Does Car Insurance Cover Lightning Strikes? Most of us worry about accidents, theft, or bad weather like hail when it comes to car damage. But lightning strikes? They’re easy to overlook; until they happen. Even though lightning strikes are rare, they can seriously harm your vehicle.
A direct hit can damage your electrical system, battery, onboard computer, and sometimes even set the car on fire.
That’s why many people ask, “Will my car insurance cover lightning damage?” The answer is yes, but only if you have the right type of coverage.
What Happens When Lightning Hits a Car?
Believe it or not, cars do get struck by lightning. While your tires may give you some protection from getting hurt inside the car, the car itself can still suffer major damage.
Lightning carries a huge electrical charge. If it hits your car, it can burn wires, blow fuses, damage the computer system, or even crack your windows and paint. In some cases, the car might not start again.
So, while it’s rare, the damage can be serious, and expensive to fix.
Type of Insurance That Covers Lightning Damage
Car insurance can cover lightning damage, but only if you have comprehensive coverage. This part of your policy protects your car from events that aren’t related to a crash. That includes things like:
- Natural disasters (like lightning, floods, and hail)
- Fire
- Theft or vandalism
- Falling objects (like tree branches)
So, if lightning strikes your car and you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance will likely help pay for the repairs or even replace the car if the damage is too much.
However, if you only carry liability insurance (which is the minimum required in most states), lightning damage will not be covered.
Liability only pays for damage you cause to other people or their property—not for damage to your own car.
How Do You File a Claim for Lightning Damage?
If your car gets struck by lightning and you have comprehensive coverage, here’s what to do:
- Take photos of the damage. Include both the inside and outside of the car.
- Call your insurance company. Let them know what happened and when.
- File a claim. Your insurer will walk you through the process.
- Get an estimate for repairs. You may need to visit an approved repair shop.
- Pay your deductible. This is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance covers the rest.
After that, your insurance will cover the rest of the repair cost up to your car’s value.
What About Indirect Lightning Damage?
Sometimes, lightning doesn’t strike the car directly, but nearby. Even then, it can still cause harm. For example, a power surge through your garage wiring could damage your car’s electrical system while it’s parked inside and plugged in.
In many cases, comprehensive insurance still covers this kind of damage, but you should check with your insurance provider to be sure. It’s also a good idea to review your policy each year so you know exactly what’s covered.
Why Comprehensive Coverage Is Worth Considering
Even though lightning strikes are rare, they show why comprehensive coverage matters. It protects your car from unexpected events, the things you can’t see coming. From storms to fire to theft, this type of insurance gives you peace of mind.
If your car is new, valuable, or fully paid off, comprehensive coverage is often a smart choice. Yes, it costs a bit more, but it can save you from huge repair bills or even the cost of replacing your car.
Final Thoughts
So, does car insurance cover lightning strikes? Yes, but only if you have comprehensive coverage. If you’re not sure what kind of coverage you have, now is a good time to check.
A single lightning strike can cause serious damage to your car, but with the right policy, you won’t have to pay for it all out of pocket.
Think of comprehensive coverage as protection against the unexpected. You may never need it, but if lightning does strike, you’ll be glad it’s there.
