Section of the insurance company that administers claims for the losses incurred by the insured. ...

Prior to 1988, right to withdraw retirement assets before age 59 1/2 without having to pay a 10% penalty under the following circumstances: medical expenses are incurred. the plan ...

Required minimum amounts of coverage that an insurance company will underwrite. For example, for auto liability coverage the minimum that many companies will write is $25,000. Most ...

Popular Insurance Questions