What is typically excluded from coverage under a Dwelling Policy?

The exclusion of wear and tear under a Dwelling Policy is a fundamental principle of property insurance. This type of policy is designed to cover sudden and accidental incidents that cause damage to a dwelling, such as fire or vandalism. However, wear and tear represents a gradual decline in the condition of a property due to age and normal usage, which is considered a maintenance issue rather than a covered peril.

This exclusion emphasizes the insurer's intent to avoid insuring against losses that could be reasonably expected from the normal aging process of a property. For example, a roof may naturally deteriorate over time, and this aging process wouldn't trigger coverage under a policy designed to cover more immediate risks. As such, wear and tear directly aligns with the rationale behind the exclusions found in Dwelling Policies, allowing for coverage that is focused on unexpected events rather than routine maintenance or depreciation.