Comprehensive insurance usually takes care of the act of God insurance. You may also hear this phrase in the car insurance sector, although “act of God” may not exist in your contract or policy.
We think the phrase “acts of God” sounds scary. But despite how it sounds, it doesn’t mean God is to blame for something.
So, what does “act of God” mean in insurance?
The basic definition of “Act of God”
An “act of God” is a natural disaster that humans can’t predict or stop. In this case, it’s a natural disaster that damages your car. We can’t stop natural disasters like earthquakes, tornadoes, volcanoes that blow their tops, hail, lightning, windstorms, and hurricanes.
It’s called an “Act of God” because it affects many people simultaneously. Car insurance companies have different ideas about an “Act of God.”
The expression is traced back to a property-related English court case in the 1500s. This was then sustained in a 1944 Florida Supreme Court ruling with the same meaning.
Due to the phrase’s religious connotation, many individuals refer to these occurrences as acts of nature. Certain auto insurance coverage may cover the damage when a natural disaster occurs.
The particular occurrences covered include:
- Earthquakes
- Floods
- Hail
- Hurricanes
- Ice
- Landslides
- Lightning strikes
- Mudslides
- Sinkholes
- Sleet
- Snow
- Volcanic eruptions
- Wildfires
- Windstorms
Act of God w.r.t. Car Insurance
In the world of car insurance, the term ‘Act of God’ does not mean actions by a celestial being. So it’s not ominous or a criticism of your conduct.
But it can be costly.
‘Act of God’ is referred to as devastating occurrences out of our control by car insurance companies. These incidents are called “acts of nature.” It is seen as an act of God whenever a hurricane blows fiercely or an earthquake wreaks havoc. Natural disasters include, among others, floods, tornadoes, fires, snowstorms, and hail.
However, the phrase “act of God” is not used in insurance plans. The contracts merely outline particular events.
Do car insurance companies cover “Act of God”?
Most car insurance policies cover “Acts of God,”. This means that if you lose money because of a natural disaster, the insurance company will pay you back. For example, floods or cyclones can cause this kind of damage, which car insurance covers.
If an ‘Act of God’ causes death, the insured will get up to the promised amount.
Most of the risks from Acts of God are covered by all policies unless a plan chooses to leave out some risks. But the policy must be clear about what “Acts of God means” because some risks might not be covered.
Most insurance companies will pay for damage caused by natural disasters and other “Acts of God” if you have comprehensive coverage or Act of God car insurance.
If they leave something out of your homeowner’s insurance policy, you’ll get a discount on your premiums. Depending on where you live, you might need to get a separate policy for hurricanes or something similar.
Acts of God insurance usually also covers theft and vandalism. It may also cover things like clothes, valuables, or custom stereo equipment you keep in your car that is stolen or damaged.
Comprehensive coverage to the rescue
You are most likely protected from those natural disasters if your car has comprehensive coverage. If you don’t have comprehensive insurance, you are in shock!
Liability or collision insurance does not cover ‘act of God’ events.
The good news is that comprehensive coverage has affordable rates that are not influenced by your driving history and are unlikely to increase due to a single claim. An act of God is unavoidable; no one is at fault, and blame cannot be assigned.
Unfortunately, this lack of responsibility might allow people who cause damage to your car but refuse to pay to hide by claiming that the collision was unavoidable.
With a driver at the wheel, it is challenging to claim something like an “Act of God.” If there is even the slightest suggestion of negligence, it is uncommon for the insurance company for the at-fault motorist to refuse to pay a claim based on an act of God.
Your options, however, are to submit a claim against your collision, comprehensive, or uninsured motorist policy and let your insurer fight for you or to sue the other driver’s insurance company in court.
Car insurance coverage for the unpredictable
Even though a specific calamity may be unforeseeable, it occurs frequently enough that driving a new car without comprehensive insurance can be foolish.
Many customers are unsure if their auto insurance coverage covers acts of God. Comprehensive insurance provides coverage if a tree falls on your car, if there is a flood, or if debris falls on your car due to an earthquake.
However, it never hurts to review your policy and conduct some research. Look for a list of risks not covered by your comprehensive insurance. This is crucial whether you reside in a hurricane-prone area, a state with frequent earthquakes like California, or any region that sees tornadoes or flooding. It’s unlikely that you’ll have to pay extra for an add-on to offer protection from a particular act of God.
Sara Sam may not look like your typical car and finance expert, but don’t let that fool you. With over four years of experience in the industry, she knows all the ins and outs of cars, car insurance, and refinancing. You can trust Sara to help you navigate the often-confusing world of automobiles and financing.
