You didn't say what state you were in and yes, it makes a difference and it can even make a difference what part of the state you live in.
Since it was the first decent reference I found, I'll give the answer based on the Texas Department of Insurance, which illustrates that this is not a question that has a single answer (and yes, this is commercial insurance, not homeowners).
Special form policies cover all types of risks except those the policy specifically excludes. Common exclusions include damages from flood, earth movement, war, terrorism, nuclear disaster, wear and tear, and insects and vermin.
Most commercial property policies cover damage from windstorms except in counties on the Texas coast. However, companies may exclude windstorm and hail coverage from policies they sell in the 14 coastal counties and parts of Harris County on Galveston Bay. If your business is in one of Texas' coastal counties, you'll need a separate windstorm policy. (Refer to the section on windstorm coverage for more information.)
I agree with Dan here in Florida it's even more of an issue specifically south Florida. Most carriers are not providing windstorm. if they do it's pretty expensive. Obviously if you are located in the wind pool your pretty much stuck with Citizens. But now even out of the windpool carriers are trying to exclude wind.
im from connecticut. just trying to track down each perils actual definition. i feel a lot of other agents are misunderstood with the actual peril coverages.
any one know where i can get a copy of those iso forms for each policy type?
i know homeowners will have a seperate deductible as long as its broad or special. basic will not have the coverage.
for special peril it says open perils except the following. but water back up isnt one of the exclusions and i know someone who got declined the claim.
is this more of a cpcu route for me or a cic? i like to learn the in's and out of these policies
Its more of getting sample policies from the carrier and reading them. For anything specific, check with the carrier themselves. Best thing to do is to get to know a few adjusters and talk about various claims.
Every area is a bit unique and requires an understanding of the unique risks in that area, along with the policy variances (usually by state), carrier endorsements, exclusions, etc.
