Most property policies are built from the same six parts. Learn the parts, and you can find any answer in any policy:
Declarations: the insured's specific details, such as names, location, limits, premium and policy period.
Insuring agreement: the insurer's promise of what it covers.
Definitions: the meaning of key words.
Conditions: the rules each party must follow, including the insured's duties after a loss, such as giving notice and protecting the property.
Exclusions: what is taken out of coverage.
Endorsements: changes added to the policy.
Trap: failing a duty after a loss can cost the insured a recovery, but the duty itself is a condition, not an exclusion.
Common provisions:
Assignment: under the California standard fire form, not valid without the insurer's written consent.
Insured's right to cancel: the insured may cancel; under the standard fire form, the refund is figured at short rate.
Supplementary payments: certain defense-related costs paid in addition to the liability limit, so they do not reduce it.
Severability: each insured is treated as if separately covered.
Liberalization: broader coverage introduced for no added premium is passed along to the policy.