What to Do In a Case of Lightning Damage To Property

Lightning damage can happen to anyone, however, we are never fully prepared. We have a guide for you that explains the obvious steps for you to take.

A lightning strike can be a very scary thing to think about. But it happens to the best of us, and it can have a serious impact on your home.
A lightning strike can be a very expensive event, and it’s important to have the right insurance coverage in place. Learn how your homeowners policy will cover lightning damage.


Call the Fire Department

Lightning is one of the most dangerous weather hazards in the country. In a millisecond, it superheats the air to almost 50,000 degrees and causes shock waves that can break foundations, crack concrete and brick structures and break plaster walls.

Homes and other buildings can be hit by lightning in three ways: through direct strikes, through wires or pipes that extend outside the structure, and through the ground. All of these methods can lead to electrical, phone and plumbing systems becoming a fire ignition hazard.

Power surge damage is another common problem, since a lightning strike can cause power to randomly choose its victims and overload the home’s wiring. Televisions, computer systems and other devices that use multiple outlets often die when lightning strikes.


Call Your Insurance Company

When lightning strikes your property it can be one of the most destructive types of damage. While a direct strike to the home can be easy to prove because it causes fires or charring, other types of lightning damage are more difficult.

The most common lightning-related damage is a ground surge. These are spikes in electricity that travel throughout an area, often causing damage to sensitive electronic equipment and house wiring.

These claims can be difficult to collect because it can be hard to determine where the spikes originated from.

The most important thing to do when filing a lightning claim is to document all of the damage. This means taking photos of the area where the strike happened and also pictures of any damaged items inside the home, such as a computer or television set.


Call Your Insurance Agent

Lightning can cause serious damage to your property, especially if it wreaks havoc on the wiring in your home. It can also spark fires that are hard to detect.

In a case like this, it’s important to notify your insurance company right away so you can file a claim. Your policy will cover the cost of repairs, as well as any personal items that have been damaged by lightning.

You should also receive a check for additional living expenses if you’re temporarily unable to stay in your home while repairs are made. These costs typically equate to 20% of your dwelling coverage limit value.

You’ll need to document all of the damages done by lightning to your home and property in order to make a valid claim. Take photos and write detailed descriptions so you can share them with the people who will be reviewing your case.


Call a Professional

If your property was struck by lightning, it is best to call a professional for help. The right person can ensure you are fully covered and that your property is repaired properly.

Lightning damages can include fires and power surges, as well as damage to your appliances, electronics, phones and computers. These losses can be difficult to quantify and may lead to problems with your insurance company.

Depending on your policy, you may be able to get a full refund for your damaged appliances, electronics or phones. If not, you may be able to get replacement value coverage for the loss, which would cover what it’d cost to replace the items with new ones today taking depreciation into account.

Lightning strikes are a natural occurrence that occurs throughout the United States and can cause billions of dollars in damages to business and homeowners alike. It is important to have a plan in place to prepare your business for potential lightning strikes and to be proactive to prevent them from occurring.


If you wish to contact a professional to go over the damage in your house, you can always contact us. Our team is always ready to provide you with all the help your need. Contact us at:


Dublin: 01 6855675

Laois: 057 86 37500

24/7 Helpline: 087 2061411


Navigating Storm Damage Claims on Your Irish Property

Insurance Policy Essentials: What Irish Homeowners Often Overlook Before Filing a Claim

By Alastair roe • December 4, 2025
Most Irish homeowners only read their insurance policy when something goes wrong. Unfortunately, this usually means they discover key exclusions and conditions at the worst possible moment. Understanding the details of your home insurance policy in advance can prevent disputes and ensure that you know what to expect when filing a claim. Commonly Misunderstood Policy Terms 1. Gradual Damage Exclusions Irish home insurance policies rarely cover issues that develop slowly over time. This includes long-term roof leaks, slow plumbing leaks, dampness, mould, and rot. Insurers frequently reject these claims because they consider them maintenance issues rather than sudden events. 2. Maintenance Requirements Most policies require homeowners to keep the property in good condition. If damage is linked to neglect, insurers may reduce or decline the claim. Examples include worn flashing, loose tiles, deteriorated pipes, or blocked gutters. 3. Confusion About Trace and Access Many homeowners assume their insurer will pay to locate the source of a leak. Some policies include this benefit, but others offer limited cover or none at all. Understanding whether trace and access is included is important, as identifying the source of a leak can be more expensive than repairing it. Why Claims Get Declined  1. Insufficient evidence Lack of photos, videos, or proof of sudden damage can lead to disputes with insurers. 2. Repairs performed too early Fixing damage before reporting the claim removes crucial evidence and can weaken your case. 3. Misinterpreting what the policy covers For example, roof damage is not automatically considered storm damage. Insurers often require proof of strong winds in the area and evidence that the damage occurred during the storm. How to Prepare Before Filing a Claim 1. Review your policy regularly A yearly review can help you stay informed about your coverage and any changes the insurer may have made. 2. Know the difference between sudden damage and gradual deterioration Sudden damage is typically covered, while gradual deterioration is generally excluded. 3. Keep maintenance records Photos, invoices, and receipts can protect you if the insurer questions the condition of the property before the incident. 4. Document damage immediately High-quality evidence is essential when dealing with insurance companies. Understanding your policy before you file a claim can save time, stress, and unnecessary costs. When you know what is covered and what is excluded, you are better prepared to take action after an incident. If you want help interpreting your policy or handling a claim, Property Damage Loss Assessors can provide professional support from start to finish. Call James today to discuss the damage to your property and get expert guidance for your situation.

Storm and Wind Damage in Ireland: Common Issues and How Homeowners Should Handle Them

By Alastair roe • December 4, 2025
Storms and high winds are becoming increasingly common across Ireland, especially during the winter months. These events often lead to property damage that ranges from minor roof issues to major structural problems. Understanding how storm damage occurs and how to respond correctly is essential for any homeowner. Making the right decisions early on can prevent unnecessary repair costs and improve the outcome of an insurance claim. Common Types of Storm Damage in Ireland 1. Roof Damage The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of a home during strong winds. Tiles can become loose or fall off entirely, leaving gaps that allow rainwater to enter the property. Even a single missing tile can cause significant internal water damage. 2. Damage from Falling Trees or Branches During storms, heavy branches or entire trees can fall onto roofs, sheds, cars, or fences. Even if the tree comes from a neighbour’s garden, the affected homeowner typically files the claim. 3. Chimney and Masonry Problems High winds often affect older brickwork. Chimney pots, flues, and masonry can shift or crack, which may lead to structural concerns or water ingress. 4. Water Penetration from Wind-Driven Rain Strong winds push rainwater into places where it would not normally reach, such as under flashings, through vents, or into roof edges. This can cause stained ceilings, damp walls, mould growth, and damaged plaster. What To Do After a Storm 1. Assess the damage safely The first priority is safety. Avoid climbing onto the roof. Instead, inspect the property from the ground or use a phone camera with zoom. 2. Document the condition of the property Take detailed photos and videos of missing tiles, broken gutters, fallen branches, cracks, and interior water damage. High-quality documentation helps strengthen an insurance claim. 3. Make temporary protective measures Cover open areas with tarps or strong plastic sheets to prevent more rain from entering the home. Insurers expect you to limit additional damage, but they also expect you to avoid permanent repairs until the inspection is completed. 4. Notify the insurer quickly Reporting storm damage promptly is important. Delays can lead insurers to argue that the damage might be due to poor maintenance instead of the storm.  Frequent Causes of Claim Reductions Insurers sometimes reduce or decline storm-related claims for reasons such as poor maintenance, insufficient evidence, or pre-existing damage. For example, if gutters were already blocked or roof tiles were already loose, insurers may argue that the damage was not caused solely by the storm. Storm and wind damage may be unavoidable, but losing out on a valid insurance claim does not have to be. Proper documentation, prompt reporting, and expert support can help you secure a fair outcome. If you need assistance with a storm damage claim or want a professional assessment, Property Damage Loss Assessors can help you navigate the process. Call James today to discuss your storm damage and get reliable guidance for your claim.

How to Choose the Right Moment to Report Property Damage Before Cleaning or Repairing

By Alastair roe • December 4, 2025
When property damage occurs, most homeowners instinctively begin cleaning up the mess or repairing what has been broken. This reaction is completely understandable, especially when the situation feels stressful or overwhelming. However, starting repairs or removing damaged items too soon can seriously weaken an insurance claim. Timing plays a crucial role, and understanding what to do in the first 24 hours can make a major difference in the outcome of a claim. Insurance companies rely heavily on clear visual evidence to assess a claim. Loss adjusters need to understand exactly what happened, how severe the damage is, and whether the policy covers the issue. If the property has already been cleaned or fixed by the time the claim is reported, insurers may question the extent or even the cause of the damage. This is why the first step after any incident should always be to document the situation before any repairs take place. Why Timing Matters The moment you discover damage, the clock essentially starts ticking. Insurers often require evidence that shows the original condition of the property. If you remove flooring, throw out damaged furniture, repair a pipe, or clean up water before taking proper photos and videos, valuable evidence disappears. For example, if a pipe bursts and causes water damage, cleaning up the water and repairing the pipe before reporting the issue can lead insurers to question how serious the incident really was. The same is true for roof leaks, storm damage, structural issues, oil leaks, and electrical faults. Irish insurers are known for carefully evaluating whether damage was sudden or whether it could have been gradual. Without proper evidence, it becomes harder to prove your case. What To Do in the First 24 Hours 1. Document thoroughly Take photos and videos of everything. Include wide shots of the affected area, close-ups of specific damage, and footage showing the cause of the issue. Make sure the lighting is good and that you capture multiple angles. 2. Prevent further damage Insurers expect you to take reasonable steps to stop the situation from getting worse. Examples include turning off the mains water supply, isolating electricity in a flooded area, or placing a temporary cover over a broken window. These actions help, as long as you do not make permanent repairs. 3. Avoid removing damaged items Do not throw away wet carpets, broken tiles, burnt items, or damaged appliances. Even if they appear ruined, they serve as evidence. 4. Report the claim early Most policies in Ireland require homeowners to notify the insurer within a reasonable timeframe. Reporting within one or two days is ideal, and it reduces the risk of disputes. Common Mistakes to Avoid  Homeowners frequently make the mistake of trying to tidy up before taking photos. Another common issue is assuming insurers will take their word for the extent of the damage. Insurers rely on evidence, not verbal descriptions, so documentation is essential. The best way to protect the success of an insurance claim is to act quickly, document everything, and avoid repairs until the necessary evidence has been captured. Cleaning and rebuilding can always take place later. If you want expert help with documenting your loss or dealing with your insurer, Property Damage Loss Assessors can guide you through the full process. Call James today to discuss the damage to your property and get professional advice before moving forward.