08/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/26/2024 12:26
While you may be familiar with the obvious need for homeowners insurance, the finer details and definitions of your coverage may be less clear. Take insurance peril, for example.
Even to long-time policyholders, the term may be either unknown or confused with other concepts. So, what are perils, how are they related to risks or hazards, and why are they important to understand?
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First, let's establish some definitions around commonly used terms: peril, risk and hazard.
In insurance terms, a peril refers to an event that causes damage to your property. Risks, by contrast, are simply the likelihood of perils occurring, while hazards are conditions that elevate those risks.
Flammable materials stored near your home, for example, constitute a hazard that increases the risk of a fire. The fire itself is the peril.
Those perils for which your policy provides protection are often known as "covered" perils, while those it does not protect against are called "uncovered" or "excluded" perils.
Perils lists will vary by insurance provider, however some of the most commonly covered perils are:
Similarly, there are perils that are often not covered under a standard policy. These may include:
While these uncovered perils-also known as excluded perils-are typically not addressed by standard homeowners policies, additional policy types may be available to address them.
Finally, it's useful to understand named perils coverage versus coverage on a comprehensive peril basis.
In the case of named perils coverage, for coverage to apply, the loss must have been caused by one of the named perils listed on the policy itself.
By contrast, with comprehensive, or open, perils coverage, if the loss is not due to an exclusion on the policy, coverage is typically provided.
By being aware of the covered perils in the policy, and exclusions, as well as the types of optional coverage available, you can make informed decisions about your insurance needs. It's a good practice to periodically review your policy to ensure it continues to meet your requirements as your circumstances change.
Of course, the best way to review your coverage is to contact your insurance agent who can address your concerns and help you understand your coverage in detail. Talk to Of course, the best way to review your coverage is to contact your insurance agent who can address your concerns and help you understand your coverage in detail. Talk to a local ERIE agent today, and we'll help you understand how to keep yourself covered. today, and we'll help you understand how to keep yourself covered.
Extended Water coverage endorsement does not satisfy mandatory flood insurance coverage should it be required by your federally regulated lender for your home mortgage or loan. This insurance product is not affiliated with the National Flood Insurance Program. Not available in all states. Extended Water coverage endorsement is not intended to provide coverage for damage caused by leaking or wet foundations or basements, water damage caused by normal wear and tear or other maintenance related damage. Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, sub-limits not described here.
ERIEĀ® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.
The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of January 2024 and may be changed at any time.
Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.
The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.
Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.