In 2024, U.S. insurers paid $1.04bn in lightning-related homeowners insurance claims, marking a 16.5% decline from $1.24bn in 2023, according to data from the Insurance Information Institute.
The total number of lightning-related claims dropped by 21.5% to 55,537, the lowest level recorded since before 2017.
Over half of all claims originated from the top 10 states, with Florida, Texas, and California reporting the highest volumes.
Triple-I CEO Sean Kevelighan attributed the reduction in claim frequency and severity to improved public awareness and more effective mitigation strategies.
Homeowners Insurance Claims And Payout for Lightning Losses
| Year | Value of claims ($ mn) | Number of claims | Average cost per claim |
| 2020 | 2,066.74 | 71,551 | 28,885 |
| 2021 | 1,313.06 | 60,851 | 21,578 |
| 2022 | 950.22 | 62,189 | 15,280 |
| 2023 | 1,239.72 | 70,787 | 17,513 |
| 2024 | 1,035.28 | 55,537 | 18,641 |
| Percent change | |||
| 2024 – 2023 | -16.5% | -21.5% | 6.4% |
| 2024 – 2017 | 12.9% | -34.7% | 72.9% |
However, he cautioned that lightning continues to pose serious risks to both property and personal safety, especially during peak storm periods.
The figures, released in connection with National Lightning Safety Awareness Week (June 22–28, 2025), show that the national average cost per claim in 2024 stood at $18,641.
In Texas, where claims were among the highest, the average claim cost reached $38,558.
State Farm spokesperson Michal Brower noted that nearly half of all lightning claims stemmed from ground surges, which often damage electrical systems, appliances, and home structures.
Top 10 States For Homeowners Insurance Lightning Losses By Number Of Claims
| Rank | State | Value of claims | Number of claims | Average cost per claim |
| 1 | Florida | $113,218,813 | 4,780 | $23,686 |
| 2 | Texas | 168,461,044 | 4,369 | 38,558 |
| 3 | California | 75,028,400 | 4,005 | 18,734 |
| 4 | Georgia | 48,546,426 | 3,376 | 14,380 |
| 5 | North Carolina | 30,299,433 | 2,574 | 11,771 |
| 6 | Louisiana | 34,306,009 | 2,283 | 15,027 |
| 7 | Alabama | 36,617,416 | 2,175 | 16,836 |
| 8 | New York | 34,109,020 | 1,937 | 17,609 |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | 15,777,521 | 1,792 | 8,804 |
| 10 | Illinois | 24,068,318 | 1,626 | 14,802 |
| Top 10 States | $580,432,401 | 28,917 | $20,072 |
Brower emphasized the importance of risk awareness and protective investments, particularly in regions with high lightning strike frequency.
State Farm remained the largest provider of homeowners insurance in the U.S. in 2024, with $31.46bn in direct premiums written.
Damage caused by lightning, such as fire, is covered by standard homeowners, condo, renters and business insurance policies. Some homeowners policies provide coverage for power surges that are the direct result of a lightning strike.
