Lightning Claims Top $1 Billion in 2024, Despite Decline
In 2024, lightning-related claims in the United States totalled $1 billion, with Florida, Texas, and California leading the top 10 states. Despite a decrease from 2023, the number of claims remained high, with National Lightning Safety Awareness Week highlighting the ongoing risks.
Lightning ground surges accounted for nearly half of all claims in 2024. Standard insurance policies, including homeowners, condo, renters, and business, cover lightning-caused damage, such as fire, with some policies extending to power surges directly caused by lightning. The total number of claims in 2024 was 55,537, a decrease of 21.5% from the previous year, but still the lowest since before 2017. In 2020, the highest amount paid was nearly $2.1 billion, with an average claim of $28,885.
Insurers braced for high weather-related damages in 2025, including floods and storms, but exact figures for lightning damage compensation were not available. The decrease in 2024, however, suggests a shift in trends, with more than half of claims concentrated in the top 10 states.
Lightning remains a significant threat, with insurers paying out approximately $1 billion in claims in 2024. While the number of claims decreased, the risks persist, as highlighted during National Lightning Safety Awareness Week. Insurance policies generally cover lightning damage, but homeowners should review their policies to ensure comprehensive protection.
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