What Is an 'Act of God' and How Does It Affect Home Insurance?

By Anita Wong

March 09, 2026

We all hope our encounters with natural disasters are from afar — ideally, from the couch as a tornado whisks Dorothy to Oz or an asteroid plummets to earth in Armageddon. In real-life, however, forces of nature aren’t scripted and can cause real damage and expense. That’s why it’s important to understand what an act of God is and how home insurance companies usually handle claims from tornadoes, floods, earthquakes and other catastrophes.

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What Is the Definition of Act of God in Homeowner Insurance?

The phrase act of God may sound ominous, but it’s a common term in contract law to refer to natural events beyond human control. Companies often use an act of God clause to limit liability after a storm, flood, earthquake or other force of nature.

What Are Examples of an Act of God?

Acts of God are considered extreme natural hazards that aren't preventable by humans. Depending on your insurance policy, these might include:

Hurricanes
Blizzards
Windstorms
Floods
Tsunamis
Tornadoes
Earthquakes
Wildfires
Volcanic eruptions

Your insurer may not use the exact phrase "act of God" in your policy and instead use language such as:

Named perils
Exclusions
Covered causes of loss

Is Force Majeure the Same as an Act of God?

Force majeure is often used interchangeably with the phrase act of God, but has a broader scope. It extends beyond natural phenomena to events such as civil unrest, war and contagions. For example, the COVID pandemic wasn’t a natural disaster, but a force majeure event. Similar to an act of God, force majeure is a contract provision used to release a party from liability because it's beyond their control.

Does My Insurance Policy Cover Acts of God (And How Do I Find Out)?

Your policy will state what unforeseen events are covered and the extent of liability. Your insurer may provide anywhere from zero to 100% coverage depending on the event.

Every insurance policy is different, so read yours carefully to see what perils are covered.
Review the entire policy, especially sections that refer to exclusions.
Understand the definitions of general terms such as "perils" or "
force majeure
." Don't assume these automatically cover all natural events.
Pay close attention to exclusions.
Note if you need to secure your property or implement safety measures to qualify for insurance claims.

The language in these types of contracts can be complex, so don't hesitate to ask your insurer to review it with you and provide clarity.

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What Kind of Insurance Policy Covers Acts of God?

In general, standard homeowner policies provide some protection against storm, tornado, lightning and wildfire damage. If a windstorm tears off part of your roof, most insurers will pay for repairs.

Earthquake and flood coverage isn't included in standard policies but can be added on separately. This is important to know, because if that same windstorm includes torrential rain that causes flooding, your insurer may not be liable unless you have flood insurance.

Keep in mind coverage varies by insurer and region, so review your policy in detail. In high-risk areas, coverage may be limited, with some insurers:

Applying percentage-based deductibles instead of using flat rates
Limiting new policies or renewals

Insurers may also require you to take steps to mitigate against damage, such as installing wind-resistant roofing in hurricane zones or keeping combustible materials away from your home if wildfires are common.

Insurance for Earthquakes and Floods

Standard homeowner insurance doesn't cover acts of God such as earthquakes or floods. For protection from these events, you'll need to purchase additional insurance.

Flood Insurance

Flood protection in the United States is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 90% of severe weather events involve flooding.

Many insurance companies write and service these policies, but you won't have immediate coverage. There's usually a 30-day waiting period, so plan ahead if you want flood insurance instead of waiting for a severe weather warning. Some private insurers offer the option of excess flood insurance so you can add coverage over and above basic NFIP insurance.

Earthquake Insurance

Most insurance professionals sell earthquake insurance as a separate policy or add-on to an existing one. Earthquake coverage can help cover costs if you need to rebuild your home or temporarily relocate. Rates and deductibles vary and can be higher in areas with significant seismic activity.

Key Takeaways: Insuring Your Home Against Acts of God

It's hard to know what nature has in store, but understanding your home insurance policy is a key to preparing for severe weather events. In general, damage from acts of God, like windstorms and hurricanes, is included in standard homeowner policies, but floods and earthquakes require separate policies.

Always review your insurance to see which perils are covered and adjust coverage as needed. Keep in mind you don't have to live in a coastal region to benefit from flood insurance, as 30% of NFIP claims are from outside of flood-prone areas.

Check your coverage levels and ensure you're not underinsured. You should have appropriate insurance to reduce the burden of repairs or rebuilding, especially as construction costs rise.

Ask your insurer if your eligibility depends on installing safety features or making home improvements to reduce risk. Implementing these measures may also help you save on premiums.

Review your policy every year before renewing as insurers may make changes depending on market risk.

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