Top reasons Filipino drivers file Acts of Nature claims

Hey there, fellow driver! We all know how unpredictable driving can be in the Philippines. From sudden downpours to heavy ashfall, taking care of your beloved car is a challenge. Ask someone who has ever had to brave the flooded streets during heavy rain or Taal's ashfall, and you know exactly the nervousness one feels.

Every car owner, whether a budget or premium ride, takes great care of their car. You get it serviced on time, park it in a safe & secure location, and drive defensively to avoid collisions or accidents. But no matter how careful you are, there’s one opponent you can never outsmart, and that’s Mother Nature.

In the local insurance industry, these unpredictable natural events are tagged as "Acts of Nature" (AON) or "Acts of God." And if there is one thing we Filipinos know all too well, it’s that our beautiful country gets a lot of them.

Let's dive deep into why Filipino drivers frequently file for Acts of Nature claims, what it actually covers, and how you can protect your hard-earned investment from the elements.

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What exactly is Acts of Nature coverage?

A standard comprehensive car insurance policy protects you against collisions, theft, and third-party liabilities. However, it often does not automatically cover natural disasters. To get that protection, you need to include the Acts of Nature (AON) add-on.

Think of AON as your shield against events that are completely beyond human control. For instance, if a typhoon sweeps your car away or an earthquake crushes it under a concrete wall, your basic insurance won't cover the repairs, but your AON coverage absolutely will.

Given our geographic location, AON is not a luxury, but a necessity.

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Top reasons drivers file Acts of Nature claims

Every year, thousands of local car owners file AON claims. Based on industry data, here are the leading culprits behind those claims -

1. Typhoon floods and flash floods

It is impossible to discuss the Philippine weather without mentioning typhoons. With an average of 20 tropical cyclones entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) each year, flooding is the leading cause of AON claims in the country. The annual monsoon rains usually transform the metro roads into rivers in a matter of minutes, causing the following damage.

The Damage: Floodwaters can completely ruin your car’s electrical control, damage the upholstery, cause engine hydrostatic lock (when water enters the engine cylinders), and breed mould that makes the cabin unusable.

The Victim: Obviously, the drivers living in low-lying areas are at the highest risk. However, if you live in a high-elevation area, you might find yourself trapped in a sudden flash flood while commuting to work or running errands.

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2. Fallen trees, branches, and flying debris

Every time a severe tropical storm hits, it’s not just the water that is the culprit; the wind also has a lot of potential to cause damage. Strong winds can easily uproot old trees, snap heavy branches, and turn loose items into dangerous elements.

The Damage: A heavy tree branch falling on your car’s roof can cave in the cabin structure, shatter your windshield, and, in case the repair cost exceeds the insured value threshold, your car will be tagged as a total loss.
The Victim: Drivers with limited parking may have to park on the street or under trees. When the wind picks up, these vehicles are the ones in danger.

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3. Volcanic ashfall

We live in the Pacific Ring of Fire, meaning we share our islands with active volcanoes like Taal, Mayon, and Kanlaon. When volcanoes decide to wake up, a massive amount of volcanic ash drifts for dozens of kilometres.

The Damage: Don’t confuse volcanic ash with regular dust, as the former consists of tiny, abrasive particles of rock, minerals, and volcanic glass. So, if you use your wipers to clear ash off your windshield, the glass will get scratches. Furthermore, if ash gets sucked into your engine’s air intake, it can cause severe internal mechanical failure. Also, it can corrode your car's paintwork.
The Victim: Thousands of car owners living or working near areas with active volcanoes file AON claims during volcanic eruptions due to extensive paint and engine damage caused by heavy ashfall.

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4. Hailstorms

We know, it may sound unusual for a tropical country, but hailstorms do happen in the Philippines, particularly during the hot summer months.

The Damage: The hailstones are usually small and sudden. These ice chunk downpours can leave dozens of tiny dents across your car's hood, roof, and trunk.
The Victim: Though unusual, they are accompanied by thunderstorms and leave multiple tiny dents across a car's body. Repairing requires specialised techniques or a completely new paint job; without insurance, it can cost a fortune.

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5. Earthquakes and landslides

Our country is susceptible to frequent seismic activity; minor tremors are common, and major earthquakes do occur, causing structural collapses. They also trigger devastating landslides, especially in mountainous regions.

The Damage: Landslides can completely bury a vehicle, while earthquakes can damage garage roofs or public infrastructure, such as flyovers, to collapse onto parked cars.
The Victim: It is the ultimate "unpredictable" event that anyone can fall prey to. Your car could be safely parked inside your garage or a building. Still, if an earthquake structurally compromises that building and damages your car, only AON coverage will save your wallet.

Common misconceptions about Acts of Nature (AON) coverage

Let’s clear up a few myths that often lead to sorrow and denied claims at the insurance office -

"I have comprehensive insurance, so I’m automatically covered"

False. This is the biggest trap Filipino car owners fall into. The term "Comprehensive" sounds like it covers everything, but in the Philippine insurance landscape, it typically covers only accidents, theft, and malicious damage. It is recommended that you always check your policy's fine print to ensure that Acts of Nature or Acts of God are explicitly listed as an add-on.

"If I drive into a flooded street, my insurance will pay for it"

Not necessarily. Insurance companies closely look at intent and negligence. If your car was parked and the floodwaters rose around it, your AON claim will be approved. However, if you intentionally drove your sedan into a clearly flooded street just because you were in a rush, the insurer might deny your claim.

"AON coverage is too expensive"

False. Adding AON coverage usually increases your annual premium by only a small fraction, often just a few thousand pesos. When you compare that to the PHP 100,000+ cost of replacing a flooded engine or a ruined electronic control, the add-on pays for itself a hundred times over.

 

Helpful tips for filing a hassle-free AON claim

If the unthinkable happens and your car falls victim to a natural disaster, here is a quick guide to make sure your claim gets approved smoothly:

• Prioritise safety first: Never risk your life to save your car. Metal can be replaced; your life cannot.
• Document everything: Take clear photos and videos of your car in the situation, if it's safe to do so. Take photos of the damage from all angles once the disaster settles.
• Do not start a flooded engine: If your car was submerged, do not try to start it. Starting the engine can force water into the cylinders, causing catastrophic engine failure that your insurer might attribute to your actions rather than the storm itself. Rather, have the car towed straight to an authorised workshop.
• Secure a police report: Get an official document confirming that a natural disaster occurred in your area on that specific date.
• Notify your insurer immediately: Most insurance companies have a notification window (usually 24 to 48 hours). Call your agent or the hotline right away to start the process.

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Bottom line

Driving is an adventure, especially on Philippine roads. From the beautiful coastal highways to the breathtaking mountain roads, it makes the perfect long-drive setup. But we also share spaces with unpredictable tropical weather and volatile geography.

Investing in Acts of Nature coverage in the Philippines isn't about being paranoid; it's about practical financial protection. It gives you peace of mind knowing that whether the sky decides to pour water, drop ice, or rain ash, your hard-earned asset is safe, and your family's mobility won't be permanently derailed.

Before the next storm warning rolls into the news, pull out your car insurance policy. Look at the fine print. If you don't see "Acts of Nature" or "Acts of God" listed there, call your insurance broker today. Trust us, your future self will thank you for it.

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