What Is Act of God?
An "act of God" is a loss caused by natural forces no one can reasonably prevent — hurricane, earthquake, flood, lightning. Whether it is covered depends on your policy’s perils: standard home policies cover lightning and wind but exclude flood and earthquake, which need separate policies. The phrase is legal shorthand, not a coverage guarantee.
Why it matters
Calling something an "act of God" does not make it covered; the policy’s peril list decides, which is why flood stays excluded despite being natural.
Common confusion
An act of God is a cause, not a coverage. Check the peril list — many natural events are excluded unless you bought the rider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is earthquake an act of God my policy covers?
It is an act of God, but standard home policies exclude earthquake; you need a separate quake policy or endorsement.
Does "act of God" mean the insurer is off the hook?
Only if the specific peril is excluded. Covered perils like wind or lightning pay regardless of the "act of God" label.