Realty Executives Boston West
Kathy Foran GRI, ABR , Realty Executives Boston WestPhone: (508) 395-2932
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Understanding insurance perils

by Kathy Foran GRI, ABR 02/11/2025

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Insurance perils are specific events covered in your policy. It's important to understand the limits of your homeowners insurance policy, especially any excluded perils. Here's a quick guide to the basics:

Perils commonly covered by insurance

A named perils plan covers 16 types of peril. However, it's not a universal list. For example, wind damage is not included in certain coastal zones and must be separately endorsed.

How peril, hazards & risk differ

The words risk and danger are similar to each other and are sometimes used interchangeably. However, insurance counts them as separate things. A risk is the possibility of a loss, while a peril or hazard is the actual cause of a loss.

Types of home insurance risks

Some common examples of insurance risks include:

  • Swimming pools.
  • Fireplaces.
  • Outdoor fire pits or ovens.
  • Pets.

The HO-2, HO-3 and HO-5 types of homeowners policies determine if your policies are defined against a set of specific risks based on location or home features.

Who is most affected by a home insurance peril?

A homeowner is affected by the perils insured in their policy, but so is the insurance company. Increased risk and covered perils both pose a higher cost to your insurer, which can increase the cost of your coverage.

Your mortgage lender could also be indirectly affected by home insurance risk because damage could negatively affect your home's value. To determine the specifics of your homeowners insurance, consult your provider for details.

About the Author
Author

Kathy Foran GRI, ABR

The top agent in Framingham for over three decades, Kathy Foran demonstrates her passion and enthusiasm for real estate at every opportunity. As a real estate professional with Realty Executives Boston West, Kathy serves all of Boston’s MetroWest residential market, assisting Sellers and Buyers. “I work tirelessly for all my clients seven days a week and I am always available” she says, adding that she prides herself on her accessibility and attentiveness.