Lightning strikes are unpredictable and can cause significant damage to your car. The question is whether car insurance covers lightning strikes or not. This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about car insurance and lightning strikes.
What is a Lightning Strike?
A lightning strike is an electrical discharge caused by lightning that occurs during a thunderstorm. When a lightning strike occurs, it can cause significant damage to your vehicle, such as destroying electronic components, melting tires, and even starting a fire.
Types of Car Insurance Coverage
There are different types of car insurance coverage, and the coverage you have will determine whether you’re covered for lightning strikes or not. The three main types of car insurance coverage are:
- Liability Insurance – This type of insurance only covers damages to other people’s property or injuries caused by you in an accident. It doesn’t cover any damage to your own vehicle.
- Collision Insurance – This type of insurance covers damages to your vehicle caused by a collision with another vehicle or object.
- Comprehensive Insurance – This type of insurance provides coverage for damages to your vehicle caused by events other than collisions, such as theft, vandalism, and natural disasters, including lightning strikes.
Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover Lightning Strikes?
Comprehensive insurance is the only type of car insurance that covers damages caused by a lightning strike. If you have comprehensive insurance, you’ll be covered for any damage caused by lightning, including damage to your vehicle’s electronic systems, tires, and body.
What is Covered by Comprehensive Insurance?
Comprehensive insurance covers a wide range of damages caused by events other than collisions, including:
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes
- Fire
- Animal collisions
- And of course, lightning strikes
What is Not Covered by Comprehensive Insurance?
Even though comprehensive insurance covers a wide range of damages, there are still some things that are not covered by this type of insurance, such as:
- Damage caused by a collision
- Mechanical breakdowns
- Regular wear and tear
- Damage caused by intentional acts
- And damages caused by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
What to Do if Your Car is Struck by Lightning?
If your car is struck by lightning, the first thing you should do is pull over to a safe location and assess the damage. If there are no visible signs of damage, you can continue driving. However, if you notice any damage to your vehicle, such as burnt tires or malfunctioning electronic systems, you should contact your insurance company immediately.
Your insurance company will guide you through the claims process and provide you with the necessary information and assistance to get your car repaired. Make sure to take pictures of the damage and keep all receipts and invoices related to the repairs.
Conclusion
Car insurance does cover damages caused by lightning strikes, but only if you have comprehensive insurance. If you don’t have comprehensive insurance, you won’t be covered for any damages caused by lightning strikes. It’s important to review your insurance policy and make sure you have the coverage you need to protect yourself and your vehicle from unexpected events like lightning strikes.
