Jamaine Punzalan

Article (news)

Aneth Ng-Lim

<p>The flash floods this weekend was terrifying. In a short span of time, water level rose reaching as high as 9 feet in some areas. The thunderstorm was reported to have dumped 5 days of rain in just one hour.</p><p>No wonder traffic was paralyzed with many commuters stranded. Affected residents moved to elevated parts of their homes while they watched their belongings go under floodwater, including for some, their parked vehicles.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/weather-traffic/2025/8/31/one-hour-downpour-dumped-more-rain-on-qc-than-ondoy-s-peak-hour-pagasa-1836">One-hour downpour dumped more rain on QC than Ondoy’s peak hour— PAGASA</a></div><p>One source of comfort to some of the victims is that they own insurance and have Acts of God coverage.</p><div><strong>What are Acts of God?</strong></div><p>In the insurance world, the phrase “Acts of God,” refers to natural disasters that can include earthquakes, typhoons, floods and volcanic eruptions.</p><p>This is available as an add-on to property insurance and is an optional coverage that supplements a comprehensive insurance policy. So, unless you asked for it, your policy may only have the standard inclusions.</p><p>Not many knew about Acts of God until Typhoon Ondoy. That destructive storm back in 2009 caused severe flooding with 80 percent of Metro Manila submerged in floodwaters. One month&#x27;s worth of rain fell in just 12 hours resulting in lives lost and thousands of homes and properties damaged.</p><p>In the aftermath, as those affected sought to rebuild and claim property insurance, some were grateful to discover they were covered for Acts of God. Many however found out that they missed on this and could not receive any compensation.</p><div><strong>How can you get covered?</strong></div><p>Start by checking all your property insurance, for homes and vehicles. I renewed my car insurance just last Friday and saw the following entries in the coverage. </p><ol><li>Own damage and theft</li><li>Voluntary Third Party Liability for Bodily Injury </li><li>Voluntary Third Party Liability for Property Damage</li><li>Auto Passenger Personal Accident</li><li>Acts of Nature Cover </li><li>Strike, Riot and Civil Commotion</li></ol><p>I had to pay different amounts for the first 3 items, but my insurance company indicated the last 3 items as “inclusive”.</p><p>If your coverage does not have all these 6 entries, call your insurance company and find out how you can amend it, and how much will be the additional cost. As we are still in the wet season and can expect monsoons and typhoons, do this quickly for your peace of mind.</p><div><strong>Take note of the fine print</strong></div><p>However, adding all these 6 entries to your property insurance does not mean all your claims will be approved. You may want to do your research online and speak with your insurance agent to better understand the terms and conditions of your coverage. This is usually attached to your policy.</p><p>Here’s one example where a claim may be denied. If a property is damaged due to a fire caused by a lightning strike, you will be covered. But if it was determined that the fire was caused by arson or poor wiring, that does not fall under an Act of God and you won’t receive any compensation.</p><p>Your claim may also be denied if the damage was due to your own negligence. For example, you drove into a known flooded area, so make sure to read the fine print.</p><p>Living in the Philippines, known to be highly vulnerable to natural calamities, the Acts of God coverage is one safeguard we all need to protect our hard-earned properties.</p>

<p>Living in the Philippines, known to be highly vulnerable to natural calamities, the Acts of God coverage is one safeguard we all need to protect our hard-earned properties.</p>

Living in the Philippines, known to be highly vulnerable to natural calamities, the Acts of God coverage is one safeguard we all need to protect our hard-earned properties.

The floods are here again: Are you covered for Acts of God?

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The floods are here again: Are you covered for Acts of God?

Aneth Ng-Lim

Published Sep 02, 2025 11:10 AM PHT

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Aneth Ng-Lim

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