The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), a U.S. insurance industry research and education organization, reports that lightning-related homeowners insurance losses will increase significantly across the United States in 2025 due to increased claims volume and rising repair and reconstruction costs.
Insurers will pay an estimated $1.65 billion in lightning-related homeowners insurance claims during 2025, up from $1.04 billion in 2024 and a 59% year-over-year increase, according to analysis published by Triple-I.
Triple-I found that the number of lightning-related claims rose to 61,986 in 2025, an increase of 11.6% compared with 55,537 claims in the same period a year earlier. The organization noted that the average value per claim climbed significantly, rising 42.8% to $26,616.
Triple-I said the increase in average claim costs reflected a combination of higher construction and repair costs, inflationary pressures affecting labor and material costs, and the increasing presence of high-value electronic equipment and smart home technology in residential properties.
Florida, California and Texas have had the highest number of lightning-related homeowners insurance claims this year, according to Triple-I. Among the major states, Texas has the highest average claim cost at $60,382.
Discussing the findings, Triple-I CEO Sean Kevelighan said: “The sharp rise in average claim costs reflects broader trends affecting homeowners across the country, including rising reconstruction costs, inflation, the growing value of property and technology within homes, and litigation abuse. These trends are making lightning-related losses more expensive and underscore the importance of preparedness and resilience.”
The data is released as part of Triple-I’s recognition of National Lightning Safety Awareness Week, held June 21-27. Based on a review of national claims data, Triple-I estimates that lightning-related insurance claims have increased by an average of 146.9% since 2017, from $10,781 to $26,616.
Triple-I also reports that total lightning-related homeowners insurance losses are at their highest level since 2020, with more than half of all claims coming from the 10 states most affected by lightning-related events.
State Farm, recognized by Triple-I as the largest homeowners insurance provider in the U.S., also highlighted the potential impact of lightning on residential properties. The insurer reported direct written homeowners insurance premiums of more than $39 billion in 2025.
“Lightning can cause widespread damage beyond a direct strike,” added State Farm’s Dave Phillips. “Surges generated by lightning can damage electrical systems, appliances, computers and smart home technology. Homeowners should take proactive steps to protect their property through surge protection, regular maintenance and a preparedness plan.”
Triple-I notes that standard homeowners, renters, condo and commercial insurance policies typically provide coverage for damage caused by lightning, including fire-related losses. In some cases, a homeowners insurance policy may also cover surge damage directly related to a lightning strike.
The organization explains that lightning can cause a variety of losses, including fire, electrical damage, power surges, and damage to appliances and other personal property. In more serious cases involving structural damage or fire, claims may also include costs associated with reconstruction work, temporary accommodation, debris removal and replacement of damaged property.
Triple-I further noted that the overall economic impact of lightning may be underestimated in claims statistics for lightning. For example, if a lightning strike causes a fire, the resulting claim may be recorded as a fire loss rather than a lightning strike loss. As a result, the organization believes that some lightning-related losses may not be fully reflected in specialized lightning claims data.
The group also noted that lightning is a recognized cause of wildfires in parts of the Western United States. Triple-I pointed to California’s widespread lightning events in 2020, which sparked hundreds of wildfires, burned millions of acres and destroyed thousands of structures, as an example of how lightning-related losses extend beyond traditional property claims.
Florida had the highest number of lightning-related homeowners insurance claims in 2025, at 5,167, according to Triple-I. Texas, despite having the third highest claim frequency, had the largest overall insured losses at nearly $253 million and had the highest average claim cost among the major states.
The Lightning Protection Institute (LPI), an American organization dedicated to lightning protection standards and safety awareness, states that an estimated 100 lightning strikes occur globally every second.
Commenting on the importance of mitigation, LPI Executive Director Tim Harger said: “The sharp rise in lightning-related losses is a reminder that lightning protection is an investment in resilience. Whether it is a home, business or critical infrastructure, the best time to prevent lightning damage is before a storm arrives. Properly installed lightning protection and surge protection systems can significantly reduce risk and help keep people, property and operations safe.”
