What Happens When Lightning Strikes Your Vehicle

If you live or work around Orange County, California, you know how rare thunderstorms are. So it may come as a shock when you see a bright flash followed by the rumble of thunder, especially when you’re driving in your car on the freeway. During times like that, you may wonder what would happen if lightning struck your vehicle.

How likely is a car to be struck by lightning?

The National Weather Surface says that anything outside during a thunderstorm, such as trees, houses, people, and cars, can be struck by lightning. When a bolt descends from the clouds to the ground, and your vehicle is in the way, the charge either hits your antenna or the roofline. The energy goes through the exterior metal shell and into the tires before ending up on the ground.

Can lightning damage a vehicle?

Although each strike is different, lightning often damages a struck vehicle because of its powerful electrical energy. Most modern vehicles have computer chips for controlling the engine, infotainment, and even the positions of power-adjustable seats. The high voltage of a strike can overwhelm these chips. 

A strike can scorch paint and fuse components made of metal or plastic. In rare cases, the bolt can set fire to your vehicle. The jolt produced by the strike can deploy your airbags. If the lightning hits the road around you rather than the car, it may send chunks of asphalt or concrete flying into your vehicle.

Can I be hurt when lightning strikes my car?

During a lightning strike, you are generally safe inside your hard-topped car because the metal cage around the passenger cabin directs the lightning charge around any riders and into the ground. However, soft-top convertibles are not as protected because the cloth top cannot conduct the charge in the same way. Contrary to popular belief, rubber tires do not prevent lightning from hitting your car. In fact, people on bicycles or motorcycles have been killed by lightning.

What should I do during a thunderstorm?

If you’re concerned about being hurt during a thunderstorm, pull over to a safe place and sit with your hands in your lap. Avoid touching anything that is likely to contain metal connected to your vehicle’s exterior, such as the steering wheel, gearshift, infotainment controls, or the handles of doors or windows. You’ll avoid getting shocked if a bolt strikes your vehicle.

What should I do after lightning strikes my car?

After a lightning strike, pull over, turn off the engine and other systems, and sit out the storm, as mentioned previously. After the storm, inspect your vehicle, take pictures of any damage, and write down what happened. Turn on all your systems, such as the infotainment screen, air conditioner, and power-adjustable seating, to ensure they’re working. Contact your auto insurance agent and, if needed, call for roadside assistance.

Does auto insurance cover lightning damage?

Your auto insurance may compensate you for lightning damage if you carry comprehensive coverage, which shields against non-collision incidents, such as vandalism, theft, or weather-related events. If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, your insurance will not apply, and you’ll have to pay for any damage yourself.

You want to file a claim immediately after a lightning strike. While burns and other physical damage clearly show what happened, electrical or digital issues may be harder to tie to the strike unless detected immediately. Collect any weather reports to bolster your claim and have a mechanic look at your car to document any issues.