Lightning and Surge Claims

Claims with electronics and electrically powered specialty items may include outdoor equipment like solar power systems, landscape lighting, lawnmowers, and more.

Policyholders report lightning as a cause of loss more often than other perils. Before deciding on claims with reported lightning damages, adjusters should know the truth behind seven myths related to lightning claims.

While structural fires as a direct result of lightning are rare, they do occur, and it’s important to get all the facts from the scene before you make a claim decision.

Many summer HVAC losses are reported as storm damage claims caused by lightning, hail, or wind. Learn what evaluations may reveal about the actual cause of loss.

Lightning is one of the most frequently reported causes of loss listed on HVAC and electronics claims – policyholders reported it for almost 20% of HVAC systems and nearly 40% of electronics in claims.

Voltage irregularities happen more often than people would imagine, and with them come some big risks of repercussions to electrical equipment people frequently use.

Lightning can trigger damage to many items in a home or business, including electronics, appliances, solar power equipment, or outdoor electronics, because it can travel through the ground, wires, and pipes.

Adjusters shouldn’t assume lightning is the cause of loss based on a policyholder’s contractor and should rely on comprehensive assessment results to decipher which peril is related to the HVAC claim they are working on.

It’s a good thing the adjuster for this claim didn’t take the contractor’s word for all the items listed as damaged by lightning.

Lightning verification reports can confirm or exclude lightning’s presence at the location during the time of loss – before anyone ever inspects the equipment.