Lightning-Related Insurance Claims Up

It may not be divine retribution, but lightning struck U.S. insurers 246,200 times last year -- up 39 percent from the 177,100 claims in 2007. That has boosted the total cost of lightning-related claims for property insurers to $1.065 billion in 2008 -- a record year for tornadoes -- from $942.4 million in 2007, the Insurance Information Institute reported Monday. The New York-based institute is backed by property-casualty insurers.

The average cost of a lightning claim, however, fell to $4,329 last year from $5,321 in 2007.

Over the past five years, though, the average lightning claim has climbed 63.6 percent, from $2,646 in 2004 to $4,329. The total dollar amount rose nearly 45 percent over the five years from $735.5 million in 2004 to $1.065 billion last year.

Standard homeowners and business insurance policies cover damage caused by lightning, such as fire. Some policies cover damage from power surges that result from a direct lightning hit to a home or business.

The "comprehensive" coverage that is sold as an optional part of an auto insurance policy would pay for lightning damage to the vehicle.