JP Younan & Associates

Lightning and electrical events may damage wiring, panels, appliances, electronics, controls, HVAC equipment, and connected systems without obvious exterior signs. A well-organized record can reveal missing scope, unsupported assumptions, and deadlines that require attention.

The label used for an event does not decide coverage by itself. The physical evidence, sequence of events, policy language, and repair findings must be considered together. Immediate priorities include taking steps to record the event time, outage reports, alarm or device logs, tripped breakers, failed equipment, surge-protector condition, and technician findings before disposal, especially when emergency work may quickly change the scene.

Record the electrical event and system symptoms

Record the event time, outage reports, alarm or device logs, tripped breakers, failed equipment, surge-protector condition, and technician findings before disposal. Preserve original files and records rather than relying only on screenshots or summaries. Date the material if it can be done safely and use consistent labels so another person can understand where each item came from and what part of the loss it supports.

Avoid selective documentation. Include undamaged context, preexisting conditions, earlier repairs, and information that may explain the property's prior state. A balanced record is more credible and gives qualified professionals enough context to distinguish old conditions from event-related damage.

Preserve failed equipment and diagnostic data

Review lightning, artificially generated current, equipment breakdown, wear, mechanical failure, and special limits for electronics or business property. Ask the insurance company to identify the provisions on which it relies if a request, deduction, or coverage position is unclear. Hold on to the response with the policy so the language and the claim handler's application of it can be compared directly.

If the insurance company raises a specific exclusion or condition, respond to the underlying facts as well as the wording. Reports, photographs, maintenance records, timelines, measurements, and witness information may be more useful than a general statement that the decision feels unfair.

Check specialized policy provisions

Obtain diagnostic reports and itemized repair or replacement quotes that identify model, age, failure mode, parts, labor, and comparable equipment. Use itemized schedules and keep calculations transparent. A reviewer should be able to move from the total to the supporting estimate, invoice, receipt, inventory entry, ledger record, or other source without guessing how the amount was created.

Licensed electricians, equipment technicians, electrical engineers, or forensic specialists may be needed to connect failures to the reported event. Give specialists the relevant photographs, policy issue, prior records, and opposing findings. Their work should distinguish observed facts from assumptions and explain why the recommended testing, repair, replacement, or calculation is appropriate.

Support causation and replacement decisions

Avoid discarding failed boards or devices before inspection or assuming every device that fails near the event has the same cause. Keep communications factual and specific. State what is agreed, what remains disputed, which evidence supports the request, and what response is needed. Avoid personal accusations that do not help resolve the claim issue.

Notify the insurance company, protect systems from further damage, and preserve diagnostic data showing what failed and why. Follow up with a short list of open items rather than resending the entire claim file. A short open-item list makes it easier to see whether additional inspection, documents, specialist review, or a formal dispute process is needed.

Important notice

This article is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Legal rights and procedures depend on the specific facts of each situation and applicable law. Speak with an attorney before making decisions based on this information.