Are lightning strikes covered by homeowners insurance?

Indirect lightning strikes

When lightning strikes at a home or property near your home, it can cause damage to your electrical appliances. Lightning that strikes creates a spike in the power grid. Through pipes and cables in the ground, this high voltage can also enter your home. The sudden high voltage can be too much for the equipment connected to it, causing it to break down. These cases are referred to as indirect lightning strikes.

Many insurers call damage caused by indirect lightning strikes induction damage. Devices show many defects or stop working altogether. Often little or no traces of lightning strikes can be seen. This makes it difficult for an insurer to determine whether the equipment was broken by lightning.

Preventing lightning strikes

To prevent damage from lightning strikes, follow the tips below:

• Unplug electrical appliances and turn off the main switch. Also consider internet and TV cables.
• Especially for detached homes, it is smart to install (or have installed) a lightning rod on the house.
• Make sure you have a good surge protector. This will prevent damage to your electrical appliances.

Other damages

Thunderstorms are often accompanied by heavy rainfall and it can also be very strong winds or even storms. This may also cause storm damage to their home.
Storm damage, of course, is annoying enough. You would prefer that the damage caused by the storm be repaired as soon as possible. With building insurance, you pay a deductible in the event of storm damage before you are compensated for the damage. Usually this amount is set at €150. You can increase or decrease the amount yourself.

The terms and conditions of your home insurance policy will tell you exactly what damages you will be reimbursed for in the event of a lightning strike.

Are you insured through Alpina? You can report your claim online or contact us by phone.