Acts of God in Car Insurance

An act of God in car insurance is an event no human can prevent. Typically, acts of God refer to natural disasters such as the following:

• Earthquakes
• Floods
• Hail
• Hurricanes
• Lightning
• Sinkholes
• Falling Trees
• Wildfires
• Windstorms
• Volcanic eruptions

While your car insurance policy may not use the term “acts of God,” it might cover them under comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage includes property damages from incidents other than collisions. Aside from natural disasters, this type of coverage may also cover auto theft and vandalism. However, if your comprehensive coverage specifically excludes natural disasters, or if you don’t have comprehensive coverage at all, your policy won’t cover acts of God.

Acts of God claims work like any other type of auto insurance claim. Here’s a general overview of the coverage process.

1. You submit a claim to your car insurance company or directly to your licensed insurance agent, providing pictures and notes about the damages and conditions that caused the damages.
2. Your insurance provider reviews the claim. The insurer may have an insurance adjuster view your car, either physically or digitally.
3. If the insurance company approves your claim, you must pay your insurance deductible before your provider will contribute financially for the needed repairs. The insurer will then pay for repairs up to your coverage limit, which is your car’s actual cash value. If your insurance provider declares your car to be a total loss and you have new car replacement coverage, it could replace your car.
4. If your car isn’t being replaced, you’ll get your vehicle repaired and await the reimbursement check from your insurance provider.²

To get coverage for acts of God, you’ll need comprehensive insurance that includes coverage for natural disasters like hail.

Learn more about auto insurance coverages like acts of God. Or read our frequently asked questions below for more information on coverage for these events.