Does insurance cover lightning strikes?
Short answer. Yes, homeowners insurance covers damage from a lightning strike to the house, including the roof, the electrical system and any fire. What makes the difference is what you do in the first hours: check for hidden fire, document the strike, and list everything that stopped working, because some lightning damage shows up days later.
The first hour
- Check for fire. If you smell smoke or burning, get everyone out and call 911. Fires from lightning can smolder in attic insulation for hours. The fire department can scan with a thermal camera.
- Shut off power at the panel if outlets are sparking or there is a burning smell near wiring.
- Look at the attic with a flashlight for scorching, smoke or daylight through the decking.
- Cover openings in the roof if it is safe, or call a roofer to tarp.
The next few days
- Have a licensed electrician inspect the panel and wiring and put findings in writing.
- Test appliances, HVAC, well pumps, garage door openers and electronics. Make a list of everything that failed, with model numbers.
- Check plumbing and gas lines near the strike point.
- Photograph the roof, chimney and any struck tree.
Hidden damage to watch for
Electronics can fail days after a strike, and small roof holes may only show when it rains. Report the claim promptly with what you know, then add items as you find them. Keep damaged electronics until the adjuster says you can dispose of them.
Trees struck near the house
If lightning hits a tree and it falls on the house, the roof damage and removal from the structure are covered. A struck tree that stands but is dying is usually your expense to remove.
More: how to file a claim, emergency tarping and date of loss.