Does Car Insurance Cover Acts of God?

But does your car insurance cover acts of God? Most comprehensive policies have provisions for acts of God, but if you only carry liability insurance you will probably have to pay out of pocket if a tree falls on your car.

Also included in most acts of God definitions is damage caused by colliding with an animal that wandered into the path of your car. This means that if you hit a deer or a moose, you will most likely be covered as long as acts of God are specified in your auto insurance policy.

Collision insurance can also come into play to cover natural disasters, especially if something strikes your vehicle during a storm or other natural event. Collision coverage may also help out if you hit an animal. However, be careful, because if you hit another car while trying to avoid your neighbor’s dog your policy may not cover it because it could be hard to prove, especially if Fido made it to safety.

Most comprehensive policies have provisions for acts of God, but if you only carry liability insurance you will probably have to pay out of pocket if a tree falls on your car.

If you live in an area prone to certain types of weather events or natural disasters, like tornadoes or volcanic eruption, your insurer may require you to carry extra insurance if you want to be covered for damage incurred during a twister. Flood damage may not be covered unless you have a separate flood insurance policy. And keep in mind, these types of events are usually not covered by standard homeowners policies either. Make sure to do the research about your area and ask before signing up for a policy that may not have enough coverage to protect you. You don’t want to find out you don’t have the right coverage after you file an insurance claim that gets denied.

Read more: Understanding Auto Insurance Coverage For Flood Damage

Keep in mind that the coverage provided for damage done to your car during an act of God is typically based on your car’s current value. If your car is older and doesn’t have a high market value, the extra cost for a collision or comprehensive policy may not be worth it, especially if the cost of the damage is close to the amount of your deductible.

Insurance providers vary in what they types of coverage they offer and the insurance rates they charge. Speak to an insurance agent and compare auto insurance quotes from different companies. Comparison shopping is the best way to find the comprehensive car insurance coverage that’s perfect for you and your budget.