Definitions for "Inherent Vice"
A flaw in an item of property that will, in time, reveal itself and show the property as damaged. Property insurance does not normally cover such damage.
In insurance terms, this term is used to describe a commodity that has a tendency to self-destruct (e.g. fruit rots, coal-dust spontaneously ignites), which gives rise to a high insurance risk and cover is given only after payment of an additional premium.
(Vice inhérent or Vice propre de la chose assurée) A condition of the particular goods themselves which by their very nature causes a deterioration. For example, vegetable and meat will not keep unless special arrangements are made to avoid their deterioration. Eggs, if not refrigerated, will go bad.
A defect or cause of loss arising out of the material itself. Example-the acid content in paper that inevitably destroys the paper.
A defect due to the nature of the object, for example, disease of apples, "sleepiness " of pears, where the defect ultimately destroys the goods.
A characteristic depreciation such as the fading of ink, a cracking of parchment, the graying of hair
A quality in a cargo that gives rise to a loss, generally, without any other peril operating. The perishable nature of fruit is an example.
A loss caused by the inherent nature of the cargo insured and not the result of a casualty or external cause.