Legal Definitions - civil-authority clause

A civil-authority clause is a provision in an insurance policy that protects against damages caused by firefighters, police, or other civil authorities. For example, if a fire breaks out in a building and the fire department needs to break down doors or windows to put out the fire, the civil-authority clause would cover the cost of repairing those damages.

This clause is commonly found in fire insurance policies, but it may also be included in other types of insurance policies that cover property damage.

Overall, the civil-authority clause is designed to provide additional protection to policyholders in the event that their property is damaged as a result of actions taken by civil authorities.