Lightning strikes can be powerful and destructive. While it’s not a common occurrence, lightning strikes can damage your car and cause a significant amount of damage. If your car is struck by lightning, you may be wondering if your car insurance will cover the damages. In this article, we’ll explore whether car insurance covers lightning strikes and what you can do to protect your vehicle.
What is Covered by Car Insurance?
Car insurance typically covers damages caused by accidents or unforeseen circumstances. This includes collisions, theft, vandalism, and weather-related incidents like hailstorms or floods. However, car insurance policies may vary depending on the coverage you choose. For example, liability coverage only covers damages to other people’s property, while comprehensive coverage covers damages to your vehicle caused by non-collision incidents.
Does Car Insurance Cover Lightning Strikes?
Most car insurance policies provide coverage for damages caused by lightning strikes. Comprehensive coverage typically covers damages caused by natural disasters or other non-collision incidents. If your car is damaged by lightning, you can file a claim with your insurance provider to cover the cost of repairs.
What Does Comprehensive Coverage Include?
Comprehensive coverage is an optional coverage that provides protection for non-collision incidents, including lightning strikes. It covers damages caused by natural disasters, theft, vandalism, and other incidents that are beyond your control. Comprehensive coverage also includes glass damage, such as a broken windshield, and damage caused by hitting an animal.
What Should You Do if Your Car is Struck by Lightning?
If your car is struck by lightning, it’s important to stay calm and assess the situation. If you’re in the car when it’s struck, stay inside until the storm passes. If possible, move your car to a safe location away from trees, power lines, and other hazards. Once it’s safe to do so, inspect the exterior and interior of your car for damages. Take photos of the damages and contact your insurance provider to file a claim.
How Can You Protect Your Car from Lightning?
While there’s no surefire way to protect your car from lightning, there are some precautions you can take to reduce the risk of damage. Avoid parking your car under trees or near power lines during thunderstorms. If you’re driving during a thunderstorm, pull over to a safe location and stay inside your vehicle until the storm passes. Consider installing a lightning protection system for your car, which can help disperse the electrical charge from a lightning strike.
Conclusion
If your car is struck by lightning, your car insurance may cover the damages. Comprehensive coverage typically includes protection for non-collision incidents, including lightning strikes. To protect your car from lightning, take precautions such as avoiding parking under trees or near power lines and installing a lightning protection system. If your car is damaged by lightning, stay calm and contact your insurance provider to file a claim.
