June through October are the top months for lightning damage
Be prepared when lightning strikes
Lightning can strike at any time and cause damage to structures, electronics, and home appliances. According to State Farm’s 2020 claims data, the average claim cost for a lightning strike is nearly $12,000. Ground surges are the number one lightning related claim and can happen even if lightning strikes near a home causing a spike in electricity, which can short out home electrical systems.
In 2020, State Farm paid $115M on nearly 10,000 claims for damages from lightning strikes.
| Top Five States | Total Claims Paid | Top Five Months | Claim Cost |
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“Because lightning strikes can cause so much damage to a home and its contents, it is a good idea to make sure you are having an annual conversation with your agent to ensure your homeowner’s insurance covers any damage caused by lightning,” said Gina Wilken, State Farm Public Affairs Specialist. “Another thing to do annually is update your home inventory so you have an on-hand record of any personal items that need replaced.”
To prepare your home for lightning, consider investing in lightning protection such as a lightning rod or surge protection devices. Talk with a trusted contractor to decide what is best for your home.
For over 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance in the United States. Its more than 19,400 agents and 67,000 employees serve over 91 million policies and accounts – including auto, fire, life, health, commercial policies and financial services accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 44 on the 2023 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.
