Both of these terms are used frequently in insurance policies, particularly property insurance.
A peril is something that can cause a financial loss. Examples include falling, crashing your car, fire, wind, hail, lightning, water, volcanic eruptions, falling objects, illness, and death.
A hazard is any condition or situation that makes it more likely that a peril will occur. Types of hazards include:
* Physical hazards such as ice on the sidewalks, smoking, or skydiving
* Moral hazards such as dishonesty
* Morale hazards such as a careless attitude since “insurance will pay for it.”
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