Understanding “Act of God” in Insurance Policies

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Lee Goodwin
Managing Director
Last Updated
28 July 2024

Act of God Insurance – When disaster strikes, the last thing you want is confusion about your insurance coverage. Yet, terms like “Act of God” often leave homeowners scratching their heads. Does your policy really protect you against floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes?

Understanding these terms is vital to safeguarding your property as natural disasters increase globally, so dive into our comprehensive guide to demystify “Act of God” insurance, uncover the hidden nuances of your policy, and ensure you’re fully covered when the unexpected happens.

Don’t let nature’s fury catch you off guard – arm yourself with the knowledge to protect your most valuable assets!

Act of God Insurance Fast Facts:

  • Most modern insurance policies do not use the broad term ‘act of God’ but instead specify the natural events they cover or exclude, such as floods, storms, earthquakes, etc.
  • It describes floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, lightning storms, and other unprecedented natural disasters.
  • While some natural disasters, such as hurricanes or earthquakes, are generally classified as ‘acts of God,’ others, like floods, may or may not be covered depending on the policy and the insured’s location/risk factors.
act of god insurance

Act of God Insurance

The term “Act of God” frequently surfaces within insurance policy discussions, underscoring its crucial role in safeguarding interests against natural events. An “act of god” refers to unforeseen circumstances caused by natural forces, like storms or earthquakes, beyond human control. It’s a term used in commercial contracts and insurance policies to describe events that are not caused by human actions and are typically unexpected. This article aims to demystify the “Act of God” clause, highlighting its implications for policyholders and providing actionable advice to ensure complete coverage.

Defining “Act of God” in Insurance

The term “Act of God” refers to any natural event outside human control, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and other severe weather conditions, which cannot be predicted or prevented. Legal definitions stress the uncontrollable nature of such events, emphasising that natural forces must entirely cause these occurrences to qualify under this classification. Understanding this is vital for policyholders to determine the extent of their coverage.

 
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The Grey Area

The boundary between what counts as an act of god and what doesn’t can sometimes be blurry. Force majeure, a related concept, sometimes encompasses acts of god but can also include events like strikes or wars. Always read the fine print and discuss with your insurance provider to clarify any doubts.

Acts of God vs. Force Majeure

While “Act of God” pertains specifically to natural events, “Force Majeure” encompasses a broader range of unforeseeable events, including human-made occurrences such as war or strikes. Both clauses relieve affected parties from liabilities under specified conditions; however, their application and legal interpretations vary. Recognising these differences enables policyholders and business professionals to negotiate contracts and insurance policies clearly, safeguarding their assets against a wider spectrum of unpredictabilities.

Acts of God Insurance Coverage

Insurance policies differ greatly in how they cover “Acts of God”. Some insurance policies might not cover specific acts of god, like floods or earthquakes. This is where specialised insurance, like flood insurance, comes into play. Many grapple with insurance claims tied to these unforeseen events in the wake of a natural disaster. For example, while a lightning strike might be covered under many standard policies, storm damage caused by flooding might need a separate flood insurance policy.

Why Is It Significant?

Understanding act of god clauses in your insurance is vital. These clauses can dictate whether or not you will be compensated for damages caused by a natural event. Given the rising number of natural disasters around the world, it’s essential to be clear on what your insurance policy covers.

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Common Exclusions and Additional Coverage Needs

  • Flood insurance: Often requires a separate policy, especially in flood-prone areas.
  • Earthquake insurance: Typically excluded from standard policies, necessitating additional coverage.
  • Windstorm insurance: In regions susceptible to hurricanes, separate windstorm insurance might be necessary

By understanding these specifics, policyholders can take informed steps to secure additional coverage where needed, ensuring a robust shield against natural disasters.

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Filing an Act of God Insurance Claim

Navigating the aftermath of a natural disaster can be daunting. Prompt and precise action is essential when filing an Act of God insurance claim.

Steps to File a Claim:

  1. Document the damage: Take comprehensive photographs and compile a detailed inventory of losses.
  2. Report the incident swiftly: Contact your insurance provider without delay.
  3. Keep a record of correspondence: Document all interactions with your insurance company.
  4. Retain receipts for immediate repairs: Some policies cover the costs of preventative measures taken post-disaster.

Adhering to these steps can expedite the claims process, ensuring a smoother path to recovery.

Preventative Measures and Insurance Adjustments

Preparation is key to mitigating the impact of natural disasters. Proactive measures like regular property inspections and maintenance can significantly reduce potential damage. Additionally, it’s imperative for policyholders to periodically review and adjust their insurance coverage, ensuring it aligns with current risks and property values. Engaging in regular dialogues with insurance advisors can facilitate this alignment, reinforcing your defence against unforeseen natural events.

What should you do if an Act of God causes damage to your home or business?

If you suffer a loss or damage to your home caused by an Act of God, you will likely be able to claim for it. Making an insurance claim can be very difficult and time-consuming and will put you and your family under huge stress. Oakleafe Claims professional loss assessors can take this away by managing every aspect of the Act of God insurance claim for you. As a multi-award-winning insurance claims management company, we know exactly what it takes to get you and your home on track and will fight your corner to get you the settlement you deserve.

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Act of God Insurance: Conclusion

Understanding the intricacies of “Act of God” insurance is essential for every homeowner and business owner. As we’ve explored, these natural events, from earthquakes to hurricanes, can wreak havoc unexpectedly, and not all insurance policies offer the same level of protection. Key takeaways include:

  1. Clarify Your Coverage: Ensure you know what natural events your policy covers. Many modern policies specify covered events rather than using the broad term “Act of God.”
  2. Understand Policy Exclusions: Common exclusions like floods and earthquakes often require additional, specialized insurance.
  3. Stay Proactive: Regularly review and adjust your insurance coverage to reflect current risks and property values. Engage with insurance advisors to stay informed and adequately protected.
  4. Document and Report Swiftly: In the event of a disaster, document the damage comprehensively, report the incident immediately, and keep meticulous records to streamline the claims process.

By taking these steps, you can significantly mitigate the impact of natural disasters on your property. Remember, the peace of mind that comes from being well-prepared is invaluable. For professional assistance in managing insurance claims and ensuring you receive the settlement you deserve, consider consulting with experienced loss assessors who can guide you through the process and advocate on your behalf.

We Can Help

Oakleafe Claims have represented policyholders and managed their insurance claims since before the First World War. We have vast expertise and experience in both domestic and commercial insurance claims with thousands of satisfied policyholders who have received their deserved insurance settlement. With no upfront fees required, our internal data shows that insurance claims managed by professional loss assessors like Oakleafe can expect a settlement up to 40% higher than claims managed by the policyholder.

 
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