Property insurance and casualty insurance (also known as P&C insurance) are two broad categories of insurance coverage that are included in various insurance policies. In other words, there is no one P&C insurance policy—rather, there are a number of insurance policies that contain both property insurance and casualty insurance.
Property insurance insures against damage to your property—such as your home or your car. Casualty insurance insures against liability if someone claims you are responsible for causing bodily injury to them or their property—often based on your alleged negligence.
Property and casualty insurance are generally bundled together in one insurance policy such as:
• a homeowners insurance policy
• an automobile insurance policy
• a renters insurance policy
• landlord insurance
• condominium (condo) insurance
• powersports insurance (motorcycles, ATVs, RVs, off-road vehicles, boats)
Property and casualty insurance will defend you against such claims and pay settlements and court judgments against you that are covered by your insurance policy—including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost income for a person injured by your negligence.
In Rhode Island (RI), property and casualty insurance (P&C insurance) is regulated by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, specifically through the Division of Insurance. This regulatory body oversees the licensing of insurers, the approval of policy forms, and ensures that companies comply with state insurance laws. Property insurance in RI covers losses to physical assets like homes, cars, and other personal property due to events such as fire, theft, or natural disasters. Casualty insurance provides coverage for liabilities that may arise from injuries or damages to third parties for which the insured is responsible, often due to negligence. These types of insurance are commonly bundled together in policies like homeowners, auto, renters, landlord, condo, and powersports insurance. These policies not only cover the cost of damages to property but also provide legal defense and cover settlements or judgments for covered incidents, including medical expenses and other liabilities. It's important for policyholders to understand the specific coverages, exclusions, and limits of their P&C insurance policies, and they may consult with an attorney for guidance on insurance matters or if they face a claim or lawsuit.