Hope lightning doesn't strike twice: single insurance claim totals more than £45,000

• Insurer warns of the cost if a lightning bolt strikes a property  
• Microprocessors “fried” by lightening in electric gates, home control systems, telephone lines and sky boxes
• Bolt to the small print and make sure your policy covers you 
   

New analysis of claims data by SELECT Premier Insurance from Direct Line, reveals that a single lightning bolt could cause more than £45,000 of damage to a property within seconds.  

A policyholder claimed after a single lightning bolt struck their home in Preston, damaging its electrical system causing £45,884.23 of damage. CCTV cameras, intruder alarm, water features, telephone line, heating and lighting systems were just some of the listed items that required replacing in the insurer’s biggest lightning claim to date. The strike damaged four flat screen TVs and Sky boxes together with a Bang & Olufsen sound system in the home’s gymnasium. The core units of the property’s Lutron home control system were damaged, requiring the bespoke system to be completely redesigned. 

Modern properties are filled with electrical items susceptible to power surges; microprocessors are sensitive to even minor power fluctuations, which can stop them working properly. A lightning strike can cause extensive, instantaneous damage ‘frying’ circuits so the items have to be replaced. Electrical items affected not only include high tech items such as tablets or home control units, but also large appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and cookers. 

Other lightning claims settled by the insurer in the 12 months have seen pay outs of more than £5,000 to repair a property’s electric gates and electrical system in Leeds and cover for over £1,000 of damage to a homeowner’s wind turbine in Leeds. Other claims from homeowners for lightning damage include replacement audio visual systems, routers and set top TV boxes.  

The home insurer is highlighting the possibility that lightning can and does strike, so customers need to check what their policy covers and ensure they won’t be left bolting to the bank and paying the bill if lightning does strike. 

Nick Brabham, head of SELECT Premier Insurance, said: “Lightning damage isn’t something we see a lot of but it has the potential to be extremely costly when it does strike. 

“With so many homes filled with the latest gadgets and electrical equipment, one bolt could wipe out an entire household of items meaning people are left with a hefty repair bill. They say that lightning doesn’t strike twice and with the potential bill reaching more than £45,000 you really wouldn’t want it to!

“We would urge homeowners to always read the small print and make sure they have adequate insurance in place for their home.” 

SELECT Premier insurance from Direct Line is designed to protect your domestic property against a broad range of risk from loss or physical damage. 

For more information on this please visit: https://www.directline.com/select-premier 

    ENDS

Notes to editor

For further information please contact:

Claire Foster
Direct Line 
claire.foster@directlinegroup.co.uk 
0165 183 1672

Samantha Stewart 
Citigate Dew Rogerson 
Samantha.stewart@citigatedr.co.uk 
020 7282 2856

About SELECT Premier Insurance

Direct Line offers SELECT Premier Insurance to cover homes, cars and valuables of high worth, as well as breakdown cover, pet and travel insurance, all covered under just one policy. When taking out SELECT Premier Insurance, Direct Line will even pay your cancellation charges from your previous policy, making it even easier and affordable to have all your policies under one roof, with one payment plan and one renewal date.
At SELECT Premier Insurance we help you stay in control by offering you a truly personal service. To begin with, one of our accredited insurance advisors will carry out a complimentary individual telephone review with you. Then they’ll give you tailored advice, based on your unique needs, for example, specialist cover for valuables such as fine art and jewellery (without needing to list individual items worth less than £10,000) or for your property portfolio, to ensure you get exactly the right level of cover.
To find out more about what Direct Line SELECT Premier can offer, go to www.directline.com/select or go straight through to an expert, not a machine, on 0800 206 2849

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line. 
Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. 
Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.
Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 300 7838 or visiting www.directline.com