Damage to homes from lightning strikes is on the rise, according to claims information from one insurer and national data.

In 2023, State Farm paid out nearly $230 million for more than 18,000 lightning-related claims, according to new data from State Farm, which was shared with USA TODAY exclusively for an early look. The average of those claims was more than $18,000 each. That's up from a total of $177.4 million in claims, averaging $15,300 each in 2022, and $115 million in claims in 2020 averaging $12,000 each.

Nationally, more than $1.2 billion in homeowners insurance claims for lightning damage were paid out in 2023 to more than 70,000 policyholders, according to the Insurance Information Institute.   

The total value of lightning claims was up more than 30% in 2023 ($1.27 billion) from 2022 ($950 million), the institute said. The number of lightning claims increased by 13.8% between 2022 and 2023, from 62,189 to 70,787. The average national claim increased 14.6% from $15,280 in 2022 to $17,513 in 2023.

This week – June 23 through June 29 – is Lightning Awareness Week.

Learn more: Best home insurance

Lightning strikes are on the rise

About 242 million lightning flashes were recorded in the U.S. during 2023, according to a report by Vaisala Xweather, which tracks each stroke of lightning. That's the most in at least the past seven years, the company said.

A natural phenomenon, lightning can cause extensive damage to ecosystems, property, and can sometimes lead to death, State Farm said in an email. Knowing and managing the risks associated with lightning can help protect your family and property.

Though there is not a policy specifically for lightning damage, your homeowners, condo or renters policy "can help get you get back on your feet if lightning does strike," State Farm said. "You can also contact your insurance agent if you have coverage questions about damage due to lightning."

What are the top states for lightning damage claims?

Here are the top 10 states for lightning damage based on the number of claims, according to State Farm:

1. Georgia – 1,330
2. Alabama – 1,030
3. Texas – 900
4. Louisiana – 810
5. Arkansas – 640
6. Illinois – 620
7. Missouri – 580
8. Tennessee – 570
9. North Carolina – 540
10. South Carolina – 450

What are the top states for lightning damage paid claims?

Here are the top 10 states for paid claims for lightning damage, according to State Farm:

1. Texas – $41.5 million
2. Georgia – $23.5 million
3. Alabama – $16.8 million
4. Oklahoma – $12.0 million
5. Tennessee – $11.4 million
6. Illinois – $11.4 million
7. Louisiana – $9.0 million
8. Arkansas – $7.9 million
9. Missouri – $7.5 million
10. South Carolina – $7.5 million

National statistics from the Insurance Information Institute show different results, with Florida topping the list for lightning insurance losses and claims at $104 million and 6,003 claims in 2023.

Graphics:Where does lightning strike the most in the US? This map breaks it down by county

Lightning safety tips

“By being aware and following these safety tips, you can minimize the risk of lightning-related accidents and stay safe during lightning storms,” Amy Harris, spokesperson for State Farm Insurance, told USA TODAY.

Those tips are:

• Seek shelter at the first sign of a storm.
• Don't touch electronics or anything with a cord, like a hair dryer.
• Steer clear of water sources, including pipes, sinks and showers.
• Don't stand on or lean on structures made of concrete. Metal bars inside the concrete can conduct electricity.
• If you're stuck outside, seek shelter in a hard-top vehicle. Don't sit inside convertible cars, golf carts or on motorcycles. If you can't get to shelter, crouch down at least 100 feet from tall objects, tuck your head in and cover your ears.
• If you see lightning and you are swimming or boating, get out of the water and onto dry land.
• Don't touch metal surfaces, such as a sliding door.
• Don't touch anything served by gas lines, such as water heaters, ovens, furnaces and fireplaces.
• If someone has been struck by lightning, call 911 or your local ambulance service immediately. If you are qualified, give the person first aid. Lightning victims are safe to touch and need medical attention right away.
• Consider installing a lightning protection system, which creates a pathway for lightning bolts, guiding them safely to the ground.

Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on X, Facebook or Instagram @blinfisher. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter, which will include consumer news on Fridays,here.