News Categories

• Banking
• Breakdown Cover
• Car Insurance
• Credit Cards
• Home Insurance
• Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Loans
• Money
• Mortgages
• Pensions
• Pet Insurance
• Travel Insurance

News Archive

• May 2012
• April 2012
• March 2012
• February 2012
• January 2012
• December 2011
• November 2011
• October 2011
• September 2011
• August 2011
• July 2011
• June 2011

Newsletter

Homeowners advised to check they are protected against lightning

By Marianne Straker, Thu 7 Aug 2008 - Published in Home Insurance

As the weather in the UK becomes more unpredictable, it is important to check your home insurance policy covers you for lightning strikes, Halifax claims.

Figures from the building society show that claims for lightning damage are 14 times more frequent during the summer months compared with winter.

They also reveal the average claim for lightning damage was £1,453 last year.

Lightning can cause fire, structural damage, loss of power supply and damage to electrical equipment such as televisions and computers.

David Rochester, head of underwriting for Halifax Home Insurance, said: "It is essential to have cover in place so that if the worst happens any cost for repairs or replacement of damaged property will be covered."

The Met Office recommends during electrical storms to unplug all non-essential appliances and to avoid using phones as lightning can be conducted through telephone lines.

Earlier this month, Defaqto urged people to make sure garden contents were covered on their home insurance policies.