Which form covers the dwelling itself and any damage inside caused by common perils not specifically excluded?

The HO-3 Special Form is designed to provide comprehensive coverage for the dwelling itself, which includes both the structure and any damages that occur inside the home due to common perils that are not explicitly excluded. This type of policy typically covers perils such as fire, theft, vandalism, and many others, protecting homeowners from financial loss resulting from these risks.

It is crucial to understand that the HO-3 form uses a "special" coverage approach for the dwelling—it covers all perils except those that are specifically mentioned as exclusions in the policy. This makes it one of the most robust and widely used homeowners' policies.

In contrast to the HO-3, other forms like the HO-5 provides even broader coverage but is not specifically focused only on the dwelling structure. The HO-6 Unit Owner's Form caters to condominium owners, covering personal property and certain improvements, while the HO-4 Content's Broad Form is intended primarily for renters, covering personal property rather than the structure itself. Understanding the specific coverage types helps ensure that homeowners choose the right policy to protect their property effectively.