When Lightning Strikes Your Home

Ruel Law Firm • Jun 14, 2023

During the Florida rainy season, lightning is common due to afternoon thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tropical waves. Because of the amount of lightning strikes yearly, Florida is known as the Lightning Capital of the United States.


Lightning strikes are inevitable during storms, which raises a big question: Does homeowners’ insurance cover it?


Does Insurance Cover Lightning Damage?


Yes, homeowners’ insurance does cover lightning damage. However, insurance companies will always try to deny a claim for lightning damage. In addition, storm damage claims can be difficult to make, as many Florida homeowners know from experience.


Most insurance companies quickly deny lightning insurance claims, stating the damages were unrelated to the lightning strike or that there is no proof of a strike. Additionally, it is difficult to prove the cause of the damage. The homeowner will have to prove the lightning strike occurred, directly resulting in damage to the home. 


How Much Damage Can Lightning Do?


Lightning strikes can be catastrophic, no matter how well you protect your home. The heat from a lightning bolt can be as high as 50,000 F*, causing severe damage to your home. The shingles of your house, the electrical system, the roof, the gutters, the siding, or the foundation can be damaged if the lightning strikes with enough force. The sudden surge of power can also damage any electronic devices or appliances plugged into the electric supply.


Signs Your Home Was Struck by Lightning


If you have a lightning rod installed on your roof, you may think you’re protected, but that’s not always true. Lightning can still damage your house if it strikes the electrical wiring or the plumbing.


Here are three signs your home was struck by lightning:


  • Roof Fire Damage


Lightning bolts carry a huge negative electrical charge and always seek the shortest path to the ground: your roof. As a result, a powerful lightning strike can smash through the roof, into the attic, and start a fire there.


When leaving the house is safe, check your roof for any holes or burn marks. If you notice damage, call a roofer to provide a repair cost estimate, which you can submit to your insurance company. 


  • Shockwave Damage to Your House


If your home takes a direct lightning strike, it can create a powerful shockwave that is strong enough to break bricks, cinderblocks, and even concrete, causing structural damage. The financial loss will be significant, so it is best to leave the negotiations with your insurance company to experienced homeowners’ insurance claim attorneys.


  • Electrical Damage Inside Your Home


Lightning can damage your home even if it does not cause a fire. Look in the yard, as the lightning may have hit the ground nearby, allowing the electrical charge to enter the house through the pipes. You may have to replace the appliances plugged in during the lightning strike. Prepare a list with receipts of all electrical items damaged by lightning, including the date and amount of purchase.


Proving Lightning Caused Damage


You will need to show proof that lightning damaged your house and possessions. Photograph any damage to your home’s exterior, such as a hole or char marks as soon as it is safe to go outside. In addition, a ground strike can damage your electrical system and plumbing if it occurs near your house. If you notice any char marks or holes in your yard, take pictures of them. 


Next, call a professional contractor to check out the damage. They can provide documentation that the damage is due to a lightning strike and the cost for replacements or repairs. These two items are crucial to submit to your insurer to file a claim.


When lightning strikes your home, electrical problems can affect the entire house, or anything plugged into sockets. You may lose major appliances wired into the house, such as your air conditioner or water heater, and appliances plugged into the walls. Check the damage and functionality of all these items to make a full claim.


Your Lightning Damage Insurance Lawyer


Lightning is a reality for anyone living in Florida. Ruel Law Firm can help you if the insurance company is not honoring its policy or if you need help with your insurance claim. If you pay insurance premiums for your home or business, you have a right to receive coverage when lightning damages or destroys your property. 


At Ruel Law Firm, we fight to uphold your rights and will work tirelessly until you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Call us at 833-RUEL-LAW (783-5529) today or contact us online to schedule a consultation and learn more about your legal options.


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Sources:


https://www.myallianceinsurance.com/what-to-do-if-lightning-hits-your-house/


https://www.amfam.com/resources/articles/understanding-insurance/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-lightning


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