Also known as: special perils · special form · open perils · all-risk
The broadest property coverage basis, insuring all direct physical loss except causes the policy specifically excludes.
Special perils, often written as the special form or special causes of loss form, is the widest property coverage available: it covers any direct physical loss or damage except the causes the policy specifically excludes. This is the opposite of a named-perils approach, where only the listed causes are covered. Because coverage is defined by what is excluded rather than what is listed, the burden shifts to the insurer to prove an exclusion applies, which generally works in your favor at claim time. Startups insuring equipment, tenant improvements, prototypes, or inventory usually want special-perils (open-perils) coverage so an unusual loss is not denied simply because no one thought to name it.
Special perils is a property coverage basis that insures all direct physical loss or damage except the causes the policy specifically excludes. It is broader than named-perils coverage, which only protects the causes listed in the policy. It is also called the special form, open perils, or all-risk.
In practice, yes. Special perils, special form, open perils, and all-risk describe the same idea: coverage for any cause of loss unless the policy excludes it. Insurers moved away from the label all-risk to avoid implying that literally everything is covered, since exclusions still apply.
Definitions are educational and may be modified by your specific policy language, endorsements, and state rules. For regulatory guidance, refer to the California Department of Insurance or the NAIC.
Last updated: July 2026.