A strike damages the roof, the wiring and every circuit board its surge reaches. We document all three as one claim.
We settled the claim and our construction partner did the build. A strike that opens a roof is handled the same way.
Chimney, ridge, vent or a tree at the roofline. The opening often shows up days later as a ceiling stain.
DOCUMENTPhotos of the scorch taken on the roof.
Current reaches ground through circuits, copper plumbing and cable runs. Heat damage stays inside the wall.
DOCUMENTAn electrician’s report on the panel.
Furnace and AC boards, sump pumps, door openers and appliances, several failing at once.
DOCUMENTEvery failed item, with the date it stopped.
Surge often has narrower terms. We prove the strike and read both clauses.
The carrier prices one control board. We get the whole unit diagnosed.
The inspection stays indoors. We photograph the entry point on the roof.
| Keep | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| The failed equipment | A dead board with a diagnosis is evidence. Thrown out, it is gone. |
| A technician’s written diagnosis | It must name surge or lightning as the cause, not age. |
| The storm date and time | It ties every failure to one event. |
| Notes on later failures | A weakened part can quit weeks later. |
“Highly recommend this company! They were patient with us — walked us through the whole process a few times, answered a million questions and explained everything in detail. Really appreciate that we were never pressured into more expensive options. The process was smooth and transparent from beginning to end.”
From the Illinois Insurance Code’s list of improper claims practices. We are public adjusters, not attorneys.
An insurer must have reasonable standards for prompt investigation and settlement.
215 ILCS 5/154.6(c)The Code lists offers substantially below what a lawsuit later recovers.
215 ILCS 5/154.6(e)It also lists drawing a disproportionate number of valid complaints to the Department.
215 ILCS 5/154.6(f)On most homeowners policies, yes: lightning is a named peril, and so is a fire it starts. The dispute is usually how many systems the carrier accepts as part of the event.
Often, but the wording decides. Some forms limit damage from artificially generated current unless a fire follows; some cover surge only by endorsement. We read yours first.
Only if the board alone took current. If the motor or wiring failed too, a technician’s written diagnosis should say so before any repair is agreed.
