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Car insurance is an indispensable tool in every driver’s tool kit. It’s very much a “have it and not need it” scenario. However, unless you know the ins and outs of your policy, you might not know what it covers. One such frequent coverage question is what an “act of God” is in insurance terms and whether a policyholder will receive a payout or repair funds in the event of a freak accident.

An ‘act of God’ pertains to everything from hitting a deer with your car to floods and earthquakes

Regarding car insurance terminology, an “act of God” refers to any event outside of a policyholder’s control. Most commonly, this includes natural disasters and animal-related damage. However, the root cause of your claim’s circumstances could impact whether you get an insurance payout or repairs following the incident. 

Fortunately, your comprehensive car insurance policy may cover many acts of God as part of your bumper-to-bumper coverage. That’s good news for vehicle owners who strike a deer with their car and end up with expensive repair bills. Or if your garage floods and results in a totaled vehicle, you may get an insurance payout following your claim. 

A hatchback van submerged in flood waters could be an act of God insurance claim.
A hatchback submerged in flood waters | Ceri Breeze via iStock

It’s not just deer strikes and floods, either. Your comprehensive policy may cover unlikely events like vandalism, car fires, and even terrorism, per ValuePenguin. It’s certainly peace of mind, but not every circumstance of a seemingly straightforward act of God insurance claim will get approved by your insurance provider. 

That said, and tragically so, insurance agents might find you at fault for a probable act of God claim. After all, car insurance providers aren’t in the business of paying for what they don’t have to. For instance, if you have a garage fire that consumes your car, you could be covered by your comprehensive insurance policy. However, if your insurance company investigates and finds that your garage burned down due to your negligence with poorly stored oily rags, it might deny your claim.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).