Act of God Insurance: What’s Covered Under Your Homeowners Policy?

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Key Takeaways

An Act of God is a natural event beyond human control that could not have been prevented by reasonable care.
Standard homeowners insurance often covers many Acts of God, including hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning and windstorms, but floods and earthquakes are not covered and require separate policies.
Coverage depends on whether the cause is natural or human-made. For example, a fire caused by lightning may be covered as an Act of God, while a fire from faulty wiring would not.

What Is an Act of God in Insurance Terms?

Disastrous events can happen when you least expect them. In insurance, an “Act of God” refers to natural disasters caused without human intervention. Common examples include:

Hurricanes
Tornadoes
Earthquakes
Flood
Wildfires
Lightning strikes

Understanding how your homeowners insurance policy defines an Act of God can help ensure you have the right protection in place before disaster strikes. Insurance policies typically include an “Act of God Clause” that details what is and isn’t covered.

What Is Legally Defined as an Act of God?

When it comes to home insurance, an Act of God is defined as a natural event beyond human control that couldn’t have been avoided through reasonable care, like a wildfire.

Are Act of God Insurance Clauses Included in My Homeowners Insurance?

Most standard homeowners insurance policies have an Act of God clause, which helps cover damage from natural disasters like hurricanes, tornados and lightning storms.

Remember:

Most homeowners insurance coverage includes protection from common Acts of God. However, it’s always a good idea to ensure your policy also has enough coverage, such as personal property, personal liability and other structures coverage.

What Is Covered Under a Standard Homeowners Policy?

Most homeowners policies provide Act of God coverage for:

Windstorm or hurricane damage from high winds, including structural damage and lost roofing materials
Tornado damage due to wind and debris
Lightning strikes that start fires
Hail damage to roofs, siding or windows
Winter storm damage from ice, snow or freezing conditions

What Is Not Covered Under a Standard Homeowners Policy?

It’s important to know that not all Act of God events are covered by a home insurance policy, such as damage caused by floods or earthquakes. However, you can buy separate flood insurance to cover flood damages. You can also add earthquake coverage to your homeowners policy.

To learn more about how AARP^® Home Insurance from The Hartford¹ can help protect you, get a quote online.

Can You Get Insurance for an Act of God?

Most home insurance policies provide adequate coverage to safeguard against most common Acts of God, like hurricanes or fire caused by lightning. You can also choose to buy separate policies or add additional endorsements to extend your protection for floods and earthquakes. The Hartford is here to help answer all your coverage questions at 877-422-2345.

male homeowner protected by insurance Act of God

Get a Quote for Homeowners Insurance

Learn more about Act of God losses and how a homeowners insurance policy from The Hartford can offer peace of mind knowing you’re protected from unexpected events. From customizable coverage options to our hassle-free homeowners insurance claim process, we’re here when you need us most. Get a quote online today in minutes or call The Hartford at 877-422-2345.

Frequently Asked Questions About Act of God Insurance

What Is an Act of God Policy?

An Act of God policy refers to a home insurance policy that helps protect you from naturally occurring events like wildfires or tornadoes. Standard home insurance policies don’t include coverage against floods or earthquakes, but you can purchase separate coverages.

Are Acts of God Covered by Insurance?

Common Acts of God are covered by most standard home insurance policies — such as fire, windstorms, hurricanes, hail, lightning and winter storms – but how much protection you have depends on what coverages are on your policy.

What Is the Difference Between Flood Damage and an Act of God?

An Act of God is considered a natural event caused without any human intervention that couldn’t be avoided. So, if your house floods due to something that could have been prevented, such as an incorrectly installed washing machine, that isn't considered an Act of God.

Can AARP Members Get Act of God Coverage Through The Hartford?

Yes. With AARP Home Insurance from The Harford, AARP members can enjoy customizable coverage options for common Acts of God such as hurricanes or thunderstorms. While flood insurance isn’t included in a standard policy, The Hartford can help you get the coverage you need for that too.