What homeowners need to know: Who pays when lightning strikes?

A lightning rod placed on the roof of a house can discharge the lightning current to the ground in a controlled manner. According to the homeowners association HEV, the foundation for new buildings is usually laid on the foundation. Ports for derivatives can also be relocated. It is also possible to install a lightning protection system in existing buildings.

No, not for most private residences. As a result, 90 percent of buildings in Switzerland do not have lightning protection. Lightning protection systems are required by law in hospitals, hotels, high-rise buildings, schools, cinemas and any other buildings with large numbers of people. Barns and commercial buildings with a volume of more than 3000 cubic meters should also be equipped with lightning protection.

If lightning strikes a house without lightning protection, overvoltage damage to the electrical grid may occur. Electronic devices such as computers, televisions or refrigerators break down. If a lightning rod is installed in the house, it directs the lightning falling on the roof to the ground.

The resident is less likely to be electrocuted. If lightning strikes power lines, electrical voltages can enter the house thereby destroying electronic components or, in extreme cases, causing a fire or explosion. “You’re sitting in a house with lightning rods, so to speak, in a Faraday cage without electricity,” says Stefan Aeschi (51), a construction and energy technologist at HEV.

The expert said that if the lightning strike causes excessive voltage on the power lines, the high-voltage charge can be transmitted to the human body through electric shock if it comes into contact with it.

Yes, the damage will be covered by the insurance. In cantons where the building insurance must be insured with the cantonal building insurance, this covers the damage. In all other cantons, private insurers cover building damage. Broken furniture is covered by household goods insurance. Insurance companies pay even if the lightning rod is not installed.

According to AXA Insurance, the risk of your home being struck by lightning in Ticino is six times higher than in the rest of Switzerland. Compared with Basel-Stadt, Nidwalden and Vaud the risk is more than thirty times. The lightning hotspot is Semione TI, with 13 lightning strikes per square kilometer per year. In addition to Ticino, parts of central Switzerland and areas in Alpstein and the Jura are also seriously endangered.

The atmosphere is warming due to climate change and therefore can absorb more moisture. This can lead to more frequent and stronger thunderstorms. According to Mobiliar, this development could lead to increased lightning activity, even in regions that were not previously hit by thunderstorms. But the insurance company said there are still many open questions about the link between lightning activity and climate change, so a final assessment cannot be made.