Physical Hazard（物理危险因素）
A physical hazard is a tangible or material condition that increases the likelihood or severity of a loss. It refers to a characteristic of a person, property, or environment that makes a loss more likely to occur.
Definition
A physical hazard is a physical condition that increases the chance or seriousness of a loss.
Examples of Physical Hazards
1. Icy Sidewalks
- Increase the chance of slips and falls.
- May lead to bodily injury claims.
2. Worn or Faulty Electrical Wiring
- Creates a higher risk of fire.
- Common concern in property insurance.
3. Smoking in Bed
- Increases the likelihood of a house fire.
- Makes a loss more probable.
Other Examples
- Old or leaking roofs
- Poor lighting in stairways
- Defective machinery
- Storing gasoline near heat sources
- Having a swimming pool on the property
Physical Hazard vs. Moral Hazard
| Physical Hazard | Moral Hazard |
|---|---|
| Physical condition | Attitude or dishonesty |
| Tangible and visible | Psychological or behavioral |
| Example: icy driveway | Example: submitting a fraudulent claim |
| Increases chance of loss | Increases frequency or severity of claims |
RIBO Exam Memory Tip
Physical Hazard = Something you can see or touch that increases the chance of loss.
Three examples:
- Icy sidewalks
- Faulty electrical wiring
- Defective machinery (or smoking in bed)
These are common examples used in RIBO Level 1 and other insurance examinations.
3️⃣ 高频考点对比表（必背）
| 项目 | Covered / Not Covered | 关键词 |
|---|---|---|
| Hot water heater sudden break | ✔ Covered | sudden, accidental |
| Boiler sudden failure | ✔ Covered | mechanical breakdown |
| Water hammer damage | ❌ Not covered | pressure shock |
| Frozen pipe (neglect) | ❌ Not covered | lack of heat |
| Slow leak | ❌ Not covered | gradual |
| Corrosion/rust | ❌ Not covered | deterioration |
🎯 RIBO 考试陷阱总结
🚨 三大“不保”关键词
Gradual / Maintenance / Pressure shock
记住：
- Gradual = ❌ 不保
- Maintenance issue = ❌ 不保
- Water hammer = ❌ 不保
🧩 超级记忆口诀（考场秒选）
Sudden = Yes ✔
Slow = No ❌
Neglect = No ❌
Pressure shock = No ❌
