Which peril is typically NOT covered under a standard fire policy for dwelling insurance?

The peril that is typically not covered under a standard fire policy for dwelling insurance is earthquake damage. Standard fire insurance policies primarily cover direct losses from fire and often include losses due to lightning, explosion, and smoke. However, earth movements, including earthquakes, are specifically excluded from these policies.

Homeowners seeking coverage for earthquake damage usually need to purchase a separate earthquake insurance policy or an endorsement to their homeowners' policy, because this type of damage can lead to substantial financial loss and is not included in the fundamental fire coverage.

Other perils like windstorm damage, theft, and fire damage may have varying degrees of inclusion based on individual policies, but the distinctive characteristic here is that earthquake damage is generally recognized as a separate risk requiring specific coverage.