Filing an insurance claim for lightning damage might seem easy and straightforward; unfortunately, it is not. Claim submission can be particularly complex in cases resulting from lightning-related damage; your homeowner’s insurance company might refuse to cover damage beyond fire losses.
This article seeks to cover how to file a lightning-related damage claim as well as prove to insurance that any damage occurred from a lightning strike.
Does Homeowners Insurance Policy Cover Lightning Damage In Florida?
Yes, homeowners insurance does cover lightning damage; however, lightning strike claims tend to meet with resistance by insurance providers in Florida; lightning and storm damage claims have proved particularly challenging to pursue successfully in recent times.
Insurance companies will often deny lightning damage insurance claims by asserting that many of the items claimed as damaged were unconnected to any particular lightning strike or lack evidence demonstrating one occurred. As homeowners, it will be up to them to demonstrate both that lightning struck and that any subsequent damages occurred as a direct result of it.
Lighten Up on Lighting Safety of You and Your Property
A home or business owner who values family life should also prioritize safeguarding property from lightning storm damage. Here are five strategies for keeping both protected from harm during lightning strikes.
- Unplug Electronic Devices
To prevent lightning damage and save yourself some stress during thunderstorms, unplug electronic devices connected to wall outlets plugged into an electrical socket when possible and in any instance where lightning appears within 30 seconds after hearing thunder claps, then unplug and shut down devices as soon as they appear in order to protect them against being affected by a direct lightning bolt.
- Surge protectors cannot stand against lightning strikes.
Unfortunately, surge protectors will not protect your devices against direct lightning strikes – these devices were created to manage voltage spikes but cannot withstand the 100 million – 1 billion volts that comprise lightning bolts. Unplugging them from power outlets is the simplest and safest solution when protecting devices against an impending strike of electricity from outside sources.
- Lightning protection systems provide homes and businesses.
If lightning damage concerns are on your mind, consider installing one to provide safe paths for it to travel back down into the ground before any potential issues can develop.
- Don’t forget our furry friends either: lightning could strike at any moment!
Keeping this in mind could protect all their fur while providing shelter to help prevent disaster from striking your home too soon. Make sure your pets have access to safe spaces during thunderstorms, so they do not become trapped outside where they could become vulnerable and suffer injuries.
- Follow the 30-30 Rule when engaging in outdoor activities.
Avoid swimming pools during thunderstorms or any time you can see lightning and hear thunder; use the 30-30 rule instead: if thunder can be heard within 30 seconds after seeing lightning, seek shelter immediately – wait 30 minutes and resume outdoor activities once safety permits.
Can You File a Property Insurance Claim After Being Hit By Lightning?
Absolutely yes. Over the last three years, Floridians filed more than 250,000 insurance claims related to lightning strike damage for property losses totaling nearly $2.6 billion paid out across these claims.
Most policies include coverage against damage caused by lightning strikes that spark fires, all damages arising from fire loss regardless of their source.
Lightning strikes can cause more than fire damage when struck. Lightning travels along electrical wiring or metal plumbing and causes electronics, household goods, or any other form of property damage as it travels along its course. While fire damages might seem obvious to claimants, lightning damage insurance claim may require their own claim letter and assessment process since some insurance adjusters might only check out evidence related to fire.
How To Prove Lightning Has Damaged My Property?
In order to provide proof that lightning damage has affected your home and belongings, you will need evidence. Holes, char marks, or any visible evidence on the exterior should be photographed immediately as soon as it’s safe.
However, ground strikes near your home can do considerable harm to both its electrical and plumbing systems, leaving damage behind that must be assessed as soon as possible. Check for signs such as burn marks or holes in your yard; take pictures if needed to document these.
Next, call in an electrician or plumber to inspect what has been damaged by a lightning strike and document its cause and cost of repairs or replacement cost – these documents can then be submitted as evidence against your homeowner’s policy for claims purposes.
Electrical damage from lightning strikes can spread throughout a house and to all plugged-in appliances or major items wired directly into it – making an electrical claim complex and time-consuming. Make sure all items listed here have been checked off so you can file an accurate claim.
Conducting a Lightning Damage Assessment: Steps and Checklist
Lightning can be breathtaking to watch, yet when it strikes your property, it can leave devastating destruction behind. Proving that lightning caused the damage is key if your insurer requires proof before accepting your claim for compensation.
Conducting a Lightning Damage Evaluation
In order to establish that lightning caused your damages, conducting an effective assessment is vitally important. Here are some steps and checklist items that will assist with this process:
- Begin with Safety: Before inspecting lightning damage to your property, ensure all electrical devices have been switched off.
- Conduct an Inspection on Your Roof: Your roof is one of the most susceptible components of your home when it comes to lightning strike damage. Checking potential roofing issues will help establish whether there has been any structural harm caused by lightning strikes.
- Check for Burn Marks: Checking power outlets or switches as well as appliances such as TVs & microwaves for burn marks could indicate electrical surges during storms.
- Assess Electrical Wiring and Devices: Be vigilant of areas in your walls/floor where electrical wires enter walls/floors as well as appliances (like refrigerators) connected directly to power sources!
- Identify What Requires Repair/replacement: Once you’ve identified which items need fixing due to being affected by lightning damage, start planning accordingly by consulting professionals that offer such repairs/services regularly, such as electricians, etc.
- Document Everything: Take pictures/videos/written notes as soon as possible that document all damages experienced along with location details to make filing lightning claims later easier – evidence gives insurers proof and not just hearsay!
- Contact Your Insurance Provider: As soon as initial assessments/documentation is submitted to an insurer for claim processing to begin, make contact immediately so as to expedite this step in the claim procedure process.
Contact ClaimsPro USA To Process Your Lightning Damage Claims
If lightning has damaged your home or vehicle, consulting an experienced lightning strike insurance claim adjuster would be wise. A public adjuster specialized in lightning-caused claims like ClaimsPro USA will make sure the insurance provider adheres to their policies while covering for damages that have occurred.
ClaimsPro USA understands how insurers attempt to avoid paying claims, our public insurance adjuster will ensure you receive fair treatment and sufficient compensation to repair or replace damaged items inside and outside your home.
Contact us now for a complimentary and confidential consultation, and let us see if we can help!