A named-peril policy covers only the losses specifically listed in the policy. An open-peril (or all-risk) policy covers all losses except those explicitly excluded. Open-peril offers broader protection; named-peril is more restrictive but may cost less.
The phrase "peril" in insurance means a cause of loss — fire, theft, windstorm, hail. Whether a policy pays depends on whether the peril that caused the loss is either named (listed) or not excluded (open). This distinction determines who bears the burden of proof in a claim dispute: with a named-peril policy, you must show the loss was caused by a listed peril; with an open-peril policy, the insurer must prove an exclusion applies. The III's homeowners insurance overview explains how standard policy forms apply both approaches.
A named-peril policy pays only when a loss is caused by a peril specifically listed in the contract. Common named perils in HO policies include fire, lightning, windstorm, hail, explosion, riot, aircraft, vehicles, smoke, vandalism, theft, falling objects, weight of ice/snow, accidental discharge of water, and electrical damage. If your loss was caused by something not on the list — say, a gradual water leak or a sinkhole — it's excluded. The HO-1 (basic form) and HO-2 (broad form) use named-peril coverage throughout.
An open-peril policy covers any cause of loss that is not explicitly excluded. Standard exclusions still apply (flood, earthquake, wear-and-tear, intentional acts), but the list of covered perils doesn't need to name every possible scenario. If a bizarre event causes damage — say a neighbor's inflatable pool dam breaks and water flows through your window — an open-peril policy would likely cover it because it's not specifically excluded. The HO-3 (the most common form) applies open-peril to the dwelling but named-peril to personal property.
The standard HO-3 policy is a hybrid: open-peril on the dwelling structure (broader coverage) and named-peril on personal property (narrower coverage). Some insurers offer the HO-5 form, which applies open-peril to both the dwelling and personal property — the most comprehensive standard homeowners form available. Renters insurance (HO-4) typically uses named-peril for personal property. Understanding which form your policy uses tells you how to read any claim denial.
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