LIGHTNING DAMAGE CLAIMS

Lightning claims add unique aspects to the process since they are so unpredictable.  Some lightning damage can be discovered immediately while other damage may take time to come to the surface.  Lightning strikes and power surges can affect appliances, electronics, phone systems, computers, electrical fixtures, and the electrical infrastructure of your dwelling or home.

UNDERSTANDING  YOUR LARGE LOSS CLAIM:

If you can determine where the power surge came from that will benefit your claim as some insurance companies won’t pay out for an offsite surge.  The extent of the damage needs to be taken into account.

When it is difficult to determine the damage experts can be called in to better assess the situation.  They might include electrical engineers, electronic experts, and appliance experts.  This will help you determine whether the damaged items are a total loss or can be repaired.

In some cases a lightning strike can also bring about fire.  This would usually be covered under a different part of the policy for fire damage.

Call HDG Public Adjusters for guidance through the claims process to make sure your best interests are taken into account.

LIGHTNING FACTS:

• Lightning causes an average of 80 deaths and 300 injuries each year.
• The energy from one lightning flash could light a 100 watt light bulb for more than 3 months.
• Only about 10% of people that are struck are actually killed. 90% survive, but nearly 25% of these survivors suffer long term psychological or physiological trauma.
• 92% of lightning injuries and deaths occur between May and September.
• 45% of the deaths and 80% of injuries occurred in these months between 10am and 7pm.
• Rubber-soled shoes & rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning.
• Lightning can strike more than 10 miles away from any rainfall. More than 50% of lightning deaths occur AFTER the storm has passed.

Sourced from NOAA