Lightning Prepareness

Safeguard Your Home & Family

Q: Does home insurance cover natural disasters?

Home insurance covers many natural disasters like hurricanes and fires, but often excludes floods and earthquakes, which require additional coverage.

Q: What is a deductible, and how does it work?

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. For example, with a $1,000 deductible, if you have $10,000 in damage, you pay the first $1,000, and your insurance covers the remaining $9,000.

Q: What should I do if my home is uninhabitable after a disaster?

If you are an American Integrity policyholder, contact us immediately if your home is uninhabitable. We can help arrange temporary housing and cover additional living expenses if your policy includes Additional Living Expenses coverage.

Q: How do I know what type of damage is covered?

Check your policy documents (you can view these online by logging into our <a href='http://portal.myaii.com/csp/' data-sf-ec-immutable='' data-sf-marked=''>Customer Portal</a> for specific coverage details). You can also contact your agent to clarify what types of damage are covered under your policy. Typically, your policy covers damage from perils like fire, windstorms, and theft, but may exclude others like flooding unless you have additional coverage.

Q: What makes American Integrity unique?

We offer coverage designed for the Southeast&rsquo;s unique risks, like hurricanes and flooding, supported by deep local expertise and outstanding service. Our broad product portfolio covers everything from homes to boats, golf carts, and rental properties&mdash;always with integrity at the heart of what we do.

Q: How do I file a claim?

You can file a claim with American Integrity by calling our 24/7 claims line at 1-866-277-9871 or filing online through our <a href='http://portal.myaii.com/csp/' data-sf-ec-immutable='' data-sf-marked=''>Customer Portal</a>. If you have tropical storm or hurricane-related damage, please call 844-MYAIIC1 (844-692-4421).

When preparing for storms and natural occurrences that can cause damage in Florida, thunderstorms and lightning may not be the first things that come to mind. Lightning storms can be dangerous, causing fires, electrical surges, and injuries. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Florida leads the nation in number of lightning deaths. Regardless of where you live, you could be at risk.

Lightning Facts

Severe Thunderstorm Watch vs. Severe Thunderstorm Warning

It’s important to know the difference between a Watch and a Warning so you can take the proper actions. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch indicates conditions are favorable for a thunderstorm, while a Severe Thunderstorm Warning means that a thunderstorm has been reported and poses danger to life and property. If a Warning is issued in your area, you should take precautions and find shelter immediately.

Every thunderstorm produces lightning, and the inability to predict strikes puts both people and property at risk.

Lightning Facts

Lightning is Unpredictable

Lightning can spark wildfires, often strikes the same place repeatedly, and may occur even outside of heavy rain, sometimes up to 10 miles away.

Know How Close You Are

A good rule of thumb is that for every five seconds between seeing lightning and hearing thunder, the strike is roughly one mile away.

Don’t Rely on Rubber

Contrary to popular belief, rubber-soled shoes and tires offer no protection.

Vehicles are Generally Unsafe

A steel-topped car can provide increased safety if you avoid touching metal, though vehicles with plastic or fiberglass shells do not offer the same protection.

Lightning Prep

What to Do Before Lightning Strikes

Before a lightning storm hits, taking a few proactive steps can help protect your home and ensure your family's safety.

Install Lightning Protection Systems

Lightning Rods

Consider installing a professionally designed lightning rod system. These rods provide a safe path for lightning to follow to the ground, reducing the risk of fire and damage to your home.

Surge Protectors

While the average home uses around 220 volts of electricity, a lightning strike brings tens of millions of volts. Most homes are built with surge protection per national standards, but confirm your home is equipped with surge protectors for all major electronics and appliances.

Grounding Systems

Ensure your home’s electrical system is properly grounded. This provides a safe path for excess electrical energy to dissipate, reducing the risk of electrical fires.

Secure Your Property

Trim Trees

Regularly trim trees near your home to prevent branches from falling on your house or power lines during a storm.

Remove Flammable Materials

Keep firewood, debris, and other flammable materials away from your home if possible. These can easily ignite if struck by lightning.

Check Your Roof

Make sure your roof is in good condition and free of damage. A solid, well-maintained roof can help protect your home from lightning strikes and related damage.

Develop a Safety Plan

Indoor Safety

Teach everyone in your household the safest places to be during a lightning storm, such as away from windows, doors, and electrical appliances. Avoid plumbing and anything connected to electricity, like TV cables.

Communication

Have a plan for how you’ll communicate with each other if you’re not all home when a storm hits. Make sure everyone knows where to go and what to do.

Monitor Weather Conditions

Keep an eye on the weather forecast, especially during thunderstorm season. Sign up for local weather alerts on your phone to get real-time updates on storm developments.