Alabama · Personal Lines Sample Interactive Mind Map
BIG AFFECT — Broad Form HO Coverage
A visual breakdown of BIG AFFECT — Broad Form HO Coverage — one of the concepts you can count on seeing on the exam.
The TESTivity Interactive Mind Mapping Graphic we picked for the Alabama Personal Lines sample is BIG AFFECT — Broad Form HO Coverage — and this is a concept you can count on seeing on your pre-licensing exam. Get the structure straight once and those questions turn into free points.
So explore it. Click through, see how the pieces relate, and let the layout do some of the remembering for you.
B
BIG · Letter 1
Burglary & Damage by Burglars
Theft with forced entry — and the damage they leave behind
What's covered
Both the theft itself and any physical damage caused by the burglar during the break-in. A burglar who kicks in a door, smashes a window, and trashes the interior — all of that damage is covered.
Real-world example
Someone breaks your back door, steals your laptop, and knocks over a bookcase on the way out. You're covered for the laptop (theft), the broken door (forced entry damage), and the bookcase damage — all under this peril.
🚪
Signs of forced entry required
For burglary coverage, there must be evidence of forcible entry or exit — a broken lock, smashed window, or jimmied door. If there's no sign of forced entry, the claim may be treated as mysterious disappearance rather than burglary.
💥
Damage during burglary = covered separately
The "damage done by burglars" component is a distinct coverage — it covers the vandalism and destruction a burglar causes even if the stolen items are separately subject to a sub-limit or deductible.
🎯
Exam tip
The exam may test whether damage by a burglar is covered vs. the theft itself. Both are covered under this broad form peril. Also know: robbery (personal encounter) and mysterious disappearance are handled differently.
I
BIG · Letter 2
Ice, Sleet, or Snow
When the weight of winter brings the structure down
What's covered
Damage caused by the weight of ice, sleet, or snow on the structure. A roof that collapses under heavy snow load, gutters torn off by ice dams, or a carport crushed by accumulated ice — all covered.
The key word: weight
It's the physical weight pressing down on the structure that triggers coverage — not just cold weather, not just the presence of snow. The structure must actually sustain damage from the accumulated weight.
🏠
Damage to the dwelling — not the snow itself
Coverage is for the resulting structural damage — a collapsed roof, broken gutters, damaged awnings, buckled supports. The snow and ice are the cause; the structural damage is the covered loss.
❄️
Ice dams — a classic scenario
When ice accumulates at the roof edge and blocks drainage, water backs up under shingles — causing interior water damage. The ice dam itself is the "weight of ice" peril triggering coverage for the resulting water intrusion damage.
🎯
Exam tip
The trigger is weight causing damage — not merely cold weather or the presence of snow. A scenario where snow is on the roof but causes no structural damage = no claim. Roof buckles under snow weight = covered.
G
BIG · Letter 3
Glass Breakage
Windows, skylights, storm doors — with specific dollar limits
What's covered
Breakage of glass that is part of the dwelling — windows, skylights, storm doors, and similar glass components built into the structure. Not personal property glass items (mirrors, fish tanks, glassware).
⚠️ The specific limits — exam favorite
Glass breakage coverage comes with sub-limits: $100 per pane and $500 per occurrence. These limits are commonly tested — know both numbers cold.
💰
$100 per pane / $500 per occurrence
If a rock breaks three windows, the insurer pays up to $100 per broken pane (regardless of actual replacement cost) and no more than $500 total for that single event. A large picture window costing $800 to replace? The policy pays only $100.
🪟
Structural glass only
Coverage applies to glass that is part of the building's structure — not freestanding glass items. A broken bathroom mirror or aquarium is personal property, covered (if at all) under a different coverage section.
🎯
Exam tip
Memorize: $100 per pane, $500 per occurrence. These numbers appear directly on licensing exams. The exam may give you a scenario with multiple broken windows and ask how much is paid — apply both limits.
A
AFFECT · Letter 1
Accidental Discharge of Water or Steam
Sudden release from plumbing, appliances, or HVAC systems
What's covered
Sudden and accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam from a plumbing system, heating system, air conditioning system, or appliance. A burst pipe, failed water heater, overflowing dishwasher — all covered.
Real-world example
The water heater fails and discharges water that damages the floor, walls, and a finished basement. Covered — because the discharge was sudden and accidental, not gradual seepage over time.
⚡
Sudden vs. gradual — the key distinction
Covered: Sudden, accidental discharge — a pipe bursts, a hose connection fails, an appliance overflows unexpectedly.
NOT covered: Gradual seepage, slow leaks over time, continuous dripping that causes mold — those are maintenance issues (see Neglect/Mold exclusions).
NOT covered: Gradual seepage, slow leaks over time, continuous dripping that causes mold — those are maintenance issues (see Neglect/Mold exclusions).
🔧
The system causing the discharge
The coverage applies to damage caused by the water/steam — not necessarily to the appliance or pipe itself. The water heater that failed may not be covered (it's the cause, not the casualty), but the floor and walls it soaked are covered.
🎯
Exam tip
Sudden = covered. Gradual = excluded. The word "accidental" is key — the discharge must be unintended and unexpected. Also note: flood (water rising from outside) remains excluded even under this peril.
F
AFFECT · Letter 2
Falling Objects
Anything that falls from above onto the dwelling
What's covered
Damage caused by any object falling onto or into the dwelling from above. This peril is interpreted broadly — if something falls and damages the structure or its contents, it's likely covered.
The tree example — exam classic
A tree tipping into the dwelling — or a branch falling onto the roof — is a falling object. It doesn't have to be an airplane or a meteor. A leaning tree that falls counts, even if wind didn't push it.
🌳
Tree falls = falling object (not windstorm)
This is a testable distinction. A tree that falls onto your house can be claimed under falling objects — even if there was no wind. The windstorm peril covers wind damage directly; falling objects covers the tree landing on the structure regardless of what caused it to fall.
🏠
Must damage the exterior first
Coverage typically requires the falling object to first damage the roof or exterior wall before interior damage is covered. An object that somehow damages only the interior without breaching the exterior may not qualify.
🎯
Exam tip
The exam loves the tree = falling object scenario. A tree tipping into the dwelling is the textbook example. Know it. Also: the object falls onto the structure — not something that was already part of the structure that collapsed.
F
AFFECT · Letter 3
Freezing of Pipes
Cold snap + unheated home = burst pipes and water damage
What's covered
Damage resulting from water pipes, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, or appliances that freeze and burst in cold weather. The burst pipe and the resulting water damage are both covered.
⚠️ The condition — exam critical
Coverage applies only if the insured made a "reasonable attempt" to maintain heat to the premises — or if the water supply was shut off and drained. This is the most testable aspect of this peril.
🌡️
"Reasonable attempt" to maintain heat
The insured doesn't have to keep the home at 72°F. They just need to make a reasonable effort — setting the thermostat to a minimum (typically 55°F is considered reasonable), checking on a vacant home, or having someone monitor it during cold snaps. The question is: did they try?
🚰
Alternative: shut off and drain
If the home is going to be vacant during cold weather, the insured can also comply by shutting off the water supply and draining the pipes. Either maintain heat OR drain the system — doing neither removes coverage.
🏠
Vacant home scenario
Owner leaves for Florida in November with the heat off. Pipes freeze in January. Claim denied — no reasonable attempt to maintain heat and pipes were not drained. If owner had set thermostat to 55°F? Covered.
🎯
Exam tip
The "reasonable attempt to maintain heat" condition is the #1 tested aspect of this peril. The exam will give a scenario where an owner left a home unheated — know that this voids the coverage unless they drained the pipes instead.
E
AFFECT · Letter 4
Electrical Damage
Artificially generated electrical currents damaging property
What's covered
Damage caused by artificially generated electrical currents — power surges, short circuits, arcing, and electrical faults that damage the dwelling or appliances. Covers both the structural damage and damage to electrical systems.
What is NOT covered
Damage caused by lightning — that's covered under a different Basic Form peril (lightning). Electrical damage under BIG AFFECT covers man-made electrical current damage, not natural lightning strikes.
⚡
Artificially generated = man-made current
The electrical damage must come from the electrical system — utility power surges, faulty wiring, a short circuit in an appliance. The damage is from electricity flowing where it shouldn't through a man-made system.
🔌
Common scenarios
A power surge burns out the electrical panel and scorches walls · A short circuit in the wiring causes a fire that damages the dwelling · An appliance wiring fault damages the surrounding cabinetry · A utility voltage spike damages the home's electrical systems.
🎯
Exam tip
Know the lightning vs. electrical distinction. Lightning = Basic Form peril. Artificially generated electrical current = BIG AFFECT (Broad Form) peril. A power surge caused by lightning could be both — the lightning is a Basic Form peril, but the resulting electrical damage fits here too.
C
AFFECT · Letter 5
Collapse
Sudden structural failure of the building or a part of it
What's covered
Sudden collapse of a building or part of a building. Coverage typically applies when the collapse results from a covered cause — hidden decay, insect or vermin damage hidden from the owner, weight of contents, or one of the other BIG AFFECT perils.
What is NOT collapse
Settling, cracking, shrinkage, bulging, or expansion does not constitute collapse — even if the structure is weakened. A collapsing-feeling house that is merely sagging is not covered. It must actually fall down or cave in.
🏗️
Sudden is key
Collapse must be sudden and abrupt — not gradual deterioration. A deck that slowly rots over years and eventually gives way may not qualify. A deck that suddenly and unexpectedly fails under normal use = covered collapse.
🐛
Hidden causes — the nuance
Collapse from hidden insect damage (termites that weren't visually detectable), hidden decay, or hidden defects can be covered even though these are typically maintenance issues. The "hidden" qualifier is important — damage the owner couldn't reasonably have known about.
🎯
Exam tip
The exam distinguishes collapse vs. settling/cracking. Settling is not collapse. Sagging is not collapse. Abrupt structural failure = collapse. Also: collapse from a covered BIG AFFECT peril (like ice weight) is clearly covered — the cause matters.
T
AFFECT · Letter 6
Tearing Asunder
Cracking, burning, bulging — pressure-driven mechanical failure
What's covered
Damage caused by the sudden tearing, cracking, burning, or bulging of a steam or hot water heating system, air conditioning system, or appliance for heating water. Think of it as the violent mechanical failure of a pressurized system.
How it relates to Accidental Discharge
Both perils involve water/steam systems. Accidental Discharge = the water flows out and damages property. Tearing Asunder = the vessel or pipe itself violently ruptures, tears, or explodes — causing structural damage from the mechanical failure itself.
💥
The mechanism: pressure + failure
A hot water boiler that bursts under pressure and blows a hole in the wall. A steam pipe that cracks from thermal stress and tears apart. A water heater that explodes. The violence of the failure — the tearing or cracking — is the covered event.
🔥
"Cracking, burning, bulging" — all count
The peril isn't limited to dramatic explosions. A furnace heat exchanger that cracks, a water heater tank that bulges and warps, a boiler that develops stress cracks — all qualify as tearing asunder if the failure is mechanical and from pressure or heat stress.
🎯
Exam tip
Know the difference: Accidental Discharge = water/steam flows out. Tearing Asunder = the system itself ruptures/tears. A burst boiler that damages walls from the explosion is tearing asunder. The same boiler leaking water that soaks the floor is accidental discharge. Both are BIG AFFECT perils.
More to explore
Dig Deeper
All 9 at a Glance
Key Limits & Rules
Scenario Quiz
B
Burglary
Theft + damage done by burglars. Signs of forced entry required.
I
Ice, Sleet or Snow
Weight of accumulation damages the dwelling structure.
G
Glass Breakage
$100/pane · $500/occurrence. Structural glass only.
A
Accidental Discharge
Sudden water/steam release from plumbing or appliances. Sudden ≠ gradual.
F
Falling Objects
Anything falling onto the dwelling. Tree tipping in = falling object.
F
Freezing of Pipes
Must make reasonable attempt to maintain heat — or drain the pipes.
E
Electrical
Artificially generated electrical current. NOT lightning (that's Basic Form).
C
Collapse
Sudden structural failure. NOT settling, cracking, or sagging.
T
Tearing Asunder
System ruptures/tears/explodes. Similar to accidental discharge but mechanical failure, not overflow.
📋 Where BIG AFFECT Fits — Basic vs Broad Form
HO-1 Basic Form — Named Perils
Fire · Lightning · Explosion · Windstorm · Hail · Smoke · Vehicles · Aircraft · Riot · Vandalism · Theft (basic)
HO-2 Broad Form adds BIG AFFECT
Burglary · Ice/Snow · Glass · Accidental Discharge · Falling Objects · Freezing · Electrical · Collapse · Tearing Asunder
💡 The Rules & Numbers You Must Memorize
🪟
Glass Breakage — per pane limit
Maximum per individual broken pane regardless of replacement cost
$100
per pane
🪟
Glass Breakage — per occurrence limit
Maximum for all panes broken in a single event
$500
per occurrence
🌡️
Freezing of Pipes — heat requirement
Must make reasonable attempt to maintain heat OR shut off and drain pipes
~55°F
reasonable minimum
🌳
Falling Objects — tree classification
A tree tipping into the dwelling = falling object (not windstorm)
Peril F
not windstorm
⚡
Electrical — lightning distinction
Lightning = Basic Form. Artificially generated current = BIG AFFECT (Broad Form)
Broad
man-made only
💥
Accidental Discharge vs Tearing Asunder
Water flows out = Accidental Discharge. System ruptures/tears = Tearing Asunder
Both A
in AFFECT
🏗️
Collapse — what counts and what doesn't
Sudden structural failure = covered. Settling, cracking, sagging = NOT collapse
Sudden
only
🔄 Accidental Discharge vs Tearing Asunder — Side by Side
💧 Accidental Discharge
Water or steam escapes and flows, damaging the property it contacts. The system may remain intact — the water just came out when it shouldn't have.
Example: Dishwasher supply hose fails, water floods kitchen floor.
Example: Dishwasher supply hose fails, water floods kitchen floor.
💥 Tearing Asunder
The system itself ruptures, tears, or violently fails. The mechanical failure of the vessel causes damage — blowing holes in walls, shrapnel, structural disruption.
Example: Hot water boiler explodes under pressure, blows out the utility room wall.
Example: Hot water boiler explodes under pressure, blows out the utility room wall.
🎯
Top Exam Tips — BIG AFFECT
1. B — Burglary: Covers theft AND damage done by burglars. Signs of forced entry required.
2. I — Ice/Snow: The weight damages the structure — not just cold weather. Weight = trigger.
3. G — Glass: $100 per pane · $500 per occurrence. Memorize both numbers.
4. A — Accidental Discharge: Sudden release only. Gradual seepage = excluded maintenance issue.
5. F — Falling Objects: A tree tipping into the dwelling = falling object. Not windstorm.
6. F — Freezing of Pipes: Must make reasonable attempt to maintain heat OR drain the pipes.
7. E — Electrical: Artificially generated current only. Lightning = Basic Form, not this peril.
8. C — Collapse: Sudden failure only. Settling and sagging = NOT covered collapse.
9. T — Tearing Asunder: System ruptures/tears. Accidental Discharge = water flows. Tearing = system fails violently.
2. I — Ice/Snow: The weight damages the structure — not just cold weather. Weight = trigger.
3. G — Glass: $100 per pane · $500 per occurrence. Memorize both numbers.
4. A — Accidental Discharge: Sudden release only. Gradual seepage = excluded maintenance issue.
5. F — Falling Objects: A tree tipping into the dwelling = falling object. Not windstorm.
6. F — Freezing of Pipes: Must make reasonable attempt to maintain heat OR drain the pipes.
7. E — Electrical: Artificially generated current only. Lightning = Basic Form, not this peril.
8. C — Collapse: Sudden failure only. Settling and sagging = NOT covered collapse.
9. T — Tearing Asunder: System ruptures/tears. Accidental Discharge = water flows. Tearing = system fails violently.
Exam vocabulary
Key Terms to Know
Broad Form (HO-2)
Homeowners policy form that covers Basic Form perils plus the 9 BIG AFFECT perils. Named perils coverage — only listed causes covered.
Glass Breakage Limits
$100 per pane, $500 per occurrence. Sub-limits that cap payment regardless of actual replacement cost.
Reasonable Attempt (Pipes)
The insured must make a reasonable effort to maintain heat (typically ~55°F minimum) or drain pipes to qualify for freezing coverage.
Accidental Discharge
Sudden, unexpected release of water or steam from plumbing/appliances. Must be sudden — gradual seepage is excluded.
Tearing Asunder
Violent mechanical failure — cracking, burning, bulging, or rupturing — of a heating, cooling, or water system.
Falling Object
Any object falling onto the dwelling from above, including a tree. The object falls onto the structure — distinct from windstorm.
Collapse
Sudden, abrupt structural failure. Does NOT include settling, cracking, shrinkage, bulging, or gradual deterioration.
Artificially Generated Current
Man-made electrical current causing damage. Covered under Electrical peril. Excludes lightning, which is a Basic Form peril.
Like learning this way? There's a whole library of them.
If the old manual you inherited from the office breakroom isn't cutting it and this format fits how your brain actually works, you'll want the rest. There are 55 Interactive Mind Maps like this one in the TESTivity Platinum Personal Lines package — covering the full curriculum, right alongside the practice questions, exam simulators, and study guides.
🧭
Studying for a different state?
This concept is the same wherever you sit for the exam — but your study guide and prep package should match your state. Find your state's L&H and P&C guides here →