What Is All Perils vs Specified Perils Coverage in Canada?
In a Nutshell: "Perils" are the specific events that cause damage to your vehicle. All Perils coverage is the broadest protection — covering everything except what's explicitly excluded. Specified Perils (also called "Named Perils") covers only events listed in your policy — everything else is excluded. The difference between them can be thousands of dollars in a claim.
The Core Difference
| Factor | All Perils | Specified Perils | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|---|
| What's covered | Everything except exclusions | Only listed perils (theft, fire, vandalism, etc.) | Non-collision damage, broad but excludes collision |
| Including collision? | ✅ Yes — includes collision damage | ❌ No — collision not covered separately | ❌ No — collision requires separate coverage |
| Deductible | Single deductible for all perils | Separate deductible per peril type | Separate deductible |
| Breadth of coverage | Maximum | Minimum for comprehensive-type coverage | Moderate |
| Typical premium (annual) | $600 – $1,500 | $350 – $800 | $100 – $400 |
What Specified Perils Typically Covers
A standard Specified Perils policy lists specific events:
| Peril | Covered by Specified Perils? |
|---|---|
| Fire | ✅ Yes |
| Theft | ✅ Yes |
| Vandalism | ✅ Yes |
| Hail/Lightning | ✅ Yes |
| Flooding | ✅ Yes |
| Falling or flying objects | ✅ Yes |
| Impact with animals | ✅ Yes (varies — check policy) |
| Riot or civil disturbance | ✅ Yes |
| Windstorm | ✅ Yes |
| Transportation (e.g., ferry, train) | ✅ Yes |
| Collision (hitting another car) | ❌ No — separate Collision needed |
| Collision (hitting a stationary object) | ❌ No — separate Collision needed |
| Rollover | ❌ No — separate Collision needed |
What All Perils Covers
All Perils is the most comprehensive coverage available. It covers all physical damage to your vehicle from any cause except specific exclusions:
| What's Covered | What's NOT Covered (Exclusions) |
|---|---|
| Collision with another vehicle | Intentional damage |
| Hitting a stationary object | Mechanical or electrical breakdown |
| Theft (of full vehicle or parts) | Wear and tear / gradual deterioration |
| Vandalism | Normal maintenance items |
| Fire and explosion | Tires damaged by road hazards (unless causing accident) |
| Hail, windstorm, flood | Damage from improper repair |
| Falling objects | Damage while vehicle is in a war zone |
| Animal collisions | Nuclear hazards |
| Civil disturbance, riot | Racing or speed contests |
| Transportation (ferry, train) | Illegal use |
All Perils = Collision + Comprehensive
The simplest way to understand All Perils:
All Perils = Collision Coverage + Comprehensive Coverage (under a single coverage category)
Some insurers treat All Perils as equivalent to having both Collision and Comprehensive. Others structure it as a distinct product tier.
| If you have... | Collision damage covered? | Non-collision damage covered? |
|---|---|---|
| All Perils | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Comprehensive only | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Collision only | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Liability only | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Cost Comparison
| Vehicle Value | Specified Perils (Annual) | Comprehensive (Annual) | Collision (Annual) | All Perils (Annual) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,000 vehicle | $200 – $350 | $100 – $200 | $300 – $600 | $400 – $800 |
| $30,000 vehicle | $300 – $500 | $150 – $300 | $450 – $900 | $600 – $1,200 |
| $50,000 vehicle | $400 – $700 | $200 – $400 | $600 – $1,200 | $800 – $1,600 |
Which Coverage Type Should You Choose?
Choose All Perils if:
- Your vehicle is new and valuable (under 5 years, worth $30,000+)
- You're leasing or financing (lender requires full coverage)
- You want maximum protection with a single deductible
- You're concerned about both collision and non-collision damage
- Your budget can absorb the higher premium
Choose Specified Perils if:
- Your vehicle is older and lower-value (5+ years, worth under $10,000)
- You have collision coverage separately (specified perils + collision = similar to all perils)
- You want to save on premium but keep fire/theft protection
- You don't mind the limited list of covered events
- The vehicle is a second car or winter beater
Choose Comprehensive Only if:
- You want non-collision protection only (theft, fire, vandalism)
- You're willing to self-insure collision damage
- The vehicle is low-value but you still want theft protection
Specific Exclusions That Apply to Both
Both All Perils and Specified Perils share common exclusions:
| Exclusion | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Wear and tear | Rust, rot, mechanical breakdown over time — not covered |
| Manufacturer's defects | Not insurance — claim under warranty |
| Tire blowouts | Unless they cause a collision, replacing a blown tire is not covered |
| Fluid leaks | Gradual leaks are maintenance, not a covered peril |
| Pets in vehicle | Damage by your pet is not a covered peril |
| GPS/electronics theft | May have limits on contents coverage |
Key Takeaways
- All Perils = broadest coverage (collision + comprehensive in one) — everything except exclusions
- Specified Perils = coverage only for events explicitly listed in your policy
- All Perils is significantly more expensive but offers much better protection
- A common middle ground: Comprehensive + Collision (two endorsements) provides similar protection to All Perils
- Specified Perils is best for older, low-value vehicles where you want basic non-collision protection
- All Perils is essentially "Comprehensive + Collision with a single deductible" for covered losses
- Read your policy to understand exactly which perils are covered — always name-peril or exclusion-based
Last updated: July 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about all perils and specified perils coverage in Canada. Coverage specifics, exclusions, and costs vary by insurer and province. Always review your policy documents and consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.