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

Effective proprietor of a business. Under the tax reform act of 1986, a uniform accrual rule prevents a qualified pension plan from being weighted in favor of the substantial owner of the ...

Arbitrator who settles disputes over the amount of loss when an insurer and an insured do not agree. ...

Will written totally in the handwriting of that individual whose name appears on the will. ...

Expectation of illness or injury. The probability of such occurrence is shown by a morbidity table, which is important in determining the premiums for health insurance policies. ...

Same as term Expense Allowance: payment to an insurance agent in addition to commissions. Expense allowances, that differ from company to company, vary with the amount of business agents ...

Coverage for business firms operating abroad to insure them against loss due to political upheavals including war, revolution, confiscation, incontrovertibility of currency, and other such ...

Payment of an employee's employee benefit insurance plan benefits to the employee's individual retirement account ( IRA) or to another plan maintained by the employer. ...

Decision in the absence of a plaintiff or defendant at the specified court time. ...

Coverage for items that are on consignment, including exhibits, goods up for auction, and goods awaiting someone's approval. The stipulation for coverage is that these items cannot be under ...

Popular Insurance Questions