Can You Customize the Perils You Want Covered?
Understand whether auto insurance lets you tailor which risks are included and how flexible specified perils coverage really is
When you’re looking for more affordable auto insurance, specified perils may seem like an attractive option. It offers protection for a defined list of events—like fire or theft—without the broader coverage (and higher cost) of comprehensive insurance. Naturally, this leads to the question: can you choose your own list of perils?
This matters when you’re trying to create a policy that reflects your specific concerns—like protecting against theft but not weather damage. You might think about this the next time you're tailoring your coverage during renewal or exploring ways to trim your insurance costs.
Can You Pick and Choose Individual Perils?
In most cases, no. Specified perils coverage is offered as a pre-defined package of named events, and insurers typically do not allow you to select or remove individual perils from that list.
The list is standardized to reduce administrative complexity and to ensure clarity about what’s covered. While you can choose between no coverage, specified perils, or full comprehensive, customizing the specific events within specified perils is not usually an option.
| Coverage Type | Can You Customize the Events Covered? |
|---|---|
| Specified Perils | No – comes with a fixed list of perils |
| Comprehensive | No – covers all perils unless excluded |
| No Physical Coverage | Yes – you can opt out of coverage entirely |
Tip: You can often adjust your deductible or choose additional endorsements, but not the individual perils within a specified-perils policy.
What If You Only Want Protection for One Type of Risk?
If your main concern is a single risk—such as theft—you may feel that full comprehensive coverage is excessive. But unless your insurer offers a specific endorsement or product focused solely on that risk, your options are limited to choosing from the broader packages already available.
In some cases, optional add-ons may be available for unique risks, but these are not the same as customizing a specified perils list. For example:
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A glass coverage add-on may help with windshield repair
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A theft-recovery device may lower your premium, but doesn’t replace coverage
How to Make Your Coverage More Personal
Even though you can’t tailor the list of perils, you can personalize your policy in other ways:
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Choose your deductible level to manage cost and risk
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Combine specified perils with collision coverage for more balanced protection
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Adjust your liability limits based on your financial situation
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Add optional riders or endorsements that align with your needs
Caution: Avoid building your coverage strategy on assumptions about what’s included. Always ask for the full list of named perils and review it carefully.
Focus on the Right Fit, Not Full Customization
While you can’t create a “build-your-own” list of covered perils, you can still make thoughtful decisions about which coverage tier is right for you. Specified perils is the most limited physical damage protection available—but for many drivers, it’s just enough. The key is knowing exactly what’s included and ensuring it matches the risks you’re most concerned about.