Basic Form, as its name suggests, is the least comprehensive of the two coverage options used to insure Commercial Properties. Basic Form policies only cover named perils. This means that if a peril is not specifically named in the policy, there is no coverage. If something happens to your property that’s not on the list, you’re not covered.
Coverages included in a typical Basic Form policy are:
Special Form
Special Form coverage is the most inclusive of the two options with coverage for all of the above listed perils, as well as, Water Damage from Plumbing, Collapse and Theft (unless excluded).
In a Special Form policy, instead of the document listing what’s covered, all perils are covered except for the exclusions specifically named in the policy.
All perils are covered perils. This is beneficial to the insured since Special Form coverage makes allowances for the kinds of odd hazards one might never expect.
Everything is typically covered under a Special Form policy, except for these common exclusions: