In the context of insurance, force majeure refers to extreme events or circumstances beyond anyone’s control, such as natural disasters, war, terrorism, or civil unrest. These are events that couldn’t have been reasonably anticipated, avoided, or prevented.
The term is borrowed from contract law, where a force majeure clause can release parties from their obligations when something extraordinary prevents them from fulfilling a contract. In insurance, while not always named directly, force majeure may influence how claims are assessed, particularly during widespread or catastrophic events.
How does force majeure apply to home insurance claims?
Force majeure isn’t usually a specific clause in standard home insurance policies, but insurers may reference it when:
- Limiting liability during large-scale events (e.g. war, terrorism, national flooding)
- Explaining delays in processing or responding to claims due to events beyond their control
- Citing exclusions where damage results from a non-insured event (e.g. civil unrest or acts of terrorism)
Note: Even if the phrase “force majeure” doesn’t appear in your policy, the consequences may still apply, often through exclusions or force-of-nature clauses.
Common examples of force majeure events
Events often classified as force majeure include:
- Natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, major flooding
- War, terrorism, or civil unrest
- Pandemics or public health emergencies (e.g. COVID‑19)
- Government intervention e.g. emergency legislation, property requisition, movement restrictions
- Strikes, supply chain failures, or labour shortages that delay repairs
COVID‑19 example: During the pandemic, insurers often referenced force majeure to explain delays in handling claims (e.g. due to lockdowns, material shortages, or lack of access to properties), rather than to deny home insurance claims outright. Unlike business interruption insurance, most standard home insurance policies weren’t directly affected in terms of coverage, but claim timelines and repair works were frequently disrupted.
Is force majeure the same as an “Act of God”?
Not quite, but the terms are closely related.
- Force majeure is a broader legal and contractual concept used in business, construction, and insurance contexts.
- Act of God is more specific to insurance and usually refers to natural disasters outside human control, such as floods or earthquakes.
What should you do if your claim is affected by a force majeure event?
If your home is damaged during a large-scale or extraordinary event:
- Check your policy wording to understand what’s covered or excluded
- Submit your claim as normal, don’t assume it will be rejected
- Request clarification if your insurer references force majeure or “Act of God”
- Keep records of all communications, damage, and delays
- Consider appointing a Loss Assessor, like Morgan Clark, if your claim is being delayed, disputed, or denied as they can help you challenge decisions and secure a fair settlement
FAQ
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Does home insurance cover damage from force majeure events?
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It depends. Some force majeure events like storms or fires are usually covered. Others like war, terrorism, or earthquakes are often excluded unless specifically added to the policy.
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Can insurers use force majeure to delay claims?
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In rare cases, yes, particularly during widespread disasters. They may cite force majeure when supply chains are disrupted or Loss Adjusters can’t access your property. However, they still have a duty to act fairly and communicate clearly.
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What can I do if my claim is denied due to force majeure?
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Ask your insurer for a detailed explanation in writing. Check your policy wording carefully. If you believe the decision is unfair, raise a formal complaint, appoint a Loss Assessor, or escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
For more FAQs visit: Insurance claims FAQs – Morgan Clark