Which of the following is an example of a peril in relation to motor insurance?

In the context of insurance, a peril refers to a specific risk or cause of loss that can lead to a claim being made under a policy. In motor insurance, perils typically encompass events that can damage the vehicle or lead to liability for the driver.

A lightning strike is a prime example of a peril because it is an external event that can cause physical damage to the insured vehicle, potentially triggering coverage under the policy for damage caused by such unforeseen occurrences. This aligns with the definitions of perils that insurance policies cover, as they aim to protect against unexpected and accidental damages.

In contrast, vehicle misuse, the make of a car, and careless driving do not qualify as perils in this context. Vehicle misuse refers to improper use of the vehicle, which may lead to exclusions in coverage rather than being a cause of damage itself. The make of car is more about the classification of the vehicle and does not indicate a potential risk of loss. Careless driving is a behavior that can increase the likelihood of accidents but does not represent an external cause of damage that could occur independently of the driver's actions. Therefore, understanding these distinctions helps illuminate why lightning strikes fit the definition of a peril in motor insurance.