If your home is damaged by lightning, your homeowners insurance may cover it. Most homeowners insurance policies cover lightning strikes. However, there are some exclusions that you should know about.
Our experienced Houston homeowners insurance claim lawyers at Haun Mena explain homeowners insurance and lightning strikes in Texas.
Lightning strike house damage
U.S. insurers paid more than $1 billion for lightning damage claims in 2024. In that year, Texas insurers paid out $168 million for lightning-related losses.
Texas ranks second, behind Florida, for the total number of lightning claims in 2024. There were 4,369 claims filed in the state in 2024.
Texas has the highest payment amounts per claim of any state, on average. The average lightning damage homeowners claim in Texas is $38,558.
FEMA reports that fires from lightning strikes cause nearly double the financial loss of fires from other causes.
Lightning strikes are dangerous and deadly
In addition to being costly, lightning strikes are dangerous. The National Weather Service reports an average of 3.7 deaths from lightning strikes each year in Texas. Lightning strikes cause more than 17,000 fires each year in the United States.
Does standard homeowners insurance cover lightning strikes?
Yes. Standard homeowners insurance covers lightning strikes. Usually, the policy expressly lists lightning as a covered peril. The policy may also be written as all-risk, covering lightning unless it’s excluded. There may be differences in the way the policy is worded for dwelling coverage versus personal property.
In Texas, insurance companies must use approved forms for homeowners insurance policies. There are several different forms of named-perils and all-risk coverage.
However, it is important to note that while lightning strikes to a home are typically covered, off-site power surges are often excluded or severely limited under the typical homeowner’s policy. It is imperative that you understand your policy’s exclusions before you offer information about the details of your claim to an insurance company or adjuster.
What’s covered in Texas homeowners lightning damage claims?
Texas homeowners insurance typically covers the following lightning damage:
Direct damage: Roof, walls, doors, and other structural components.
Personal property damage: From a direct strike or from the electrical impulse caused by the lighting strike.
Other structures: Like a shed or fence.
Fire: Including smoke damage and water damage from firefighting.
Loss of use: Covers living expenses if your home is unsafe to live in.
The damage may be caused by the direct lightning strike, a power surge, or fire caused by the strike.
Lightning, power surges, and electronics: the coverage gap
If the lightning strike is nearby, such as on the neighbor’s property, damage from a power surge may be excluded.
It’s also important to refute allegations that inadequate maintenance or bad wiring contributed to the damage. The insurance company may blame the damage on wear and tear.
In addition to these major coverage gaps, you must meet your deductible before receiving an insurance payment.
A lawyer can help you understand what’s covered. We can help you take the steps to maximize the compensation available to you.
How to document lightning damage for an insurance claim
To document lightning damage for an insurance claim:
Take photos and videos. Show the entire room and specifically damaged items up close. Leave time and date stamps on the video.
Narrate your videos. As you take a video, talk about the damage. Don’t assume that you’ll remember everything later.
Interior and exterior. Take photos and video both inside and outside of your dwelling.
Make a list. Inventory damaged items. Gather as much detail as you can about high-value items like model numbers, purchase dates, prices, and receipts.
Save damaged items. Keep damaged appliances and other items while you’re documenting your case. Even keep damaged outlets and circuit boards for inspection.
Unplug items. Unplugging damaged appliances to lower fire risk.
Professional estimates. Work with professionals to estimate damage and repair costs.
Save receipts. If you’re displaced from your home, keep receipts for living expenses, meals, and other incidentals.
Weather reports. Gather weather reports that prove there was lightning in your area when the damage occurred.
Inspect your home. Have your home inspected by an electrician and structural inspector. Look for hidden fires, shock dangers, fire risk, and plumbing and gas line damage that may make your home unsafe.
As you inspect your home, look outside and inside. Don’t forget to look at the roof. Check for unusual smells, and listen for buzzing and hissing sounds that may indicate electrical issues or gas leaks.
Common reasons lightning damage claims get denied
Lightning damage claims commonly get denied because:
Damage not covered: Lightning damage may not be covered if it’s lower than the deductible or if a direct strike does not cause it.
Maintenance or wear and tear: Negligent maintenance or general wear and tear caused the damage.
Poor documentation: The homeowner doesn’t document their loss sufficiently.
Pre-existing damage: The damage existed before the lightning strike.
Lack of proof: There’s no proof that a lightning strike occurred.
Hidden damage: Damage is internal to the home’s structure, and the homeowner doesn’t thoroughly inspect the property.
Many causes of lightning-strike homeowners’ insurance claim denial can be avoided by thoroughly documenting the case. You may have a lawyer assist with your claim.
Appealing a denied lightning damage claim in Texas
If your lightning damage claim in Texas has been denied, you can appeal it. There are several paths to appeal, including requesting internal reconsideration or starting a legal claim. It’s important to understand the reason for the denial. A lawyer can represent you.
When to involve an insurance attorney
With lightning damage claims involving significant dollar amounts, it’s often beneficial to involve an attorney. If you don’t understand how to build your claim, what steps to take, or how to interpret your policy, a lawyer can help. We can help you investigate, review your coverage, and negotiate. We can file a legal claim or assist with an appeal.
Contact a Lightning Damage Homeowners Lawyer in Texas
Haun Mena represents homeowners in lightning damage claims. Call or message us now.
