Not all car insurance policies but generally, comprehensive car insurance covers damages caused due to acts of God, while collision insurance only covers damages caused due to accidents with another vehicle or object.
Comprehensive car insurance is often the go-to safeguard against the unpredictable forces of nature, encompassing damages from Acts of God such as earthquakes, floods, hailstorms, and other non-collision events.
This comprehensive coverage extends beyond incidents involving other vehicles or objects, providing a broader financial safety net for policyholders.
Also Read: Does Car Insurance Cover Accidents In Other States?
Table of Contents
What Is Considered An “Act Of God” In The Context Of Car Insurance?
In the context of car insurance, an “act of God” generally refers to an unforeseen and uncontrollable natural event that causes damage.
- Unforeseen: It couldn’t reasonably be predicted or prevented, even with reasonable precautions.
- Uncontrollable: It’s a natural phenomenon beyond human influence.
- Damaging: It causes physical damage to your car.
Examples of events considered acts of God in car insurance can include:
- Natural disasters: Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, hailstorms, wildfires, landslides, etc.
- Falling objects: Trees, branches, rocks, etc.
- Lightning strikes
- Sudden flooding
- Animal collisions: Hitting a deer, bird, or other animal.
Must Read: Does Car Insurance Cover Accidents When You Lend Your Car?
Is there a specific clause in car insurance policies that explicitly addresses coverage for Acts of God?
The coverage for Acts of God is often found under the “Comprehensive Coverage” section of an auto insurance policy. This section is designed to cover damages to your vehicle that result from non-collision events, including those considered Acts of God.
While the term “Acts of God” may not always be explicitly mentioned, the comprehensive coverage section typically includes language that describes covered events such as natural disasters, severe weather, and other non-collision incidents.
It’s crucial to carefully read and understand this section, as it will detail the specific perils covered and any exclusions or limitations.
Do I need to add any riders to my policy for full act of God coverage?
In most cases, you don’t need to add specific riders for Acts of God coverage because comprehensive coverage, a standard component of many car insurance policies, typically includes protection against such events.
Comprehensive coverage is designed to cover damages to your vehicle that result from non-collision incidents, including natural disasters, severe weather, and other Acts of God.
Also Read: How Much Does Car Insurance Cover In An Accident?
Can insurance companies deny claims based on acts of God?
Yes, insurance companies can deny claims based on acts of God under certain circumstances. While comprehensive car insurance generally covers damages caused by natural disasters and other unforeseen events, there are nuances that could lead to a denial:
- Exclusions in your policy: Your policy might specifically exclude certain acts of God, such as floods in flood-prone areas or earthquakes in earthquake zones. If the damaging event falls under an excluded peril, your claim is likely to be denied.
- Due to your negligence: Even if the incident is an act of God, the insurance company may argue that the damage was caused by your own negligence or lack of maintenance. For example, if your roof has collapsed due to heavy snowfall, but knowing this beforehand, you have parked the car in the open instead of parking it in the home garage. So the insurance company can argue that, why didn’t you park your car in the house garage before it snowed.
What are some common acts of God that are covered by car insurance?
Common Acts of God Covered by Car Insurance:
Weather-related:
- Storms: Hurricanes, tornadoes, hailstorms, blizzards, heavy winds, etc. Damage caused by falling hail, strong winds, or storm debris falls under this category.
- Lightning strikes: Direct damage to your car from a lightning strike.
- Flooding: Coverage generally applies to sudden, unforeseen floods (like flash floods) in non-flood-prone areas. Specific policies might offer optional “flood riders” for comprehensive coverage in high-risk regions.
Natural events:
- Falling objects: Damage caused by falling trees, branches, rocks, or debris during storms, high winds, or landslides.
- Animal collisions: Hitting deer, birds, or other wildlife often qualifies as an act of God and is covered under comprehensive coverage, though specific limitations or deductibles might apply.
- Wildfires: Damage caused by wildfires or fire related to lightning strikes.
Rare events:
- Volcanic eruptions: While uncommon, coverage for damage from volcanic ash or debris might be available depending on your policy and location.
References/Sources
FAQs
Q. 1 – Can Acts of God, such as hailstorms or lightning strikes, impact insurance premiums for affected vehicles?
Yes, Acts of God, like hailstorms or lightning strikes, can impact insurance premiums. If your vehicle sustains damage due to such events, filing a claim may lead to an increase in premiums. Insurance companies may adjust rates based on the increased risk of future claims, especially in areas prone to specific natural disasters.
Q. 2 – How can policyholders verify if their car insurance policy covers acts of God?
Review your car insurance policy for coverage of acts of God. Check policy documents, contact your insurer for details, confirm comprehensive coverage, and inquire about additional coverage options. Be aware of exclusion clauses and stay informed about policy updates. Consult with an insurance agent for personalized guidance on coverage.
