You've almost certainly heard the term "Act of God" in reference to some cataclysmic weather event. To home and auto insurance providers, it is a term that references a particular type of peril—one that is both highly unlikely and unpreventable. The guide below explains how to make sure you have suitable coverage in the event that the unexpected happens.

A Brief Guide to "Acts of God"

What Is an Act of God?

Insurers consider a disastrous event that occurs due to natural causes to be an act of God. There can be no human agency in its cause, and it cannot have been prevented or predicted using reasonable care. Common examples of acts of God include floods, earthquakes, lightning strikes, mudslides, and sinkholes. Because it is highly unlikely, unpreventable, and unpredictable, insurers do not factor the risk of such an event into basic property insurance or auto insurance policies. They therefore generally exclude damages caused by an act of God from coverage.

Acts of God & Property Insurance

However, if you live in an area prone to extreme weather, you can purchase flood or earthquake insurance as a separate policy if you are concerned about damages. For instance, many California homeowners pay an additional amount to guard against earthquakes, while residents of Mississippi River floodplains purchase additional coverage to guard against rising waters.

Acts of God & Auto Insurance

Similarly, if you only get the minimum car insurance that the state requires, you can be covered for property damage and some of the other driver’s medical expenses in the event of a collision, but this still leaves yourself vulnerable. Protect your vehicle from acts of God by investing in comprehensive coverage, which pays for damages caused by floods, fires, falling objects, and even man-caused losses like vandalism and theft.

For expert advice constructing a home or auto insurance policy that meets your needs and fits your budget, get in touch with Michael E Glick Insurance in Boerne, TX. They offer an insurance review of your current requirements at no charge. They've been satisfying clients in and around the Kendall County area for nearly 30 years, specializing in auto, property, life, and workers comp insurance. To request a quote, check out their website or call (830) 816-9488 to request a quote.