Lightning can lead to power surges, property damage, and fires. If lightning strikes your home and starts a fire, is it covered in your home insurance? Knowing what your Mississippi homeowners insurance does and doesn't cover can help you if you ever need to file a claim for significant damage.

Fortunately, a Mississippi independent insurance agent knows what your home insurance will cover and can help you secure additional coverage if you need it. Agents know the ins and out of insurance and are there to help you get back on your feet after disaster strikes. 

Does Home Insurance Cover Lightning Fires? 

Yes, home insurance covers lightning fires and fires caused by other events such as fallen trees, power surges, and storms. You receive coverage for the structure of your home, sheds, garages, tools and appliances, and even some of your landscaping. Your personal property would also be covered, including furniture, electronics, collectibles, and similar items. 

How Does Home Insurance Cover Lightning Fires?

Lightning fires are covered through the four main coverages of a standard Mississippi homeowners insurance policy. If a fire hits your home, nearly everything is at risk of damage. With homeowners insurance, you receive the following coverages:

• Structural damage: This includes any damage or destruction to the home's structure. This includes built-in appliances and garages, and extends to sheds and similar structures. 
• Personal property damage: This includes damage or destruction to personal belongings such as electronics, furniture, collectibles, kitchen items, and other valuables. 
• Liability: If a friend or neighbor is at your home during the time of the fire, this will help pay for any legal fees or medical bills if you're sued for an injury or property damage.
• Additional living expenses: Should the fire displace you from your home, this would pay for daily bills, including hotel stays, meals, pets, and gas mileage, until you can return to your home.

A lightning fire can be a catastrophic event, which is why the limit on your home insurance is a significant number to consider. According to insurance expert Paul Martin, you want to have a high enough limit that you would have enough protection if your entire home burned down, including all of your belongings.

How Does Home Insurance Cover Lightning Fire Damage?

Your home insurance policy includes coverage for a certain percentage of your home’s value against fire damage. Some insurance companies will base your home's value on replacement value, while others will base it on the actual cost value of your home. Most insurance companies require that you insure your home for up to 80% of the replacement value. 

Within your dwelling limit would be the limits of coverage that you have for other structures, personal property, and the loss of use of your home. Typically this coverage is expressed by a percentage. If your dwelling coverage limit is $200,000 and your coverage for personal property is limited to 10%, then $2,000 worth of personal property damage would be covered after a lightning fire. You're always responsible for your deductible before your insurance kicks in as well. 

You can purchase additional replacement value riders to protect the original value of any fire-damaged items.

Does Home Insurance Cover All Types of Fires?

Fires can start from numerous events, and home insurance will cover any fire that is considered accidental. This includes:

You'll want to review your coverage with a Mississippi independent insurance agent to make sure you understand what types of fires are covered and what may be excluded in your policy.

How to File a Claim after Lightning Strikes Your Mississippi Home

You can file a claim with your home insurance after lightning strikes in four easy steps. It's best to get the process started as quickly as possible and as soon as it is safe to do so.

1. Assess the damage: If your home is safe to reenter, assess any damage caused by the lightning strike. Using your phone to take pictures and videos can help provide a complete picture of the damage. If you do not feel that your home is safe to enter, then do not take the chance. 
2. Call your independent agent: Your agent will ask you a few questions and then start the claim process for you. They're also there to answer any questions you have.
3. Know and consider your deductible: It is usually only worthwhile to file a claim with insurance if the cost of the damage exceeds the cost of your deductible. If your deductible is $1,500 and the damage is only $200, you may not want to file a claim.
4. Receive payment: After reviewing your claim, sending out a claims adjuster, and organizing other necessary documents, your insurance company will provide you with a reimbursement check for repairs or replacement costs for the damage. 

How Can a Mississippi Independent Insurance Agent Help?

Understanding home insurance goes beyond knowing what is and isn't covered. A Mississippi independent insurance agent can assist you in understanding your coverages and making sure your limits are set at the proper levels. Agents can also help you purchase additional coverages, shop insurance quotes, and file a claim should you need to. 

When it comes to one of your most valuable assets, an agent has your back and the knowledge to make sure you're fully protected against any potential risks, including lightning fires. Speak to a local agent today, free of charge.