Summer storms: Does your insurance cover hail and lightning?
Summer – for some, a synonym for relaxation; for others, a season full of stress. While most of us plan our holidays, nature often prepares its own program. In recent years, we have been increasingly facing sudden storms, strong winds, torrential rains, or hail, which can cause hundreds of thousands in damages within minutes.
In this article, we’ll show you how insurance can protect your home, car, and electronics, what to watch out for, and what to do when damage occurs.
What can a summer storm cause?
Storms are unpredictable. They can damage much more than just your mood. The most common types of damage insurance companies encounter in summer include:
- Electronics destroyed by power surges after a lightning strike (TV, modem, fridge, computer),
- Flooded basement, garage, or ground-floor apartment after a heavy downpour,
- Broken windows or roof due to hail or strong winds,
- Damaged car from hail, branches, or a fallen tree,
- Damaged insulation, facade, or garden equipment.
Interesting fact: In 2023, insurance companies in the Czech Republic reported summer storm damages worth over CZK 1.2 billion.
How can insurance protect you?
Insurance can help a lot – but only if it’s set up correctly. Let’s go through the main types:
Home and property insurance
- Windstorm, hail, lightning strike are considered basic risks by most insurers.
- Power surges from lightning (e.g., destroyed router, washing machine, or TV) are often not automatically included – additional coverage or a higher plan may be needed.
- Flooding from rain: it matters whether the water comes from outside or inside (e.g., backflow from a sewer); each case is treated differently.
- Outbuildings (garage, pergola) are not always included in the policy – we recommend checking.
TIP: If you own expensive electronics or sensitive devices, surge protection coverage is really worth it – it often costs just a few cents a month.
Car insurance
- Mandatory liability insurance only covers damage you cause to others.
- Comprehensive insurance (so-called “all-risk”) also covers damage caused by natural events (falling branches, hail, flooding).
- Watch out for deductibles. If yours is, for example, CZK 5,000, any damage below that amount must be paid out of pocket.
- It’s worth checking limits and exclusions. Some insurers limit coverage for damage from heavy rain or floods.
What to do if a storm damages your property?
- Record the damage as soon as possible.
Take photos or videos before any cleanup. Detailed documentation helps speed up the claim process.
- Contact your insurer.
Ideally online, via an app or web form. Some claims can be submitted directly from your phone, without an estimate.
- Do not throw away damaged items.
Keep them until your insurer approves the payout amount. They often require both photo documentation and a physical inspection.
- Secure the site against further damage.
If, for example, the storm tore off part of your roof, temporary covering may be necessary – but only after taking photos.
- Keep receipts for repairs.
Track costs for tradespeople, vehicle towing, or device replacement. They are often covered.
How to prepare in advance? (Check-list)
Check exactly what your policy covers – ideally before storm season begins.
Update your home’s insured value if you’ve purchased new electronics.
Consider adding coverage for power surges, outbuildings, and garages.
For comprehensive car insurance, check that it includes natural hazards.
If leaving for vacation, unplug appliances.
Keep your insurer’s assistance contact handy.
And what if you don’t have insurance yet?
Thanks to online arrangements, you can now get insured in just a few minutes – even from your phone on the way home from work. No printing, no appointments, no paper contracts needed.
Simply:
- Select the type of insurance (house, household, car, etc.),
- Fill in a few basic details,
- Compare offers and choose the right one,
- Pay online – and you’re done!
Your insurance confirmation will be sent by email.
Conclusion
Severe storms are becoming more frequent – and they can strike out of nowhere. A properly set insurance policy won’t undo the damage, but it can significantly reduce the financial impact. It’s worth checking what your insurance really covers – before the skies turn dark.
Already clear on your coverage? Great.
Not sure? Contact our experts at POJISTENI.com.
