Lightning strike leads to insurance claim of more than £45,000

New analysis of claims data by SELECT Premier Insurance from Direct Line has revealed that a single lightning bolt can cause more than £45,000 of damage to a property within seconds.

A policyholder claimed after a single lightning bolt struck their home, damaging its electrical system causing £45,884.23 of damage. CCTV cameras, intruder alarm, water features, telephone line, heating and lighting systems were just some of the listed items that required replacing in the insurer’s biggest lightning claim to date.

The strike damaged four flat screen TVs and Sky boxes together with a Bang & Olufsen sound system in the home’s gymnasium. The core units of the property’s Lutron home control system were also damaged, requiring the bespoke system to be completely redesigned.

Other lightning claims settled by the insurer in the 12 months have seen pay outs of more than £5,000 to repair a property’s electric gates and electrical system and cover for over £1,000 of damage to a homeowner’s wind turbine in Leeds.

Nick Brabham, head of SELECT Premier Insurance, said: “Lightning damage isn’t something we see a lot of but it has the potential to be extremely costly when it does strike.

“With so many homes filled with the latest gadgets and electrical equipment, one bolt could wipe out an entire household of items meaning people are left with a hefty repair bill. They say that lightning doesn’t strike twice and with the potential bill reaching more than £45,000 you really wouldn’t want it to.”

Claims Media