What is the term used to describe the cause of possible loss or the event insured against?

The term that specifically describes the cause of possible loss or the event that is insured against is "a peril." In the context of insurance, a peril refers to any event or situation that may lead to a financial loss for the insured party. This can include natural disasters like floods or fires, as well as man-made events such as theft or vandalism.

Understanding the concept of peril is crucial when discussing crop insurance, as different perils may impact crops in various ways and insurance policies are often tailored to cover specific perils. Recognizing perils helps policyholders assess their risks and choose appropriate coverage to safeguard against potential financial losses related to those perils.

In this context, the other options represent related but distinct concepts: risk refers broadly to the possibility of loss, while a hazard refers to conditions that increase the likelihood of a peril occurring. An occurrence is a more general term that may not specifically relate to insured events. Understanding the nuances among these terms is key in the field of crop insurance.