Auto Insurance Claims: Lightening?, lightning struck my car

Question
Justin
Last night a very strong thunder storm passed over our house. It shook the house and caused a bright flash.
This morning I checked but all seemed Ok.
However, my 2000 Cavalier would not start. It turned over with a ckicking sound. It starts with a boost, but not without. Also there is a bit of white exhaust that was not there before.
I recently had it all tuned up so it should be running good.
Is it possible it was hit by lightening causing electrical problems?
Would this be a major fix or maybe just a new battery or something?
Also, I didnt check my policy, but it is a good one. Are lightening strikes covered if it has to be totalled off?
Thanks!

Answer
Sue,

  Great question.  Now, I am no electrical or mechanical engineer, but I would wager that it is entirely possible for a lightning strike to cause a battery to dishcarge completely and that it could cause other electrical problems.  Any time a high amount of voltage is put through any material it will be evident and there will surely be residual evidence and effects.  

  As for whether it is covered under the policy, I can't say for sure without seeing the policy, but in many cases "Acts of God" are not covered under a collision policy, but the comprehensive portion should cover it.  I just can't answer the coverage question without the policy because most policies can be customized with endorsement and exclusions which can make one policy much different than another.

  Will it require a major fix or just a new battery or something?  Who knows? We would have to thoroughly inspect the vehicle and figure out how much damage is actually there.  If your car was struck by lightning, depending on where it was struck, the damages could be as minor as a scorched spot, or they could be as extensive as melted wiring harnesses for the main computer unit.  I would definitely want a professional to look at it if is giving you some issues now.  Continuing to drive it could be causing more damage, especially if you don't know what is wrong.  

  I know it's not a concrete answer for you, but I hope this helps.