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/ Insurance /Car Insurance /Specified Perils Coverage

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Written by Nolan Wilson July 13, 2026 6 min read

What is specified perils insurance?

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Specified perils, also called named perils, is an optional type of car insurance coverage that protects your vehicle against damage or loss from the specific risks listed in your policy. It sits above the mandatory coverage included in your policy, and you only have protection for the perils that are named. If a peril is not listed, it is not covered.

It is an alternative to all perils coverage, and it lets you personalize your protection to fit your driving needs and budget. Named perils commonly include risks such as fire, theft, and weather damage, though the exact list varies by insurer. When you choose this coverage, make sure you are clear about which perils are included before you buy.

Specified perils car insurance: the quick facts

  • Specified (or named) perils insurance covers damage or loss to your vehicle only from the risks explicitly listed in your policy. It is an optional add-on to standard car insurance.
  • It lets you customize your coverage by choosing which risks to include, though the available options vary by insurer.
  • Any peril not specifically named is excluded, so review the policy carefully. Common covered risks include theft and weather damage.

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What does specified perils insurance cover?

Specified perils coverage gives you options for many different risks, and your level of protection depends on the perils you choose and the solutions your insurer offers. Speak with your insurer to be clear about what is included before choosing.

What is included in the named perils list?

A named peril can cover a variety of threats and risks. Here are some examples of what you can include with your Ontario auto insurance:

  • Fire
  • Lightning
  • Theft
  • Attempted theft
  • Windstorm
  • Hail
  • Rising water
  • Earthquake
  • Explosion
  • Riot
  • Damage to your vehicle during transport

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Specified perils vs comprehensive vs all perils

Specified perils is often confused with comprehensive and all perils coverage. The difference comes down to how much each one protects against. Specified perils only covers the risks named in your policy, and it does not cover vandalism or damage from falling objects. Comprehensive covers a broader range of non-collision risks, including vandalism and falling objects. All perils is the broadest option, combining collision and comprehensive protection.

How specified perils compares to comprehensive and all perils coverage
Coverage type What it protects against Notes
Specified (named) perils Only the risks listed in your policy, such as fire, theft, and weather Does not cover vandalism or falling objects; usually the most affordable option.
Comprehensive All non-collision risks except those excluded, including vandalism and falling objects Broader protection; often required by lenders.
All perils Collision and comprehensive risks combined Broadest coverage; typically the most expensive.

If you want the lowest-cost way to add protection for a few specific risks, specified perils may be the right fit. If you want broader protection, comprehensive insurance covers more.

Should you choose specified perils?

Specified perils coverage is optional in Ontario, so whether it makes sense depends on your situation. It can be a good fit if you want extra protection at an affordable rate without paying for full comprehensive coverage. Consider these points:

  • Budget: Specified perils is usually cheaper than comprehensive, because you only pay to cover the risks you select.
  • Your risks: Think about the threats most relevant to where you live and park, such as theft, fire, or severe weather.
  • Lease or finance: If you lease or finance your vehicle, your lender will likely require broader comprehensive coverage instead.
  • Peace of mind: If you want protection against a wider range of events, including vandalism and falling objects, comprehensive may be worth the extra cost.

Our advisors can help you compare specified perils against your other options and choose the coverage that fits your needs.

Compare rates for specified perils car insurance

Find the lowest rates for specified perils coverage in just a couple of minutes. Compare rates from the top Ontario providers online or speak with a licensed ThinkInsure broker to save on your auto coverage.

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Specified perils FAQs

All risk, or all perils, policies cover every peril unless it is explicitly excluded. Named perils only cover the perils listed in your policy. See our all perils coverage page to compare.

Yes. The main difference is what each policy covers. Specified perils will not cover vandalism or damage from falling objects. Otherwise, they offer similar protection, and comprehensive offers the broader coverage of the two.

Specified perils coverage is optional in Ontario. Many drivers choose it to add extra protection for risks not included in their standard policy. However, if you lease or finance a vehicle, you may need to upgrade to comprehensive insurance to meet the terms of your agreement.

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Talk to an advisor about specified perils car insurance

Our RIBO licensed advisors can help you decide whether specified perils coverage is right for your vehicle and budget, and find you the best rate. Get non-biased advice on adding named perils to your Ontario auto policy.

Personalized coverage

Our advisors help you choose which perils to include based on your risks, your budget, and where you drive, so you only pay for the protection you need.

Compare multiple quotes

We instantly compare auto insurance quotes for specified perils coverage from our large selection of providers to find you the lowest price.

Get your auto policy

Choose the provider that offers the best named perils coverage and rate for your needs. We often can get you insured with a new automobile policy on the same day.

Speak with an advisor today!

Call us if you have questions about which perils to include, or whether specified perils or comprehensive is the better fit. We often can get you insured the same day.

Get expert savings advice

Make a list of the risks you actually want covered, such as theft, fire, or weather, then compare specified perils against comprehensive. If you only need a few risks covered, named perils can lower your premium. If you lease or finance, your lender will usually require comprehensive instead.

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Sources

The information on this page is for general guidance about specified perils car insurance in Ontario. The perils available and the terms of coverage vary by insurer and policy. For regulatory details on Ontario auto insurance, see the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA). Speak with a ThinkInsure RIBO licensed advisor to confirm what applies to your policy.

Nolan Wilson

Content Marketing Manager

Nolan is a content marketing manager and writer at ThinkInsure. He has 15+ years of experience in the insurance industry, working with brokerages and direct insurers to create compelling insurance content, specializing in auto, home, and commercial.

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