Lightning is an underrated danger and the second leading cause of storm-related deaths in the U.S., exceeded only by floods. Most lightning claims were surge or power related. Damage is generally caused by power surges carried by the electrical wiring, TV cable, or phone lines serving the home or business and usually involve one or more electronic items.
According to State Farm, Tennessee paid out more than $5 million in lightning claims. Georgia led the nation in claims resulting from lightening in 2013 with nearly $15 million paid out:
STATE |
2013 Lightning Claims Ranking |
# of Paid Claims |
Amount Paid for Claims |
|
Georgia |
#1 |
2,969 |
$14,866,110 |
Texas |
#2 |
1,600 |
$13,497,450 |
Louisiana |
#3 |
1,472 |
$5,743,283 |
Alabama |
#4 |
1,448 |
$9,704,468 |
Illinois |
#5 |
1,203 |
$7,994,618 |
Tennessee |
#6 |
1,050 |
$5,649,955 |
North Carolina |
#7 |
1,044 |
$6,227,875 |
Florida |
#8 |
914 |
$6,371,339 |
Missouri |
#9 |
903 |
$3,915,683 |
South Carolina |
#10 |
896 |
$5,156,777 |