Lighting Damage and Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy

Lightning damage poses a significant threat to Florida homeowners. While most policies provide coverage for lightning damage in their standard policies, homeowners should review these policies and take measures to ensure that their risk for lightning damage is low.

While many homeowners’ insurance claims result from the damage caused by tornadoes and hurricanes, there is another type of natural disaster that can cause just as much damage: lightning. As Florida is the lightning capital of the world, it is important for homeowners to review their homeowners’ policies to ensure that lightning damage is a covered expense. While coverage for lightning damage is standard for most homeowners’ insurance policies, not all cover the damage caused by lightning.

While many homeowners are not aware of the potential damage lightning could cause, lightning can actually cause serious damage. It can damage not only the structure of your house but can also damage internal components of your house.

There are a number of different actions homeowners can take in order to protect their homes from lightning, and these actions may also work to lower your insurance premiums. If your home is protected against lightning damage it is likely that you will qualify for lower homeowners’ insurance quotes. Taking the following actions can show insurance companies that your home is at low risk for lightning damage:
Installing a lightning rod on the roof of your home will direct the lightning into the ground instead of letting it run its course through your house where it could cause serious damage.

Installing either an energy shield or surge-protection device on the electric meter outside of your home will also work to direct lightning into the ground instead of directly at your home. Check with your local electric company regarding this option, they may offer surge protection devices that will keep your home electronics and other major appliances protected from damage.

As lightning can strike anywhere with little warning, it is essential for all Florida homeowners to have adequate homeowners’ insurance coverage in place that protects against the damage lightning can cause. This assures that if the worst happens, any cost for repairs or replacement of damaged property will be covered. You should make sure that the replacement cost limit for your property under your policy is enough to cover the replacement cost of your home.

Florida homeowners should review their policies to determine if their policies cover all forms of lightning damage and how extensive this coverage is. Talking to a licensed homeowners’ insurance agent can help Florida homeowners review their coverage options.

Milla Tawnie writes for Orlando auto insurance and Orlando home insurance agency, the Florida Insurance Group. To learn more or to get auto and home insurance quotes, visit FloridaInsurance.com.

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