What does 'accidental loss' mean in household insurance?

In the context of household insurance, 'accidental loss' refers to losses that occur unexpectedly and are not the result of a predictable or preventable event. This definition aligns with typical coverage found in standard policies, which often include provisions for damages arising from unforeseen circumstances, such as fire, theft, or sudden water damage.

Household insurance aims to protect policyholders from the financial repercussions of these unexpected incidents, allowing for a claim to be made for the repair or replacement of damaged property. Policies usually delineate what is considered an accident and outline the specific situations that are covered. This aligns with standard insurance practices where unpredictable and unintentional events form the basis for claims.

By contrast, the other options describe scenarios that do not fit the definition of 'accidental loss.' Expected losses are typically associated with maintenance issues, planned expenses are intentional, and negligence involves careless actions that lead to damage, which may or may not be covered by insurance depending on the policy terms. The distinction is crucial in understanding what types of incidents are protected under household insurance policies.