Do I really need Acts of Nature insurance coverage?

Auto insurance can get expensive. There are types of coverage that some people think they won't need in the future. Take Acts of Nature coverage, for example. Also known as Acts of God coverage, it gives you insurance against unforeseen events and natural disasters. These incidents are quite rare, and that's partly why insurance providers put them in a different category.

While many companies bundle Acts of Nature coverage with a comprehensive insurance package, some sell it as an add-on. If you don't already have it in your plan, you may be wondering if it's worth the extra money.

To understand why Acts of Nature insurance is necessary, we have to put it in context. These are what insurance companies commonly consider to be in the category and why they can be devastating for your car.

• Typhoons and floods - In a country like the Philippines, where it rains for half of any given year, coverage against typhoons and flood-caused car damage can be crucial. Think about it. When your car is constantly exposed to rainfall, there's no telling when you might get caught in the middle of a particularly ravaging storm. You might need to abandon your vehicle, and if you do, Acts of Nature coverage can help you gain back the value you'd lose.

• Earthquakes - These ground-shaking events can be devastating, especially if you live near a fault line. If your car suffers from earthquake-related damage, it may be eligible for an insurance claim. That is if you covered it under an Acts of God plan.

• Volcanic eruption - The Philippines sits inside the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region where volcanic eruptions occur most. We have many active volcanoes that are surrounded by sizeable settlements. These include Taal Volcano in Batangas and Mayon Volcano in Albay. If you live near an active volcano and it decides to erupt, your car can get caught in a firestorm. So, it's easy to see why you need additional coverage for peace of mind.

• Landslide - Our islands are full of diverse terrains. Hillside or mountainside settlements can be exposed to landslides, especially during the rainy season. Landslides are deadly, and most cars will not survive a direct impact. If you live in an area where landslides are common, such as in the Baguio area, then you may need to protect your car against this violent natural disaster.

• Wild animals - If you're adventurous, you likely take your car on drives to remote places with lush scenery. When you find yourself in an unknown area, you have to be wary about wild animals. A sufficiently large animal can cause visible damage to your vehicle. If this happens, you would need to prove that the animal caused the destruction, and it did so without your control.

There are other incidents that Acts of Nature insurance can cover, like riots and civil unrest, but not all providers include these in the package. You'll have to connect with your insurance company to learn more about what it does and doesn't cover.

Having auto insurance is part of being a responsible car owner. You never know when disaster could strike. Unforeseen incidents happen all the time, and while they might not have happened to you yet, that's not a good enough reason to skip Acts of Nature insurance coverage.

If you live near an area where natural disasters often occur, having the necessary coverage can be especially crucial. It's more risky than average. Ultimately, it would be wise to protect yourself against all the disasters that mother nature has in store.