Electrically powered equipment is prone to lightning damage if a surge enters the electrical system. Lightning can travel from the utility power line to the electrical panel and through the home’s wiring to the outlets. Anything plugged into or connected to these components could sustain damage. (Credit- Gurzoglu/Shutterstock) Electrically powered equipment is prone to lightning damage if a surge enters the electrical system. Lightning can travel from the utility power line to the electrical panel and through the home’s wiring to the outlets. Anything plugged into or connected to these components could sustain damage. (Credit- Gurzoglu/Shutterstock)

Damage can happen in a flash. Lightning can impact whatever is in its path, from appliances to electronics or an entire electrical panel. And each item could wind up in an insurance claim.

The number of homeowners insurance claims related to lightning decreased between 2016-2018, according to data from the Insurance Information Institute, but the average cost of a claim increased during the same time frame, going from $9,628 in 2016 to $11,668. This could be the result of equipment being valued higher or being prone to more damage. Regardless, it’s important adjusters know how these items in the claims are damaged.

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