In French, this term means “superior force” and is an unexpected and uncontrollable event so severe it can release a party to a contract from his or her obligation. For example, suppose Fun Time Meeting Planners has negotiated a national convention in New Orleans. The contract calls for Fun Time to pay a $100,000 penalty to the New Orleans Tourist and Visitors Bureau if the convention cancels. Thirty days prior to the convention, a major hurricane hits New Orleans and the city is virtually uninhabitable for six months. This is a “force majeure” and releases Fun Time from its obligation to pay the penalty.
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UK: Literally means ‘greater force’; a clause designed to protect the insured against his failure to perform contractual obligations when caused by certain events beyond his control, such as a natural disaster or war.
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This term is not a French version of “Vis Major.” It is a term of wider import. Strike, breakdown of machinery though not included in “Vis Major” are included in “force majeure.” By the use of the term “force majeure” the intention is to save the performing party from the consequences of anything over which he has no control.