Skip to main content
Author photo

Written by Nolan Wilson Updated on Nov 13, 2025 2 mins read

Blog What Is Specified Or Named Perils Insurance?

What you need to know about specified perils

Specified perils are one of several optional insurance solutions. It’s an alternative to all perils. Not sure if you have or need a named perils insurance?

In this blog, you’ll get a specified perils definition and learn about the types of perils in insurance. Get answers to common questions about this option for Ontario drivers.

What you need to know about named perils in car insurance:

  • Specified (or named) perils insurance covers damage or loss to your vehicle only from the risks explicitly listed in your policy. This is an optional add-on to standard car insurance.
  • Specified perils lets you customize coverage by choosing risks to include, but options vary by insurer.
  • Carefully review the policy to understand which perils are included, as any peril not specifically named is excluded from coverage. Common covered risks include theft and weather damage, but the exact coverage varies.

What is specified perils insurance?

Specified perils, or named perils, covers damage or loss to your vehicle. You have protection for the perils specifically listed in your policy - this is above what is part of what is included in car insurance quotes. If a peril is excluded, you do not have coverage against that particular risk.

Named perils cover common risks such as theft and weather damage. It could also give you protection from many other risks. When choosing, make sure you are clear about what perils are included in your policy.

What does specified perils insurance cover?

Specified perils coverage gives you options for many different risks. Your level of coverage will depend on the perils you choose. It can also depend on your insurer and the specified perils solutions they offer. 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 vehicle during transport

Specified perils FAQs

All risk policies include all perils unless they are explicitly excluded. Named perils only include the perils listed in the policy.

The main difference is what these policies cover. Specified perils will not cover vandalism or damage from falling objects. Otherwise, they offer similar protection.

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

Share

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.

Categories Auto
Tags Auto Coverage

Insurance Blog And News

Read our insurance blog to get helpful tips, information and news.

Toronto street car traffic at rush hour
2026-02-10

Analyzing Canada’s Fatal Collision Trends

Fatal collisions in Canada rose 9.14% from 2019 to 2023. Discover the latest road safety statistics, provincial rankings, and how these trends affect your auto insurance rates.

woman wearing a yellow shirt putting on seatbelt inside a car
2026-02-02

Can A Seatbelt Ticket Affect Insurance?

Find out if a seatbelt ticket will raise your car insurance rates and how insurers view seatbelt violations.

person breaking into a grey vehicle
2026-01-26

Will Project CHICKADEE's Success Finally Stabilize Canada's Rising Rates?

Ontario’s Project CHICKADEE dismantled a $25 million auto theft ring. Discover how this massive bust targets export enablers and what it means for rising Canadian insurance premiums.

police holding a roadside sobriety test tool
2026-01-12

Can You Refuse A Breathalyzer Test?

Think refusing a breath test helps your case? In Ontario, it results in a minimum fine of $2,000 and a criminal record. Compare the penalties and protect your future.