Florida is sometimes referred to as the lightning capital of the country. It is really not surprising considering all of the hurricanes, tropical waves, and thunderstorms that batter the state’s coastline. During these storms, it is almost inevitable that some property will be struck by lightning, and suffer serious damage as a result. If your property has been damaged by lightning, the damage is likely covered by insurance. However, you must prove the full extent of it to obtain the full coverage you are entitled to. Below, our Daytona Beach storm damage lawyer explains how to do it.
Is Lightning Damage Covered By Insurance?
The vast majority of homeowners insurance policies do provide coverage for lightning damage. Still, that does not mean that all insurers are eager to pay that coverage and help property owners. Insurance companies are much more worried about their bottom line, which they protect by denying and delaying the coverage people need after a serious event.
Insurers attempt to deny claims involving lightning damage by arguing that there is insufficient proof that the damage was caused by lightning. An insurance adjuster may even argue that the items you are seeking coverage for were not damaged due to the lightning strike. The burden is then on you to prove that your property was damaged, and that it was lightning that caused it.
Proving Damage was Caused by Lightning
When submitting a claim for lightning damage, you must present strong and clear evidence that shows how the damage occurred. Char marks, holes, and other damage to the exterior of your house is some of the best evidence that lightning damaged your home. As soon as it is safe to do so, take pictures of the damage to show to the insurance company.
If lightning strikes the ground on your property or near your home, it can also damage your plumbing as well as your electrical system. Insurance should provide coverage for this damage, too. Just like any damage to your home, you should also look on your lawn and in nearby places for holes, char marks, and other evidence of damage.
You should also contact an electrician or plumber after lightning has struck your property. These professionals can advise on the damage lightning caused, and will document it, which can serve as further proof when filing your claim. Also make sure you check your appliances that were plugged in at the time of the lightning strike, as these can become damaged, as well.
Contact Our Storm Damage Lawyers in Daytona Beach for Help with Your Claim
If your property has been damaged by lightning, our Daytona Beach storm damage lawyers at Bundza & Rodriguez can help you prove your case to the insurance company so you obtain the full and fair coverage you are entitled to. Call us now at 386-252-5170 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled attorneys and to learn more about how we can help with your case.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0624/Sections/0624.155.html
By Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A. | Posted on February 7, 2023
FAQs
When submitting a claim for lightning damage, you must present strong and clear evidence that shows how the damage occurred. Char marks, holes, and other damage to the exterior of your house is some of the best evidence that lightning damaged your home.
How do you prove lightning damage? ›
Proving that your property damage was caused by lightning can be difficult because it may be hard to detect evidence of lightning. After lightning strikes your property, you should first check for any physical evidence of the lightning strike, like a charred area on the roof.
Can you claim for lightning damage? ›
Homeowners insurance should cover most lightning-related property damage, whether it is part of a greater disaster recovery or a standalone lightning strike. An attorney can review your policy and damages, then explain what losses your insurance company must cover.
Should I file a claim for lightning damage? ›
As soon as it is safe to do so, take pictures of the damage to show to the insurance company. If lightning strikes the ground on your property or near your home, it can also damage your plumbing as well as your electrical system. Insurance should provide coverage for this damage, too.
Does homeowners insurance cover lightning damage? ›
Home insurance covers lightning strike damage to your home, belongings, and other structures on your property. So if lightning strikes your house and it catches fire, your home insurance would cover the cost of repairs.
What to check after a lightning strike? ›
Q7: What signs should I look for after a lightning strike? A: After a lightning strike, look for flickering lights, burning smells, damaged appliances, or non-functioning outlets. Call a professional like Right Touch Electrical for a thorough evaluation if you notice any of these signs.
How do you test wiring after lightning strike? ›
The Megger test sends a 500 volt to 1,000 volt DC current across an electrical system that is designed for 240 volts AC. The test voltage is two to four times greater than the normal operating voltage, and can be very destructive.
What happens to your house when it gets struck by lightning? ›
A direct hit from a lightning bolt is so powerful that it can split stone, brick, cinderblock, and concrete with ease. If lightning strikes your home, the sheer force of the bolt can wreak havoc on your chimney, causing cracks and fractures or possibly flying shrapnel. A strike can even decimate the structure entirely.
Will insurance cover car struck by lightning? ›
If your car is struck by lightning, comprehensive coverage can help you pay to repair or replace your vehicle. If you don't carry comprehensive coverage, you will have to pay for any damage out of pocket.
Does insurance cover car being struck by lightning? ›
Car insurance does cover lightning strikes if you have comprehensive insurance. This type of coverage pays for damages related to weather and other incidents that don't involve a collision.
Yes, lightning can strike the inside of your home if you leave a window open. While it's not likely lightning will strike you through an open window, your odds of being struck are higher with open windows than closed windows.
Is lightning considered act of God for insurance? ›
Comprehensive auto coverage typically covers acts of God including hurricanes, lightning strikes, earthquakes, and more. As for the home, many standard homeowners insurance cover natural disasters and weather events such as wind, hail, and wildfires.
Does insurance cover trees struck by lightning? ›
Insurance Companies Might Give You Trouble
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), a tree struck by lightning is typically covered under most homeowners insurance policies. The damage caused by the tree, as well as the contents of any structure that was damaged, are also generally covered.
What damages are caused by lightning? ›
Lightning can cause damage to walls, concrete, plaster and glass of a building. It can damage the electrical appliances connected to damaged sockets. Lightning can damage tall trees and crops. It can even lead to forest fire.
What are the marks when you get hit by lightning? ›
Lichtenberg figures are common markings on the skin of people struck by a lightning. Their nature and physiopathology are still largely unknown. They are described as fractal-patterned pink-red transient marks, generally fading in 24–48 h.
Do lightning strikes leave marks on the ground? ›
Lighting strikes always leaves traces on the ground where they hit. The leave shapes like Lichtenberg figures anywhere they hit. They leave marks on the ground indicating where the strike has hit and the directions the bolt has dissipated in.
Is a car struck by lightning covered by insurance? ›
If your car is struck by lightning, comprehensive coverage can help you pay to repair or replace your vehicle. If you don't carry comprehensive coverage, you will have to pay for any damage out of pocket.
Can lightning cause a ground fault? ›
What causes a line to ground fault? A line-to-ground fault is a short circuit between one line and the ground. It's often caused by physical contact due to lightning or storm damage.
