A cause of loss form identifies which causes of damage or injury are covered under a policy.
Coverage mechanics
It acts like a menu for peril classes:
- Named causes (only listed events are covered).
- Open perils (broad wording, subject to exclusions and exceptions).
- Limited subcategories for specific operations or exposures.
Underwriting and claims role
Insurers use the form to price and bind terms, and claims teams use it to check if the reported event is within scope.
Practical example
If a policy is on a named-perils basis, a heat-event loss may be covered while a flood-related component is excluded. The form determines whether the insurer must proceed with full adjustment or deny based on contract terms.