What is an "Act of God" clause in a moving contract?
Quick Answer
An Act of God clause limits the mover's liability for damage caused by unforeseeable natural events like hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, or tornadoes. If your belongings are damaged by a natural disaster during transport, the mover may not be responsible.
The Act of God clause (also called force majeure) is a standard provision in most moving contracts that limits the mover's liability for events beyond their control.
What qualifies: hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe storms; earthquakes; floods; wildfires; lightning strikes; and other unforeseeable natural disasters.
What does not qualify: rain (predictable weather), road accidents caused by driver error, theft, damage from improper loading or packing, and mechanical failure of the truck. These are all within the mover's control or responsibility.
How it affects your claim: if damage is caused solely by an Act of God, the mover may deny all liability regardless of your coverage level (released value or full value protection). This means you would receive $0 in compensation from the mover.
Protection strategies: third-party moving insurance may cover Act of God events (check the policy terms). Your homeowner's or renter's insurance may cover your belongings in transit against natural disasters. If you are moving during hurricane, tornado, or wildfire season, consider the timing and route of your move.
Disputing an Act of God claim: movers sometimes invoke this clause broadly. If the mover claims an Act of God event caused the damage, ask for documentation. Weather records are public - you can verify whether extreme weather actually occurred along the route on your move date. If the weather was normal, the mover's claim may not hold up.
Practical advice: if severe weather is forecast during your move, consider rescheduling. The cost of a delay is almost always less than the cost of uninsured damage to your belongings.