What Happens if Your Car is Stuck by Lightning? A Driver's Guide

Thunderstorms can make driving stressful, with heavy rain, poor visibility and strong winds creating hazardous conditions. But many drivers also wonder: what happens if your car is struck by lightning?

Although it's rare, cars are struck by lightning every year in the UK and around the world. Fortunately, modern vehicles are designed to protect those inside, making your car one of the safest places to be during a thunderstorm.

In this guide, we'll explain what happens when lightning strikes a car, whether you're safe, the damage it can cause and what you should do afterwards.

Can Lightning Strike a Car?

Yes, lightning can strike a car.

During a thunderstorm, lightning will often follow the path of least resistance to the ground. While tall buildings and trees are common targets, vehicles travelling across open roads or parked in exposed areas can also be struck.

Although the chances of your car being hit are extremely low, it can happen, and knowing what to expect can help you stay safe.

Is It Safe to Be in a Car During Lightning?

The simple answer is yes.

A vehicle's metal body acts as a Faraday cage, directing the electrical current around the outside of the vehicle rather than through the passenger compartment.

This means that when lightning strikes a car, the electricity usually travels through the metal frame before safely dispersing into the ground.

Many people believe the rubber tyres protect the occupants, but this is a myth. The real protection comes from the vehicle's metal structure.

For the best protection during a thunderstorm:

• Keep the windows closed.

• Avoid touching exposed metal parts inside the vehicle.

• Stay inside until the storm begins to pass.

What Happens If Your Car Is Struck by Lightning?

While the people inside are usually protected, the vehicle itself may suffer damage.

Modern cars rely on dozens of electronic control units, sensors and computers, all of which can be affected by a powerful electrical surge.

A lightning strike may damage:

• Electrical wiring

• Battery and charging systems

• Engine management systems

• Infotainment screens

• Satellite navigation

• Parking sensors

• Cameras

• LED lighting

• Paintwork or body panels

• Tyres in rare cases

Sometimes there are visible signs, while in other cases the damage is hidden and only becomes apparent later.

Can Lightning Damage an Electric Car?

Yes, but electric vehicles (EVs) are designed with extensive electrical safety systems.

Like petrol and diesel cars, electric cars use their metal bodywork to channel lightning safely around the occupants.

The high-voltage battery is heavily protected by insulated systems and automatic safety features, reducing the risk of injury.

However, if your electric car has been struck by lightning, it's important to arrange a professional inspection before continuing to drive, as hidden electrical faults may not be immediately obvious.

What Should You Do If Lightning Hits Your Car?

If you believe your vehicle has been struck during a storm, follow these steps.

Stay Calm and Keep Control

The flash and loud bang can be frightening, but your priority should be maintaining control of the vehicle.

Pull Over Safely

Once it's safe, stop in a secure location away from traffic, trees and floodwater.

Inspect the Vehicle

After the storm has passed, look for signs of damage such as:

• Burn marks

• Cracked lights

• Damaged mirrors or aerials

• Smoke

• Unusual smells

• Dashboard warning lights

Avoid touching any exposed wiring.

Arrange a Vehicle Inspection

Even if your car appears to be driving normally, hidden electrical damage can develop into larger problems over time.

Having your vehicle inspected by manufacturer-trained technicians can identify issues before they become costly repairs.

Does Car Insurance Cover Lightning Damage?

In many cases, comprehensive car insurance covers lightning damage because it's classed as a weather-related incident.

Depending on your insurer, cover may include repairs to electrical systems, bodywork and other components damaged during the strike.

Always check your individual policy and contact your insurer as soon as possible after the incident.

Can You Prevent Lightning Damage to Your Car?

There's no guaranteed way to prevent a lightning strike, but you can reduce the risk by:

• Checking the weather forecast before travelling.

• Delaying journeys during severe thunderstorms where possible.

• Parking inside a garage or covered car park.

• Avoiding exposed areas if severe weather is forecast.

Driving Safely During Thunderstorms

Whether or not lightning is present, driving in severe weather requires extra care.

Remember to:

• Slow down.

• Increase your stopping distance.

• Use dipped headlights in poor visibility.

• Avoid driving through floodwater.

• Keep both hands on the steering wheel during strong winds.

If conditions become unsafe, wait until the storm has passed before continuing your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can lightning strike a moving car?

Yes. A moving vehicle can be struck by lightning just as easily as a parked one, although the chances remain very small.

Can lightning destroy a car?

A direct strike can cause significant electrical damage and affect onboard computers, sensors and wiring. In extreme cases, repairs may be extensive, but complete destruction is uncommon.

Should I pull over during a thunderstorm?

If visibility becomes poor or driving conditions are unsafe, pull over in a safe location away from trees and overhead power lines.

Can lightning damage a car battery?

Yes. A lightning strike can affect the battery, charging system and other electrical components, which is why a professional inspection is recommended.

Is a convertible safe during lightning?

A convertible with the roof down does not provide the same protection as a vehicle with a fully enclosed metal roof. If possible, raise the roof before driving in a thunderstorm.

Book a Vehicle Health Check at Sandicliffe

If you think your car has been struck by lightning, or you've driven through severe weather and want peace of mind, the expert technicians at Sandicliffe are here to help.

Our manufacturer-trained teams can inspect your vehicle's electrical systems, identify hidden faults and ensure your car is safe and ready for the road.

Whether you drive a petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric vehicle, booking a professional vehicle health check can help prevent small issues becoming expensive repairs.