Triple-I reports significant increase in US lightning-related insurance losses during 2025
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The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), a US insurance industry research and education organisation, has reported a substantial rise in lightning-related homeowners insurance losses across the United States in 2025, driven by both an increase in claim volumes and higher repair and reconstruction costs.
According to analysis published by Triple-I, insurers paid an estimated $1.65 billion in lightning-related homeowners insurance claims during 2025, up from $1.04 billion in 2024, representing a year-on-year increase of 59%.
Triple-I found that the number of lightning-related claims rose to 61,986 in 2025, compared with 55,537 a year earlier, an increase of 11.6%. The organisation noted that the average value of each claim climbed considerably, rising 42.8% to $26,616.
According to Triple-I, the increase in average claim costs reflects a combination of higher construction and repair expenses, inflationary pressures affecting labour and material costs, and the growing presence of high-value electronic devices and smart-home technology in residential properties.
Triple-I’s data showed that Florida, California and Texas recorded the highest number of lightning-related homeowners insurance claims during the year. Among the leading states, Texas reported the highest average claim cost at $60,382.
Discussing the findings, Triple-I Chief Executive Officer Sean Kevelighan said: “The sharp increase in average claim costs reflects broader trends affecting homeowners across the country, including rising reconstruction costs, inflation, the growing value of property and technology inside the home, as well as litigation abuse. These trends are making lightning-related losses more expensive and underscore the importance of preparedness and resilience.”
The figures were released as part of Triple-I’s recognition of National Lightning Safety Awareness Week, taking place from 21 to 27 June. Based on its review of national claims data, Triple-I estimated that the average lightning-related insurance claim has increased by 146.9% since 2017, rising from $10,781 to $26,616.
Triple-I also reported that total lightning-related homeowners insurance losses reached their highest level since 2020, while more than half of all claims originated from the ten states most affected by lightning-related incidents.
State Farm, which Triple-I identified as the largest provider of homeowners insurance in the United States, also highlighted the potential impact of lightning on residential properties. The insurer reported more than $39 billion in direct written homeowners insurance premiums during 2025.
“Lightning can cause extensive damage beyond a direct strike,” added State Farm’s Dave Phillips. “Power surges generated by lightning can damage electrical systems, appliances, computers and smart-home technologies. Homeowners should take proactive steps to protect their property through surge protection, regular maintenance and preparedness planning.”
Triple-I noted that standard homeowners, renters, condominium and commercial insurance policies typically provide cover for damage caused by lightning, including fire-related losses. In some cases, homeowners insurance policies may also cover power surge damage where it can be directly linked to a lightning strike.
The organisation explained that lightning can result in a wide range of losses, including fires, electrical damage, power surges and damage to appliances and other personal property. In more severe cases involving structural damage or fire, claims may also include costs associated with rebuilding work, temporary accommodation, debris clearance and the replacement of damaged possessions.
Triple-I further stated that the overall economic impact of lightning may be understated in lightning-specific claims statistics. For example, where a lightning strike causes a fire, the resulting claim may be recorded as a fire loss rather than a lightning loss. As a result, the organisation believes that some lightning-related losses may not be fully reflected in dedicated lightning claims data.
The organisation also pointed to lightning as a recognised cause of wildfire ignition in parts of the western United States. Triple-I referenced California’s widespread lightning event in 2020, which triggered hundreds of wildfires, burned millions of acres and destroyed thousands of buildings, demonstrating how lightning-related losses can extend beyond traditional property claims.
According to Triple-I, Florida recorded the highest number of lightning-related homeowners insurance claims in 2025, with 5,167 claims. Texas, while ranking third for claim frequency, generated the largest overall insured losses at almost $253 million and recorded the highest average claim cost among leading states.
The Lightning Protection Institute (LPI), a US organisation dedicated to lightning protection standards and safety awareness, noted that lightning strikes occur at an estimated rate of up to 100 times every second worldwide.
Commenting on the importance of mitigation measures, LPI Executive Director Tim Harger said: “The sharp rise in lightning-related losses serves as a reminder that lightning protection is an investment in resilience. Whether it’s a family home, a business, or critical infrastructure, the best time to protect against 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.”
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