Named Peril Policy

An insurance policy that only covers losses from specific perils listed in the policy, such as fire, wind, or hail. If the cause of damage is not named, it is not covered.

Why Named Peril Policies Matter for Insurance Claims

The type of policy determines what is covered and who bears the burden of proof. With a named peril policy, the policyholder must demonstrate that the damage was caused by one of the specifically listed perils. If the cause of loss does not match a named peril, the claim will be denied regardless of the severity of damage. Contractors and public adjusters working with policyholders should review the policy to understand which perils are covered before building the estimate scope.

Named Perils and Roofing Claims

For roofing claims, the most relevant named perils are typically wind, hail, and fire. If a named peril policy does not include hail, for example, hail damage to the roof would not be covered. This is why reviewing the declarations page of the policy is important before investing time in an inspection and estimate. The declarations page lists the covered perils and the applicable deductibles for each.

Named Peril vs. All-Risk in Practice

Named peril policies are less common than all-risk policies for homeowners insurance, but they are sometimes used in older policies, rental properties, or higher-risk locations. When working a claim on a named peril policy, document the cause of loss carefully and connect it directly to one of the named perils in the policy. Photos, weather reports, and inspection notes should all support the specific peril that caused the damage.