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

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By Rachel Bradley • January 8, 2026
New Title

Mindful Merriment: Staying Aware of Household Hazards Throughout the Holidays

By Alastair roe • December 18, 2025
As we enter the height of the Christmas season, the joy of festivities brings with it a unique set of risks to our homes. At Property Damage Loss Assessors , we see a significant rise in insurance claims during December—many of which could be avoided with increased awareness and caution. To ensure your holiday remains stress-free, we have highlighted the key hazards that require your utmost attention this year. Fire Safety: Awareness in the Heart of the Home The combination of dry decorations and increased heat sources makes fire safety a primary concern. High levels of vigilance are required in the following areas: Chimney Fires: With fireplaces working overtime, ensure your chimney has been professionally swept. A buildup of soot or bird nests can lead to devastating chimney fires that spread quickly to the rest of the structure. Candles: Never leave lit candles unattended or near flammable materials like curtains or Christmas trees. Always extinguish them before leaving a room or going to bed. Christmas Lights: Check old decorative lights for frayed wires or loose connections. Avoid overloading sockets and always turn off all festive lighting when you leave the house or sleep. Cigarettes: If hosting guests, ensure that smoking materials are disposed of safely in deep ashtrays. Embers in a wastepaper bin are a common cause of late-night house fires. Security Awareness: Preventing Seasonal Burglaries Unfortunately, the holiday season is also a peak time for opportunistic crime. To protect your home from burglaries , keep gifts and high-value items out of sight from windows. Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked, and if you are heading out for a festive event, consider using timer switches on lamps to give the impression that the home is occupied. Escape of Water: Protecting an Empty Property If you are planning to travel to visit family this Christmas, water damage is a major risk that can occur in your absence. A small leak from a frozen or burst pipe can cause catastrophic damage if left running for several days. To prevent catastrophic water damage during a cold snap, remain vigilant against frozen pipes . If you are leaving your property over Christmas, ensure your heating is set to a "frost protection" mode and turn off the water at the mains stopcock to prevent an undetected escape of water . Taking a moment to correctly drain your system can save you from the stress of a major flood and a complex insurance claim. By staying aware of these hazards, you can protect your property and your peace of mind. However, should the unexpected happen, Property Damage Loss Assessors are here to help you navigate your insurance claim and secure the settlement you need to get back on track. Ultimately, Christmas is a time for celebration and making memories with loved ones. By staying mindful of these common hazards and taking small, proactive steps to secure your property, you can ensure your holiday remains joyful and uninterrupted. From all of us at Property Damage Loss Assessors , we wish you a very safe, happy, and hazard-free Christmas season.

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.