Lightning is as beautiful as it is dangerous. If a lightning strike catches you on the road, it is vital to take safety precautions. A lightning strike can not only cause severe damage to a vehicle but also kill you.
According to the National Weather Service for 2023, direct lightning strikes killed 13 people in the U.S., and the number of such fatalities totaled six as of early July 2024.
In 2023, the state of Texas had the highest number of lightning strikes (nearly 42.4 million), according to Statista. But Florida continues to hold the lead in lightning strike density.
Source: Fast Company
Each year, U.S. insurers pay out about $1 billion in lightning damage insurance claims.
This article will examine how to tell if your car was struck by lightning, how to file a claim and prove that the damage to your car was caused by lightning, as well as when insurance covers lightning damage and when it doesn’t.
When Your Car Is Struck by Lightning, Insurance Covers the Damage
Lightning can completely destroy your car or at least damage the electrics. Does car insurance cover lightning damage if my car is struck by lightning while driving or parking?
Yes, but only if you have a comprehensive cover. In this case, the insurance will support you, regardless of whether you were driving at the time of the lightning strike or the car was parked.
If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, you will have to pay for the damage to the car out of your own pocket. Considering the fact that lightning can completely destroy your car, it’s hard to overestimate the role of comprehensive insurance.
You should note that comprehensive insurance will cover this damage if you add it to your auto insurance policy before the lightning strikes.
Lightning Strike Car Insurance: How To File a Claim
If your car is struck by lightning, you should notify your insurance company. This process is called filing a claim, and it is advisable to do so immediately to make it easier to prove the damage and its cause.
The process of filing a claim involves the following steps:
1. Contact your insurance company.
You should immediately notify your insurer about the lightning incident.
2. Share information about the event.
You should record some details:
- The exact date of the event
- The location of the car at the time of the lightning strike
- The damage to the car caused by the lightning strike
Photos and videos of the damage are the best way to show the evidence.
3. Inquire about insurance coverage.
Ask about coverage to see if you can file a claim, as well as your policy’s deductible, which you’ll need to pay before you even receive coverage.
4. Make the decision to file a claim.
Consider all factors and evaluate whether the repair costs exceed your deductible to determine if it’s worth filing a claim.
5. Stay informed.
Always stay on top of the claim and respond promptly to any requests for documentation or information from your insurer.
6. Have your vehicle repaired.
The damage to a vehicle caused by lightning would be covered by your insurer, but you can choose your own repair shop or use one that is recommended to you.
When Insurance Does Not Cover Lightning Damage
Does insurance cover lightning damage if there is driver negligence? Your comprehensive car insurance may not cover lightning damage in some cases. This will happen when the following facts occur:
1. Negligence
Neglect can result in the cancellation of your lightning insurance coverage. For example, opening car windows during a thunderstorm.
2. Failure to take safety precautions
Parking your car under a dangerous tree during a thunderstorm can not only cost you your life but also prevent you from getting a lightning strike insurance claim.
Does insurance cover lightning strikes if the policy limit is exceeded? Unfortunately, no.
If the damage to your car exceeds the policy limits, the repairs may not be covered at all. This applies to high-end cars, for example.
Lightning Strike to a Car: External and Internal Damage
If a thunderstorm catches you in your car, you should park on the side of the road or in a car park, close the windows, and wait out the weather inside the cabin.
Cars provide decent lightning protection due to their metal body. As long as the windows remain closed, and the persons inside do not touch surfaces, the current will escape through the frame into the ground.
When lightning strikes a car, both external damage and internal damage can occur. A direct strike to the body usually always requires major repairs. An electrical surge caused by a discharge can burn out all or part of the electronics.
| External damage | Internal damage |
| – Tire bursts – Melting of plastic components (headlights, mirrors) – Fire in the passenger compartment – Dents – Burn marks and melt marks – Broken windows | Failure or complete combustion: – Engine computer – Wiring – Electronics – Battery |
Lightning strikes can also cause serious injury to people.
If your car is struck by lightning and there is no external damage, you can be sure that all or part of the electronics have failed. The car will stop starting, or certain components will not work properly.
How To Prove to Insurance Damage Is From Lightning
A lightning strike can cause damage to your car, ranging from pronounced to hidden damage that is hard to see at first. You may find burn marks, melted parts, or electrical systems malfunctioning. Always remember that some damage may show up much later.
If your car does get struck by lightning, you need to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to get a lightning strike insurance claim.
You will need to show proof that it was lightning that damaged your car. It is not difficult to record external signs of the strike. They can be photographed and any reports or news reports about the storm can be saved.
If there are no signs of external damage, it is important to understand how to prove that insurance damage was caused by lightning. You will need the help of professionals who can assess the condition of your car from the inside and document the damage and its cause.
It is also essential to record and preserve eyewitness accounts that can confirm the fact that lightning struck your vehicle.
In some states, especially Florida, you will have to deal with lightning frequently. According to the Insurance Information Institute, Florida tops the list of lightning insurance losses and claims with $104 million and 6,003 claims in 2023.
In such areas, taking out comprehensive coverage is no small part of your financial security.
Looking for the best car insurance options? Get a free insurance quote right away!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any specific types of car insurance that don’t cover lightning damage?
For example, liability and collision insurance are not lightning strikes covered by insurance. Comprehensive insurance is usually required to cover it.
What should I do if I suspect my car has been hit by lightning?
Once you are sure you are safe, document the scene of the accident. Take photos and videos.
Victoria Berezhetska is a Content Lead at Phonexa.com and an expert contributor to CoverExplore. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with extensive working experience as a PR specialist and content writer. At CoverExplore, she helps customers find the right educational material through easily digestible blog posts and buying guides backing their insurance coverage choice. Victoria covers diverse topics around digital and insurance marketing, including auto, home, health, and life insurance.
