What term refers to the cause of a possible loss in insurance?

The term that refers to the cause of a possible loss in insurance is "Peril." Perils are specific events or circumstances that can result in damage or loss, leading to a claim under an insurance policy. Common perils include events such as fire, theft, and natural disasters like hurricanes or floods. Insurance policies are designed to provide coverage against specified perils, and understanding these causes is crucial for both insurers and policyholders.

While "coverage" refers to the protection that an insurance policy provides against certain risks, it does not identify the causes of loss directly. "Risk" encompasses the chance of loss or damage more broadly, including both the potential for loss and the uncertainty surrounding it, rather than pinpointing specific events. "Insurability" relates to the attributes of a risk that make it acceptable for insurance coverage, focusing on factors like likelihood and severity of loss, rather than identifying the direct cause of loss itself.