Which statement best describes concurrent causation when a loss involves more than one peril?

• A. If a loss involves more than one peril, and the dominant cause is covered, the loss may be covered.
• B. If a loss involves more than one peril, the insurer always denies the claim.
• C. If two perils occur, only the cheaper remedy is paid.
• D. The insured can choose which peril to claim under.

Answer: (A)

Concurrent causation focuses on proximate cause—the main event that starts the sequence leading to a loss. When more than one peril contributes, which peril starts the chain determines coverage. If the dominant cause is a peril that the policy covers, the loss may be paid even though other perils were involved. That’s why the correct statement says the loss may be covered if the dominant cause is covered.

For example, if a fire is the primary event causing the damage and fire is a covered peril, the policy may cover the loss even if other contributing factors occurred. Conversely, if the dominant cause is an excluded peril, the loss would not be covered, regardless of any contributing perils.

This differs from the other ideas: a claim isn’t automatically denied just because multiple perils are involved, you don’t get to pick which peril to claim under, and the insurer doesn’t simply pay the cheaper remedy. Coverage hinges on which peril is the proximate, initiating cause and whether that cause is covered.