Does my homeowners insurance cover lightning in Florida?

Recent lightning activity in Gainesville, Florida has local homeowners wondering what’s covered under my Florida homeowners’ insurance policy if lightning strikes my house?

The below video taken by a Gainesville, FL resident shows a lightning strike at the Wendy’s off Archer Road.

As seen in the video, lightning is no laughing matter and we highly advise taking the proper safety precautions when a storm of this magnitude approaches.

In regard to your home, more may be protected than you realize. If a fire ignites as a result of a lightning strike, your homeowner’s insurance policy will provide coverage. Additionally, if electrical equipment is damaged due to a surge that results from a lightning strike the replacement of those items is also covered. Many homeowners ask about their air condition, as it is one of the more expensive items that can be damaged during a lightning storm. AC units are covered as well as other items such as televisions, computers, appliances, etc.; however, keep in mind you must still meet your deductible.

Additionally, insurance companies also have access to data about lightning strike locations and timing to verify the validity of such claims. Damage to items as a result of a generic electrical surge are not covered, unless the surge is a result of lightning activity or any other covered peril.