Which of the following describes the proximate cause of a loss?

The proximate cause of a loss is identified as the immediate and effective cause that directly results in the damage or loss. This concept is crucial in insurance because it establishes the link between an event and the subsequent loss, helping to determine the insurer's liability in a claim. Essentially, it looks for the main reason behind a loss, which is essential for assessing claims and understanding coverage.

In contrast, the other options either refer to factors that may influence risk or insurance scenarios rather than defining proximate cause. Some involve elements that are important in understanding broader insurance principles but do not address the narrow focus of the proximate cause directly. For example, external factors contributing to risk may play a role in causing damages, but they are not the immediate cause itself. Likewise, non-insurable hazards and decisions about changing insurers pertain to risk management and policyholder behavior, rather than the direct cause of losses.