Insurance companies regularly publish safety information encouraging homeowners to understand lightning and surge risks. That guidance does not mean every insurer requires a lightning protection system, and it does not guarantee a premium discount. It does show that lightning damage is a real, documented insurance concern.
In a February 10, 2025 homeowner article, State Farm reported that its average lightning-strike claim in 2023 exceeded $18,000 and that it paid more than 18,000 lightning-related claims that year.
Read State Farm's homeowner guidanceWhat independent safety organizations say
The National Weather Service explains that lightning rods are part of a complete system designed to intercept a strike, carry the electrical discharge through properly connected conductors, and disperse the energy through a grounding network. It also notes that surge protection is part of a complete protection approach.
Read National Weather Service guidanceThe Insurance Information Institute explains that lightning can damage homes and belongings, discusses common insurance coverage, and advises homeowners that preventing lightning damage is preferable to dealing with the consequences of a claim.
Read insurance-industry safety guidanceThe National Fire Protection Association identifies NFPA 780 as the standard for installing lightning protection systems to safeguard people and property from fire risk and related lightning hazards.
View the NFPA 780 standard pageUL Solutions explains the role of UL 96A, qualified installation, independent inspection, and Master Label certification in verifying that lightning protection systems comply with recognized standards.
Read UL Solutions program informationWhat homeowners should take from this guidance
- Lightning can damage roofing, wiring, appliances, HVAC equipment, smart-home systems and electronics.
- A complete approach may include an external lightning protection system, proper grounding and bonding, and listed surge protective devices.
- Coverage, deductibles, underwriting rules and possible discounts vary by insurance company and policy.
- Homeowners should ask their own insurance agent how lightning protection may affect their specific coverage.
Protection for Arizona homes
Arizona monsoon storms can expose homes, hillside properties, mountain residences, ranches and custom estates to direct strikes and damaging surges. Valley Lightning Protection designs and installs systems based on the structure, roof layout, grounding conditions and applicable standards.