“Acts of God” and How Your Insurance Policies Cover Them

Your Current Insurance Policy May Cover “Acts of God”

“Acts of Gods” and How Your Insurance Policies Cover Them

When most people hear the term “act of God,” they don’t necessarily think of how it relates to what’s covered in their home and auto insurance policies. 


However, this is a term that is commonly used in insurance. As a policy holder, it may be helpful for you to understand what it means, and how it applies to the coverage you carry so you are certain to have all the coverage you need.


So, what exactly is considered an “act of God,” and how does your insurance address these types of events if they happen? 


An “act of God” refers to an unpredictable and unpreventable event that is out of anyone’s control. Extreme weather is one such example. Windstorms, lightning strikes, hailstorms, wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes are all considered “acts of God,” but not all these events are covered in standard home and auto insurance policies. 


Fortunately, additional coverage can be purchased to address these types of risks. For example, floods are not an “act of God” that are covered under a standard homeowner’s policy, but you can purchase a flood policy to ensure that you will be covered if a flood occurs. Earthquakes are also excluded, so if you live in an area prone to this type of natural disaster, a separate policy is available to cover damage that could result should an earthquake occur.


Likewise, your vehicle can be covered for “acts of God” if you have comprehensive coverage on your auto policy. Comprehensive coverage addresses all damage not caused by collisions, including natural disasters. For example, if a deer runs out in front of your car as you’re driving and inflicts damage on your vehicle, comprehensive coverage will pay for the repairs or total loss. 


This is a subject raises a lot of questions, so if you have some you’d like to discuss, don’t hesitate to reach out to our agents at J. Hoffman Insurance. Give them a call at (845) 239-4787 or send an email to vicki@jhoffmaninsurance.com.

December 19, 2025
Running a successful business requires more than strong sales and day-to-day operations. It takes thoughtful planning, risk awareness, and financial discipline. Two of the most important professional relationships a business owner can have are with their insurance advisor and their Certified Public Accountant (CPA). When these two roles work together, the result is stronger protection, smarter financial decisions, and long-term stability. Here are five key ways business insurance and working with a CPA are closely connected—and why aligning the two matters. 1. Risk Management and Financial Planning Business insurance is designed to protect your company from unexpected risks such as lawsuits, property damage, accidents, or liability claims. A CPA, on the other hand, helps you plan financially for both known and unknown risks. Together, they form the foundation of a strong risk management strategy. Insurance transfers risk, while a CPA helps you understand how those risks impact your balance sheet, cash reserves, and overall financial health. When both are aligned, your business is better positioned to withstand disruptions and recover quickly when the unexpected happens. 2. Compliance and Regulatory Requirements Many businesses operate in industries that require specific types of insurance coverage, such as workers’ compensation, professional liability, or commercial auto insurance. Failing to carry the proper coverage can lead to fines, penalties, or even business shutdowns. At the same time, CPAs help ensure compliance with tax laws, payroll regulations, and financial reporting requirements. Insurance and accounting compliance often overlap—especially when it comes to payroll, employee classifications, and industry regulations. Working with both professionals ensures your business remains compliant on all fronts. 3. Tax Deductibility of Insurance Premiums One often overlooked benefit of business insurance is that many premiums may be tax-deductible. Policies such as general liability, professional liability, property insurance, and workers’ compensation are commonly considered legitimate business expenses. A CPA plays a critical role in making sure these premiums are properly categorized and documented, helping maximize allowable deductions while staying within IRS guidelines. When your CPA understands your insurance program, you’re more likely to capture every tax advantage available to your business. 4. Cash Flow and Budgeting Insurance premiums are a recurring expense and can have a meaningful impact on cash flow, especially for growing businesses. A CPA helps forecast expenses, plan for renewals, and ensure insurance costs fit within your broader financial strategy. By coordinating insurance coverage with budgeting and financial projections, businesses can strike the right balance between adequate protection and affordability. This collaboration helps avoid being underinsured—or overspending on coverage that doesn’t align with actual risk exposure. 5. Business Continuity and Succession Planning No business owner likes to think about worst-case scenarios, but planning for them is essential. Insurance products such as business interruption coverage, key person insurance, and buy-sell funding play a major role in keeping a business running during a crisis. CPAs incorporate these protections into long-term financial planning and succession strategies. Whether it’s preparing for the loss of a key employee, an extended shutdown, or an ownership transition, insurance and accounting together help ensure the business can survive and thrive beyond any single event. Bringing It All Together Business insurance and CPA services are not separate silos—they are complementary tools that work best when aligned. Insurance protects what you’ve built, while a CPA helps you grow and sustain it financially. When these professionals collaborate, business owners gain clearer insight, stronger protection, and greater confidence in the future. If you want your business to be resilient, compliant, and financially sound, make sure your insurance strategy and your CPA are working together—not independently. For a review of your business’ insurance coverage, contact Vicki Hoffman, J. Hoffman Insurance, at 845-239-4787 or vicki@jhoffmaninsurance.com . Want to learn more about how working with a CPA can benefit your business? Contact John Pacos, CPA at 845-694-5703 or john@jpacoscpa.com .
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