The Hartford Financial Services Group, a provider of investment and insurance products, said its company records showed that the number of lightning-related homeowners' claims is declining, but the total cost of those claims is rising significantly.

According to the company's data, the number of lightning-related claims declined by 48 percent from January 2001 through July of 2006, while the cost of replacing property and belongings grew by 77 percent during that same period. Company data also showed that 73 percent of all lightning-strike claims in those five years were reported during the months of June through September. Thirty-seven percent of total lightning losses, the greatest amount, occurred in the Southeast region, while the Northeast, in second place, generated 18 percent.

"When you think about it in terms of consumer trends and the cost of living, it does make sense," said Vicky Pace, assistant vice president of claims at The Hartford. "People are purchasing many more higher-end appliances and electronics, such as flat screen televisions, home theatre systems, computers, and office equipment, which can be very expensive to replace when damaged. Labor and material costs associated with rebuilding have also been rising and can add to the price tag of a claim."