A thunderstorm rolls through. You find your horse dead under a tree. You assume lightning. You call the insurance company. They ask, “Are there singe marks?” If you can’t prove it was lightning, they might say it was colic or an aneurysm (which requires a necropsy).
Key Takeaways
- Visible Marks: Lightning often leaves singe marks on the hooves, lips, or ears. Look closely.
- The Environment: Is there a blown-up tree nearby? Dead ground?
- Limited Mortality: Even if you don’t have “Full Mortality,” many basic policies cover “Fire, Lightning, and Transportation.”
- Verification: The adjuster might send a vet to confirm “electrocution” vs. “natural death.”
The “Why” (The Trap): The “Colic” Defense
If you have a cheap “Limited Mortality” policy (which covers lightning but not colic), the insurer is motivated to prove it was colic.
Without visible signs of lightning, they can deny the claim.
The Investigation: Proving the Strike
- Look at the feet: Lightning exits the body. Look for blown-out soles or charred hair on the coronary band.
- Look at the ground: Is the mud disturbed/exploded near the hooves?
- The Necropsy: A vet can sometimes find internal evidence of electrocution, but external signs are preferred.
Comparison Table: Death by Storm
| Sign | Coverage Probability (Limited Policy) |
| Singe Marks / Dead Tree | 100% Covered |
| No Marks / Middle of Field | Disputed (Need necropsy) |
| Tree fell on horse | Covered (Impact) |
[IMAGE: Diagram showing where to check a horse for lightning entry/exit wounds]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Photograph Before Moving: Take pictures of the horse’s position relative to trees or fences.
- Check the Hooves: Wash the mud off the feet. Look for burns.
- Call the Vet: Get a written statement: “Consistent with lightning strike.”
- Check the Herd: Are other horses dazed? Lightning travels through the ground and can injure multiple horses.
FAQ
Does the policy cover disposal?
Again, usually no, unless you have the endorsement.