The New York Property Insurance Underwriting Association is now offering Broad-Form perils coverage in New York.

The New York legislature granted the NYPIUA, the state’s only market of last resort for property owners, permanent, legal status last June, which enabled the new coverage.

A trade group, the Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc., said in a statement that the new coverage, which became available April 1, will provide consumers with more comprehensive coverage for property insured through NYPIUA-backed policies.

The Broad Form is an alternative to the Insurance Services Office Dwelling 1 Basic Form, used for most insurance policies. The new coverage option provides policyholders with improved options, including coverage for: damage by burglars; falling objects; weight of ice, snow or sleet; accidental discharge of water or steam; sudden tearing, cracking, burning or bulging; freezing; damage from artificially generated electrical current; and volcanic eruption, according to the PIANY statement.

“By adding Broad-Form perils, NYPIUA gives independent agents the ability to offer their clients superior coverage options,” said D. Scott Liebert, president of PIANY, a trade association representing professional, independent insurance agencies, brokerages and their employees throughout New York.