Hurricane Irene took out my iMac G5. Insurance will cover lightning strike, but won't cover power surges. How can you tell if computer was done in with lightning or a power surge?
iMac G5, Mac OS X (10.4.7)
I don't know if there would be any difference. Lightning will zap a computer through a power line surge. I'm not sure how you'd be able to prove a surge was due to a lightning strike. It does seem common sense, though, that if the surge occurred during the storm and, if the storm was accompanied by frequent lightning where you are, that lightning was the proximate cause. Perhaps you can call the power company and ask if they have any records which would support your claim.
I don't know if there would be any difference. Lightning will zap a computer through a power line surge. I'm not sure how you'd be able to prove a surge was due to a lightning strike. It does seem common sense, though, that if the surge occurred during the storm and, if the storm was accompanied by frequent lightning where you are, that lightning was the proximate cause. Perhaps you can call the power company and ask if they have any records which would support your claim.
Thanks WZZZ,
I was hoping for this answer. Our technician that looked at our machine was shocked they weren't going to cover the damage. Insurance agency was adamant that there is a way to tell.
Perhaps you can get the tech who looked at it to write something to the effect of the massive damage he observed could only have been caused by a direct lightning hit, not any kind of ordinary line surge.
Lightning strike or Power surge, how do you tell?
