Home & Property

DP-1 (Dwelling Fire Basic Form)

The most basic dwelling fire policy, covering only fire, lightning, and internal explosion on a landlord or non-owner-occupied property.

Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial methodology

Definition

The DP-1 is the stripped-down entry point of the dwelling policy series, intended for rental properties, vacant homes, or properties that don't qualify for standard homeowners forms. Only three perils are covered: fire, lightning, and internal explosion — making it a bare-minimum option suitable mainly when broad coverage isn't available. Claims are settled on an actual cash value basis, meaning depreciation reduces every payout. Liability coverage for the property owner is not included in the base DP-1 and must be added separately. Landlords who need affordable coverage for a distressed or vacant property often turn to DP-1 policies as a bridge solution. Premium costs are low, but the gaps in coverage are significant; most insurance advisors recommend DP-2 or DP-3 when those forms are available.

Where this term matters

Home Insurance →Landlord Insurance →/states →

Tip

Glossary definitions are educational. Always check your own policy language — insurers can define common terms differently from one another. When in doubt, request a written explanation from your agent.

Related terms

DP-2 (Dwelling Fire Broad Form)A mid-tier dwelling policy covering a broader list of named perils than DP-1 and settling most claims on a replacement-cost basis.DP-3 (Dwelling Fire Special Form)The broadest dwelling policy form, providing open-perils coverage on the structure and named-perils coverage on personal property.Actual Cash Value (ACV)The depreciated value of property at the time of loss — what your insurer pays minus age and wear.Named PerilsA coverage approach where only the specific causes of loss listed in the policy are covered.Vacancy ClauseA policy provision that restricts or eliminates coverage after a property has been unoccupied for a specified period — typically 30 or 60 consecutive days.

Related guides

Source: Cover Forge USA editorial team|Last verified: May 2026|Methodology
Definitions are educational and may be simplified. Always refer to your policy contract and consult a licensed agent for terms that affect coverage decisions.
CF

Cover Forge USA Editorial Team

Editorial Lead

This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.

Reviewed June 2026

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