While researching for insurance, you may have come across the phrase “Act of God.” Insurance policies cover a lot of things, from homes to human lives, but do they actually protect you against acts of God? The short answer is they do.
What is an Act of God?
Now, you might be tempted to think about dead fish, locusts or fiery hail. But those are not the acts of God that interest insurance providers. When it comes to insurance, an Act of God is an even outside of human control, which is not directly caused by human activity. Examples include natural disasters, such as floods or earthquakes.
Insurance and Acts of God
Insurance policies can cover damage caused by events which can be described as acts of God. If you live in California, for example, you can get earthquake insurance. This will cover you in case your home is damaged during an earthquake.
But it’s important to note that insurance policies have long contained exclusions for damages caused by an act of God. That’s why you should always check your contract, to see exactly what kinds of damages caused by acts of God are covered.
Is someone liable?
You can’t foresee natural disasters. But this doesn’t mean that no one can be held liable for all or at least part of the damages. You still have to take care of your property and make sure that it does not become dilapidated.
Final word
If you live in an area plagued by numerous natural disasters, insuring your property against acts of God should be a priority. But this doesn’t mean that you should relax if you live in a safer region. Bad things happen when you least expect them. It’s a lot better to get protection against acts of God and not need it, than to need it and not have it at all.
