What is an "act of God" in insurance terms?

An "act of God" in insurance terms refers to an unforeseen and uncontrollable natural event that impacts property or personal safety. This concept encompasses natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes, which are generally beyond the control of any human action or planning.

Insurance policies often include provisions related to acts of God because they can significantly affect risk assessments and coverage determinations. Coverage for these events may vary from one policy to another, with some policies explicitly covering certain types of natural disasters while others might exclude them. Understanding what constitutes an act of God is essential for policyholders and insurance adjusters, as it influences claims handling and liability considerations following such events.

In contrast, the other choices involve actions or events that are either deliberate, focused solely on personal injury, or limited to environmental incidents, which do not align with the definition of an act of God. Therefore, recognizing acts of God as natural, uncontrolled events is crucial in the context of insurance.