Lightning strikes caused less damage in Germany last year

Lightning strikes caused considerably less damage in Germany in 2025, according to the German Insurance Association (GDV). Insurers recorded 180,000 claims, a decrease of 40,000 from the previous year, resulting in a total payout of 310 million euros, down 30 million euros from 2024.

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That's 40,000 fewer than in the previous year.

However, the cost of individual claims escalated. "Each claim cost insurers around 1,760 euros, about eleven percent more than the previous year," stated Jörg Asmussen, the association's chief executive. He noted this marks a new record high, a trend that has persisted for several years, attributing it to increasingly sophisticated and technologically advanced building equipment.

The primary reason for the decline in damage was the unusually calm weather in 2025, which experienced a severe lack of thunderstorms. The Austrian information service Aldis/Blids documented only 99,930 ground strikes across Germany, less than half the number recorded in the prior year. This scarcity was linked to predominantly dry, and at times cool, weather conditions, which are less conducive to thunderstorm formation.

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Each claim cost insurers around 1,760 euros and thus around eleven percent more than in the previous year.

Lightning damage can result from direct strikes, causing destruction to roofs, walls, or chimneys, or from power surges that damage electrical devices and building systems. The GDV's data indicates that the trend of rising individual claim costs is likely to continue due to the increasing value of modern building technology. Early data for 2026 suggests a potential rebound in lightning activity, with over 101,000 strikes already recorded, surpassing the entire 2025 total.

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This development has been ongoing for several years.