Definition
Exclusion (exairesi)
An exclusion is any case, cause or asset that the policy expressly does not cover. Exclusions define the boundary of cover just as much as the covers themselves: a loss can fall under a covered risk and still be denied because it meets an exclusion.
Most claim disputes start from an exclusion nobody had read. Typical examples: intentional or grossly negligent damage, wear and tear, undeclared use, war or pandemic. They are not 'fine print to trap you'; they are how the price of the risk is defined.
There are general exclusions (applying to the whole policy) and specific exclusions (per cover). Knowing your exclusions in advance means you ask your insurer the right questions before something happens, not after.
In your own policy, look for the «Exclusions» sections in both the general and the special terms — they are two different places. PolicyWallet gathers your document's exclusions into one list, so you do not have to chase them page by page.
Upload your policy — free analysisFrequently asked questions
Can a claim be denied even if I am 'insured'?
Yes, if the cause of the loss falls under an exclusion. That is why exclusions matter as much as the covers.
Are exclusions the same across all insurers?
No. They vary by insurer and by product — which is why it pays to compare terms, not just price.
Related
Educational content, not insurance advice. PolicyWallet explains what the term means and helps you find it in your own document — it does not assert what your policy covers.