All-Risk Policy

An insurance policy that covers all causes of loss except those specifically excluded. Also called open peril or special form. Broader coverage than named peril policies.

Why All-Risk Policies Matter for Insurance Claims

All-risk policies are the most common form of homeowners insurance and provide the broadest coverage. Under an all-risk policy, any cause of loss is covered unless it is specifically listed in the exclusions section. This means the policyholder does not need to prove the loss matches a specific named peril. Instead, the burden is on the insurance company to demonstrate that an exclusion applies if they want to deny coverage. This distinction is critical during claims disputes.

All-Risk Policies and Roofing Claims

For roofing claims, an all-risk policy generally covers damage from wind, hail, falling objects, ice, and other weather-related events unless those perils are specifically excluded. The most common exclusions that affect roofing claims are flood (requires separate flood insurance), earthquake, and normal wear and tear. When the cause of loss is ambiguous (such as a slow leak that worsened during a storm), the all-risk framework works in the policyholder's favor since the insurer must prove the exclusion applies.

Understanding the Exclusions

Even with broad all-risk coverage, the exclusions section of the policy determines the boundaries. Common exclusions include damage from neglect, settling or cracking, mold (unless resulting from a covered peril), pest infestation, and government action. Some exclusions can be removed by purchasing endorsements that add the coverage back. Reading the exclusions section is essential for understanding what the policy actually covers in practice.