What constitutes a major difference between the various dwelling forms in personal lines insurance?

The major difference between the various dwelling forms in personal lines insurance lies in the covered causes of loss. Each dwelling form is designed to provide specific types of coverage based on the classifications of perils that can affect the property. For instance, some dwelling forms may cover a broad range of perils, while others might be more limited, focusing only on specific, named hazards.

Different forms cater to different needs and levels of risk exposure. For example, the Basic Form typically covers only the most common perils like fire and lightning, while the Special Form offers a more extensive array of coverage, including risks not specifically excluded. This variation in covered causes of loss is crucial for policyholders to understand, as it directly impacts how their property is protected in the event of a claim.

While factors such as premiums, the structure's location, and the age of the policy can influence a homeowner's choice of insurance, they do not fundamentally change the types of risks that are covered by the dwelling forms. Therefore, the differences in the covered causes of loss are the defining characteristic that distinguishes these forms from one another.