Lightning Caused A Power Surge That Fried My Electronics
The situation: Lightning hit near my house and the surge fried my TV, computer and router. Will my homeowners insurance pay for them?
Quick Answer
Often yes, depending on the policy. Standard homeowners policies cover damage that results from a lightning strike, and some also cover damage caused by power surges. Your belongings would generally fall under personal property coverage, less your deductible. Whether they're paid at replacement cost or depreciated value depends on your policy.
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What Happened
During a summer storm, lightning struck a utility pole outside Mark's house. The surge burned out his TV, desktop computer and Wi-Fi router, about $2,600 in all. His homeowners policy listed lightning as a covered peril and his deductible was $1,000. The adjuster confirmed the damage was from the strike, and the claim paid for the electronics, less the deductible.
Likely Relevant Policies
- Homeowners Insurance
- Renters Insurance
Potential Coverages
Personal Property Coverage High likelihood
Belongings damaged by lightning, including surge damage on many policies, generally fall under personal property coverage, less the deductible.
Dwelling Coverage Possible likelihood
Damage to the home's wiring or built-in systems from the strike may fall under dwelling coverage.
Equipment breakdown endorsement Possible likelihood
Some insurers offer this for appliances and systems, which can matter for surge damage not caused by lightning.
Possible Exclusions
- Surges from causes other than lightning, such as a utility fault, may be treated differently.
- Wear and tear or electrical failure unrelated to a covered event is typically excluded.
Questions That Determine Coverage
- Was the surge caused by lightning or by something else?
- Does your policy cover power surge damage?
- Are belongings paid at replacement cost or actual cash value?
- Is the total loss more than your deductible?
Recommended Immediate Actions
- Unplug damaged devices and check for fire or burning smells.
- Photograph the damage and note the time of the storm.
- Ask an electrician to check the wiring if anything seems off.
- Keep the damaged devices until the adjuster says otherwise.
- List each item with its age and cost.
Documents to Collect
- Photos of damaged items
- Receipts or order records
- Electrician's or repair shop's report
- Weather or utility outage reports for that time
Common Claim Process
Report the claim to your homeowners or renters insurer. The adjuster may ask for a repair technician's report confirming surge damage. The claim is paid under personal property coverage, less the deductible.
Potential Outcomes
- Electronics paid at replacement cost or actual cash value, less the deductible.
- If the cause was a utility fault rather than lightning, coverage depends on the policy.
- A loss below the deductible pays nothing.
Risk Prevention Tips
- Use surge protectors on valuable electronics.
- Ask about a whole-home surge protection device from an electrician.
- Keep an inventory of electronics with purchase dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a power surge covered without lightning?
It depends on the policy. Some cover surges, and others need an endorsement.
Should I keep the broken devices?
Yes, until the adjuster has inspected them or told you otherwise.
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The factual claims on this page were checked against these sources. Rules and figures change, so check the source itself if you need to confirm the current version.
- iii.orgLightning coverage and safety · Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I)
- tdi.texas.govHome insurance guide · Texas Department of Insurance
Educational information, not advice: This scenario describes how a loss like this commonly goes, not how your claim will be decided. Coverage depends on your policy's wording, limits and deductibles, your state, and the facts. Confirm specifics with your insurer.