Which type of loss would be excluded under standard property insurance?

The correct choice, which indicates that a furnace malfunction would be excluded under standard property insurance, aligns with common policy exclusions for property coverage. Standard property insurance typically covers losses related to unpredictable events or accidents. However, certain types of damage resulting from gradual wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or operational errors may not be eligible for coverage.

In the case of a furnace malfunction, such issues often arise from maintenance neglect or normal usage over time rather than an unforeseen incident, making it less likely for insurance to cover these types of losses. Insurers commonly expect property owners to maintain their appliances and systems in order to prevent failures due to improper use or neglect.

Other scenarios, such as a mice infestation damaging electrical wires or an earthquake leading to a fire, often involve sudden or unexpected incidents and may be covered by specific provisions within a policy. A furnace explosion, while potentially stemming from a malfunction, represents a more acute event that can trigger a loss covered by insurance, as it typically would not be classified under standard exclusions associated with gradual or preventive issues.