The six story statue of Jesus, nicknamed “Touchdown Jesus”, was struck by lightning Monday night and completely destroyed. You could not miss this famous structure at the Solid Rock Church in Monroe, Ohio when traveling along I-75 just north of Cincinnati.

Will your insurance cover such a loss if lightning were to strike your home, detached garage, or any other structure on your premises? What about the different structures at your church or if you own a business, what about your building(s)?

First, let’s talk about the cause of the loss – lightning. Unlike earthquake or flood, this act of god is a covered loss on all basic home, church and business policies.

Also, you do not have to worry if lightning was to strike your home, garage or shed. All would be covered to some degree depending upon the coverage you purchased. If you purchased replacement cost coverage on your home, the loss would be fully covered. The other structures at your premises generally are automatically covered at ten percent of the coverage limit you carry on your home. The only question is the limit that is provided enough in the event of a total loss? If you do have a detached garage, a large barn or several other structures on your property, you should review your coverage with your agent to make sure you are properly protected.

Okay, what about your church or business? Once again, the church building or primary business building will not be an issue if they are insured at replacement cost. Be sure to review this coverage with your agent to make sure that is the case.

Now, what about the other structures at your church or business? Unlike homeowner policies, generally there is no automatic coverage on other structures. Each structure should be listed and insured for enough to be able to rebuild in the event of a total loss. Once again, you need to discuss this with your agent.

If you have any concerns, about your home, church or business insurance, please contact us now. After lightning strikes is not the time to review your coverage. Don’t be left short of the goal, make sure your property insurance scores a touchdown for you!

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