When lightning strikes a home, it can cause serious damage in a matter of seconds. Everything from electrical fires to destroyed appliances and structural harm. Even if the strike isn’t immediately obvious, the electrical surge alone can damage wiring behind walls and ruin electronics throughout the home. Knowing what steps to take in the minutes and days afterward can help keep your family safe, minimize damage, and make sure the insurance process goes smoothly. Here’s what to do if lightning hits your house.
1. Make Sure Everyone is Safe
Your first priority is safety. A lightning strike can cause hidden fires, electrical issues, or structural instability.
- Leave the house if you see or smell smoke, hear crackling sounds, or notice any sign of fire.
- Do not touch electrical appliances, outlets, or plumbing until they’ve been inspected by an electrician.
- Call emergency services if there is visible damage, burning smells, smoke, or sparks.
2. Document the Damage Immediately
Once the area is safe, begin documenting everything affected by the strike.
- Photograph and video damaged property, burned outlets, scorch marks, roof damage, or broken electronics.
- Make a list of damaged items, including model numbers and purchase dates if possible.
- Keep damaged items on hand for inspection, do not throw anything out until your claim is complete.
- Record the time and details of the lightning strike and any emergency response.
3. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Call your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process. An adjuster may need to inspect the damage before repairs begin.
4. Understand Structural vs. Personal Property Damage
Lightning damage can extend far beyond what you see initially:
- Roof and exterior structure damage
- House fires in walls or attic spaces
- Burned or melted wiring
- Damage to electronics and appliances
- Internal smoke or water damage from fire suppression
Should You Call Your Insurance if Lightning Strikes Your Home?
That depends on the type of insurance you have. If you have homeowners’ insurance, most often lightning will be covered. See more details below.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Lightning Strikes?
Yes. Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies list lightning as a covered peril. This generally includes:
- Dwelling coverage for damage to your home’s structure
- Fire damage resulting from the strike
- Personal property coverage for electronics and appliances damaged by the surge
However, damage from a power surge unrelated to a lightning strike may not be covered. You may also need additional coverage for high-value electronics or equipment.
Does Renters Insurance Cover Lightning Damage to Electronics?
Yes, renters’ insurance typically covers personal belongings damaged by lightning or a resulting power surge. While the building structure itself is covered by the property owner’s insurance, your personal electronics (TVs, computers, small appliances, gaming systems) are covered under your personal property limits.
However, renters’ policies do not cover damage from utility outages, normal wear and tear, or unrelated power surges.
Important Insurance Questions to Ask:
Even if your belongings are covered in the event of a lightning strike, it isn’t always worth starting a claim. Think about the following questions and the value of the damaged items to decide if it’s a good idea:
- What is my deductible, and does it make filing a claim worthwhile?
- Do I have replacement cost coverage or actual cash value coverage?
- What are the caps or limits on electronics and appliances?
- Do I have Additional Living Expenses coverage if my home becomes uninhabitable?
How to File a Claim After a Lightning Strike
If you’ve decided it’s worth it to start a claim, here’s everything you need to do:
- Contact your insurer immediately and report the damage.
- Submit documentation: photos, videos, receipts, and inventory lists.
- Keep all damaged property until the adjuster advises otherwise.
- Do only temporary repairs until the inspection is complete.
- Save receipts for any emergency expenses.
- Get repair estimates if requested.
Prevention & Safety Tips
While lightning is unpredictable, there are steps you can take to help reduce risk and protect your home. Investing in high-quality surge protectors can help minimize electrical damage. During severe storms, unplug valuable electronics when possible. Keeping trees trimmed and exterior areas free of loose debris can prevent additional hazards. Finally, make a habit of reviewing and updating your insurance coverage yearly to make sure your policy reflects the value of the items you own and the structure of your home.
Consult an Insurance Professional Now
A lightning strike can be a very overwhelming experience, but taking the right steps immediately can make the recovery process much easier.
At Kind Insurance, we’re an independent insurance agency. That means we work with multiple different insurance companies, shop around, and find the best plan for you. We pride ourselves on leading all interactions with kindness. That means answering all your questions about specific situations like this one, and finding the best & most affordable policy for you.
Shopping for homeowners’ and renters’ insurance is easy with Kind Insurance. Get a quote today.