Having a lightning mitigation system installed can help consumers avoid having to file a home insurance claim, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
The III, which provides information on a variety of insurance topics, said lightning resulted in $798 million in claims in 2009, with the average payout being $4,296. Jeanne Salvatore, senior vice president and national consumer spokeswoman for the organization, says the weather phenomenon plays a major role regarding damage to businesses and homes each year.
“Many losses can be prevented when lightning protection systems and surge arrestors are implemented as mitigation methods,” says Salvatore.
When considering such a system, the III recommends consumers consult with the nonprofit Lightning Protection Institute, which helps certify protection technology and those who install it.
The LPI was founded in 1955 and works to inform people about the dangers associated with lightning. Its website provides links to local installs for consumers who are interested in adding a mitigation system to their home.
Doing so may bring home insurance benefits by reducing the cost of coverage. It may also help avoid having to file a claim as a result of lightning damage.
