U.S. insurers paid $1.04 billion in lightning-related homeowners insurance claims in 2024, marking a 16.5% decrease from the previous year's $1.24 billion, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I). The number of claims also saw a significant drop, falling by 21.5% to 55,537, the lowest since before 2017.
"Fewer claims and a decline in severity indicate increased awareness and improved mitigation," said Triple-I CEO Sean Kevelighan. Despite this decline, he noted that "lightning remains a significant threat to property and safety, particularly during storm season."
The data was compiled for National Lightning Safety Awareness Week, which runs from June 22-28, 2025. It revealed that more than half of all claims originated from the top ten states, with Florida leading in claim numbers while Texas had the highest average cost per claim at $38,558.
Michal Brower of State Farm commented on the issue: "Lightning remains a costly and unpredictable threat, with ground surges causing nearly half of all claims." Brower emphasized the importance for homeowners to be aware of risks and invest in protective measures.
State Farm is identified as the largest writer of homeowners insurance in the U.S., having written direct premiums worth $31.46 billion in 2024.
Tim Harger from the Lightning Protection Institute highlighted that lightning strikes can occur up to 100 times per second globally. He stated: “Whether it’s a family home or a mission-critical facility, no property is immune to lightning.” Harger recommended conducting risk assessments and installing protection systems before storms occur.
Damage caused by lightning is covered under standard homeowners' policies, including some coverage for power surges resulting directly from strikes.