Vehicle insurance policies have their standard inclusions but it’s always good to be sure that you are getting the best coverage. One way to do so is to review the possibility of getting add-on coverage that will align with your objectives. The most common add-on probably when getting a comprehensive vehicle insurance plan is the Acts of God (AOG) coverage which is also known as the Acts of Nature. 

Source: 3D Collission Centers

What is the meaning of “Acts of God” and what are its inclusions?

Source: PxFuel

The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries given its geographical positioning. For one, it can be found along the Pacific Ring of Fire which makes it vulnerable to volcanic eruptions and strong earthquakes. Its location next to the Pacific Ocean gives it a higher chance to be a direct path of tropical storms. 

Given its exposure to uncontrollable situations like this, there is merit for the Acts of God to be added to the coverage of car insurance. 

Acts of God refers to a vehicle insurance coverage type that protects your car from any natural disasters. The damages incurred are assumed to have been experienced due to these natural phenomena, thus, any cost of repairs is expected to be shouldered by the insurance. Keep in mind that not all coverages automatically include this. With this, it is recommended that you review your policy so that you can proceed with this add-on if needed. 

The most common supplemental question, though, is what Act of God is covered in the Philippines? Make sure to review this list before signing up for one or claiming your damage.

Typhoons

Source: Wikipedia Commons

Typhoons are common in the Philippines, especially in the second half of the year. However, this does not automatically grant you a pass. 

First, the typhoon must be formally declared by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The announcement of this agency will serve as the basis because there are instances that a claim is filed just because of strong rains but are not considered typhoons. 

Second, your insurance claim will be invalidated if the findings reveal that you did not take any precautionary measures despite the warnings of PAGASA. One example of this is traveling in a landslide or flood-critical area despite knowing the storm signal. You will be considered a negligent owner and affect the decision of the insurance agency.

Flooding

Flooding usually happens side-by-side with a typhoon. Just like a typhoon, you should be able to prove that your situation was unavoidable. For instance, your claim won’t be approved if they know that you still crossed the road despite seeing that the flood is already knee-deep. Your provider will see this as negligence instead. 

Should you face any unexpected travel disturbance, Vigattin Insurance provides you with the best roadside assistance services once insured with them. They offer free towing, tire changing, battery boosting, and other minor onsite repairs that will definitely save you from all the hassle.

Volcanic Eruptions

Source: Flickr

Another item that falls under the Acts of God Car Insurance is a volcanic eruption. There are more than 20 volcanoes that are active in the Philippines and there are chances that we’ll experience small and large eruptions at least once in our lifetime. 

The most common effect of eruptions is the damage caused by the magma should there be explosive eruptions. Unknown to many, however, is that volcanic ash can also be destructive to your vehicle. 

Given this, it is critical to be aware of your environment just in case alert levels happen. Stay away from the so-called danger zones and avoid running your car’s air condition if there is volcanic ash present. 

Earthquake

If your vehicle is damaged because of an earthquake, you may file under the said coverage. This is one of those natural disasters that do not come with a warning so all you have to do is to prove that the harm happened during the actual occurrence. 

Others

• Fire and/or Explosion: Should a fire and/or explosion happen near your vehicle that you did not cause or any negligence, you may file a claim. 

• Landslide: Just make sure that you did not force your vehicle into a landslide-prone area despite warnings. 

• Animals: Animals that are hit by your vehicle may be included on the premise that it is a wild animal. Pet owners are not covered by the Act of God coverage.

How can you sign up for an AOG coverage? 

Source: Dealer’s Journal

Always remember that you cannot purchase an Act of God insurance coverage as a standalone. The prerequisite to this is a comprehensive vehicle insurance plan in which the AOG coverage will serve as an add-on. 

As a starter, visit the Vigattin Insurance online platform to help you jumpstart quotations from its long-time insurance partners such as Bethel, Pacific Union, Mercantile Insurance, Fortune General, and more. They provide competitive rates, a wide variety of product lines, transparent terms, and outstanding customer service which makes it the perfect choice for an insurance provider. 

In general, a comprehensive car insurance premium usually approximately cost 2% of your vehicle’s value. Put on an additional 40% maximum on top of this existing premium to proceed with your AOG coverage. 

Keep in mind that insurance providers also assess your chances of claiming the said insurance. For example, do you reside where a faultline is? If yes, this increases your likelihood of claiming, thus making your premium more expensive.

A Quick Guide on Purchasing an AOG Coverage

It’s never too late to protect your investment with this add-on. Just ensure that you keep these tips in mind before signing that contract. 

• Be Transparent. As mentioned, risk assessments will happen to determine the likelihood of an Act of God happening to you. If they are asking about your location, give them your exact address. Make sure to be as honest and as specific as possible to avoid any long-term problems with your provider. 

• Review Your Policy. Do not assume that your Acts of God are or are not covered in your policy. Avoid guessing and just consult as insurers house different terminologies on this. 

• Clarify The Conditions With Your Insurance Company. As mentioned over and over again, it’s not always a guarantee that your vehicle damages will be shouldered by the company. There are documents that you must present to prove that the incident is indeed unavoidable. With this, always clarify what these requirements are to know whether these are things that you can provide in the future. 

• Explore Insurance Plans. Do not stick with the first insurance policy presented to you. Rather, find the best rate that will satisfy both your needs and budget. Vigattin Insurance allows you to window shop for different product offerings while still being anchored to their mission of servicing everybody justly. 

Have That Peace of Mind With An Improved Coverage

It’s not rocket science that disasters like these are unavoidable. While you may prepare for the worst by saving money, another option is to reduce this damage with AOG coverage. Not only will it protect you after the incident, but it will also give you peace of mind as this uncertainty takes place.