Hey guys,

On friday the 13th, lightning hit my neighbors house on the corner of the eavesthrough closest to my wife's "playroom".

It zapped:
- my VoIP box in the basement
- a 5 port switch in the room
- the Ethernet port on my canon mfc4270 printer in the room
- port 3 on my gs748 switch in the basement
- worst of all it rendered the Ethernet port on my wifes 27" 2.8 quad iMac 100Mb only (will NOT connect at gigabit speed)

So I called my home insurance provider and they're giving me the expected runaround (co-operators) and with a $1000 deductible Its probably not going to be worth it.

- VoIP box has already been swapped by my provider
- in the middle of getting the 5port replaced by net gear
- the gs748 is a refurb so no warranty swap available (who knew?)
- the printer is WAY out of warranty
- warranty on the iMac expired in May!!! D'oh!

Maybe some of you can help me with some questions:
1. What's a replacement logic board for an iMac cost? I can very likely replace it myself via ifixit.
2. If insurance cuts me a cheque what happens to the old equipment?

This is the first Friday the 13th I can ever recall something weird happening. I choose to see the lightning as a good omen. C'mon lotto max! :lmao:

Hey guys,

On friday the 13th, lightning hit my neighbors house on the corner of the eavesthrough closest to my wife's "playroom".

It zapped:
- my VoIP box in the basement
- a 5 port switch in the room
- the Ethernet port on my canon mfc4270 printer in the room
- port 3 on my gs748 switch in the basement
- worst of all it rendered the Ethernet port on my wifes 27" 2.8 quad iMac 100Mb only (will NOT connect at gigabit speed)

So I called my home insurance provider and they're giving me the expected runaround (co-operators) and with a $1000 deductible Its probably not going to be worth it.

- VoIP box has already been swapped by my provider
- in the middle of getting the 5port replaced by net gear
- the gs748 is a refurb so no warranty swap available (who knew?)
- the printer is WAY out of warranty
- warranty on the iMac expired in May!!! D'oh!

Maybe some of you can help me with some questions:
1. What's a replacement logic board for an iMac cost? I can very likely replace it myself via ifixit.
2. If insurance cuts me a cheque what happens to the old equipment?

This is the first Friday the 13th I can ever recall something weird happening. I choose to see the lightning as a good omen. C'mon lotto max! :lmao:


If you purchased your iMac by credit card, you may be in luck. Check the fine print, for many (most?) credit cards will double the standard mfg's warranty.

Two summers ago, my 24" Aluminum iMac's video crapped out one month after the basic Applecare expired. I called Visa, followed their direction, and the repair was completed and paid for with minimal pain.

First, I agree about checking your credit card coverage!

Second, new from Apple that logic board is $1300+, on exchange it's about $600+.

Hey guys,

On friday the 13th, lightning hit my neighbors house on the corner of the eavesthrough closest to my wife's "playroom".

It zapped:
- my VoIP box in the basement
- a 5 port switch in the room
- the Ethernet port on my canon mfc4270 printer in the room
- port 3 on my gs748 switch in the basement
- worst of all it rendered the Ethernet port on my wifes 27" 2.8 quad iMac 100Mb only (will NOT connect at gigabit speed)

So I called my home insurance provider and they're giving me the expected runaround (co-operators) and with a $1000 deductible Its probably not going to be worth it.

- VoIP box has already been swapped by my provider
- in the middle of getting the 5port replaced by net gear
- the gs748 is a refurb so no warranty swap available (who knew?)
- the printer is WAY out of warranty
- warranty on the iMac expired in May!!! D'oh!

Maybe some of you can help me with some questions:
1. What's a replacement logic board for an iMac cost? I can very likely replace it myself via ifixit.
2. If insurance cuts me a cheque what happens to the old equipment?

This is the first Friday the 13th I can ever recall something weird happening. I choose to see the lightning as a good omen. C'mon lotto max! :lmao:

Sorry I have got to ask how is it the insurance companies problem your house electronics got fried from an lighting strike? Or even for that matter the product manufacture?

Ummmm that is what insurance is for - this kind of event.

The problem for the OP is value - even on exchange the motherboard is iffy proposition and it's hard to pinpoint everywhere that is impacted.

Bad luck and Friday the 13th as well.!!!! :eek:

It does point out one aspect another client learned also from a lighting strike.

Have a back up drive disconnected and parked in a closet or some such.

Lighting can take out everything and UPS are often no protection.:(

Insurance is insurance, isn't it?

If it's just the ethernet port, connect via wireless. Saves you $1500.


Sorry I have got to ask how is it the insurance companies problem your house electronics got fried from an lighting strike? Or even for that matter the product manufacture?

I'mnnot sure what gen the iMac is, but if it supports Thunderbolt, it may be simpler to just get a Tbolt Gigabit Ethernet adapter.

Hey guys,

On friday the 13th, lightning hit my neighbors house on the corner of the eavesthrough closest to my wife's "playroom".

It zapped:
- my VoIP box in the basement
- a 5 port switch in the room
- the Ethernet port on my canon mfc4270 printer in the room
- port 3 on my gs748 switch in the basement
- worst of all it rendered the Ethernet port on my wifes 27" 2.8 quad iMac 100Mb only (will NOT connect at gigabit speed)
...



Hmmm... I guess you weren't home to unplug the Mac(s) and/or any other expensive electronic device regardless of any UPS or super protecting power bar, which is still a recommended procedure - IF the nearby lightening strike was really the cause of the problem.

And if a good super protecting power bar/UPS was being used, most companies also have an insurance type policy in place to replace or compensate for at least some damage for any connected devices.

A nearby single lightening strike has a few million volts that Mother Nature want's to dissipate as fast as possible and she has no mercy for any electronic devices, or even any nearby humans or animals etc.

We had a recent cloud to cloud type lightening storm but I decided to shut down and disconnect our Macs regardless (I forgot the TV and Stereo setup).

The next day I discovered and was surprised that the Hydro switch station just to the north of us and two to the south of us got hit and some were not back up until much later the next day, so I guess it wasn't just a cloud to lightening storm.

So I guess the best procedure during any lightening storm is to disconnect any hydro connected electronic device, and that also includes any cable or telephone wired type connections.

Joker Eh - LOL! Are you a homeowner? If so, take a look at what your policy covers. Lightning should be in there.

dtaylor - I've got the Amex Pt route and placed a claim through them. Going to the Apple store on Friday for a Genius appointment to get an official repair estimate. Hopefully the claim pans out. Based on what G-mo said, I'm almost certain that the repair will be higher than the unit itself as I picked up a refurb 27" from apple.ca for $1369 plus tax.

HowEver - The Ethernet port isn't working at all now. Wifi works though! I'd rather get this fixed while I can. As MacDoc mentioned there may have been other components that have been compromised as a result.

pm-r - Everything was powered off in the room and attached to a UPS. What I *think* might have happened is that the Netgear FS105 switch in the room somehow absorbed some of the energy (likely because it's a metal box) because anything connected to it via ethernet was damaged (i.e. main switch, iMac, Printer).

Still haven't heard back from Co-Operators. I'm expecting disappointment on that front.

You'd rather fix the most expensive component of a computer than use wifi? Um, okay.

Also, keep in mind that however reasonable a suggestion, some people sell computers and parts.






HowEver - The Ethernet port isn't working at all now. Wifi works though! I'd rather get this fixed while I can. As MacDoc mentioned there may have been other components that have been compromised as a result.

You'd rather fix the most expensive component of a computer than use wifi? Um, okay.

Also, keep in mind that however reasonable a suggestion, some people sell computers and parts.

I'd rather have this repaired under warranty while it's still possible rather than "use wifi" for now and then have to sell a broken computer down the road if I do indeed sell it.

Do I really need to explain this?!? :yikes:

I'd rather have this repaired under warranty while it's still possible rather than "use wifi" for now and then have to sell a broken computer down the road if I do indeed sell it.

Do I really need to explain this?!? :yikes:

How do you still have a warranty on this computer?

Insurance is insurance, isn't it?

If it's just the ethernet port, connect via wireless. Saves you $1500.

WiFi sucks for data transfer... having my gigabit ethernet port fried on my computer would definitely be a big deal for someone like me who runs a NAS that all computers in the house share data on... one size does not fit all.

Hey guys,

On friday the 13th, lightning hit my neighbors house on the corner of the eavesthrough closest to my wife's "playroom".

It zapped:
- my VoIP box in the basement
- a 5 port switch in the room
- the Ethernet port on my canon mfc4270 printer in the room
- port 3 on my gs748 switch in the basement
- worst of all it rendered the Ethernet port on my wifes 27" 2.8 quad iMac 100Mb only (will NOT connect at gigabit speed)

So I called my home insurance provider and they're giving me the expected runaround (co-operators) and with a $1000 deductible Its probably not going to be worth it.

- VoIP box has already been swapped by my provider
- in the middle of getting the 5port replaced by net gear
- the gs748 is a refurb so no warranty swap available (who knew?)
- the printer is WAY out of warranty
- warranty on the iMac expired in May!!! D'oh!

Maybe some of you can help me with some questions:
1. What's a replacement logic board for an iMac cost? I can very likely replace it myself via ifixit.
2. If insurance cuts me a cheque what happens to the old equipment?

This is the first Friday the 13th I can ever recall something weird happening. I choose to see the lightning as a good omen. C'mon lotto max! :lmao:

Holy crap that is a ridiculous deductible... :eek: What company are you with?

... ....
pm-r - Everything was powered off in the room and attached to a UPS. What I *think* might have happened is that the Netgear FS105 switch in the room somehow absorbed some of the energy (likely because it's a metal box) because anything connected to it via ethernet was damaged (i.e. main switch, iMac, Printer).

Still haven't heard back from Co-Operators. I'm expecting disappointment on that front.

Unfortunately, just having the units powered off isn't enough with a big voltage surge that a lightening strike carries, they need to be physically unplugged and disconnected. Including ALL wired connections such as ethernet or phone connections.

Not only that... you can add about $10,000 of insurance strictly for computers and peripherals for about $10 extra on your policy each year. One phone call.


Holy crap that is a ridiculous deductible... :eek: What company are you with?

I use UPS's on all my equipment. Most ups's have an insurance policy with them for just this kind of problem. I even have my tv and sat receiver set up this way.

The problem here is that it looks like the lightning had nothing to do with the AC power and everything to do with the Ethernet cabling. The electric charge just wants the easiest route to ground, doesn't matter if it is phone cable, ethernet cable, AC cable or aluminum downspouts. I presume it entered the house through the DSL line or through an Ethernet cable in the wall in a nearby location.

The Ethernet network Won't be protected by a UPS or surge suppressor unless the UPS has a RJ-45 surge arrest loop AND the loop happened to be placed between the point of entry and the equipment. Much harder to isolate a network with Ethernet and DSL/Cablevision/Phone wires snaked all over.

The warranty under discussion is the extended insurance coverage you get with some premium credit cards which adds an extra year onto the manufacturer's warranty, and covers some additional perils on purchases made with the card.

The ether cables and phone lines all run through the ones I use. Everything is covered, we are having a lot of trouble with lightning here as well.

CanadaRAM - Thank you for answering wrt extended warranty on credit card purchases. In my case it was an Amex.

screature - Wifi does indeed suck for data transfers and I'm also leveraging a NAS for all file storage (QNAP - Love it!).

I'm insured with Co-Operators. My last policy had a $500 deductible. I don't think $1k is crazy but then again I'm not sure. Low deductibles = higher premiums so maybe that's why they put a higher deductible.

I have a significant add-on for some other valuables so maybe they made the deductible higher to make the premium more palatable.

Do you know what your deductible is? You might be surprised. ;)

Actually, no, for me, I wouldn't be surprised. I wouldn't have an insurance policy without knowing what the deductible is. Sorry this is how you found out. "They" may have changed it, but you would have agreed to it.

CanadaRAM - Thank you for answering wrt extended warranty on credit card purchases. In my case it was an Amex.

screature - Wifi does indeed suck for data transfers and I'm also leveraging a NAS for all file storage (QNAP - Love it!).

I'm insured with Co-Operators. My last policy had a $500 deductible. I don't think $1k is crazy but then again I'm not sure. Low deductibles = higher premiums so maybe that's why they put a higher deductible.

I have a significant add-on for some other valuables so maybe they made the deductible higher to make the premium more palatable.

Do you know what your deductible is? You might be surprised. ;)

Actually, no, for me, I wouldn't be surprised. I wouldn't have an insurance policy without knowing what the deductible is. Sorry this is how you found out. "They" may have changed it, but you would have agreed to it.

Sorry, that question was meant for Screature. Your interaction is a little too caustic for my taste, thanks.. :ptptptptp Yes I'm kidding, don't freak out.

No worries, I was answering kind of generally. I really do think people should see what the conditions in their insurance agreements are, for this expensive contract. It might help them a great deal. (Also, shop around for insurance, to save money perhaps, and/or get the deductible reduced.)

Sorry, that question was meant for Screature. Your interaction is a little too caustic for my taste, thanks.. :ptptptptp Yes I'm kidding, don't freak out.

canadaram - thank you for answering wrt extended warranty on credit card purchases. In my case it was an amex.

Screature - wifi does indeed suck for data transfers and i'm also leveraging a nas for all file storage (qnap - love it!).

I'm insured with co-operators. My last policy had a $500 deductible. I don't think $1k is crazy but then again i'm not sure. Low deductibles = higher premiums so maybe that's why they put a higher deductible.

I have a significant add-on for some other valuables so maybe they made the deductible higher to make the premium more palatable.

Do you know what your deductible is? You might be surprised. ;)

Nope no surprises here...

$500 deductible - Premium $942 - covers, theft, loss fire, vandalism and accidents of the home and its contents. Aviva is the company.

Mom's place was insured with Farmer's. Rates were nearly double the competitors, however when it came time for a new roof the replacement was done for the cost of the $500 deductible. With the other insurers she would have paid about $4000 out of pocket.

Comparing Apples to Apples on insurance policies can be very tricky.

Mom's place was insured with Farmer's. Rates were nearly double the competitors, however when it came time for a new roof the replacement was done for the cost of the $500 deductible. With the other insurers she would have paid about $4000 out of pocket.

Comparing Apples to Apples on insurance policies can be very tricky.

Indeed.. wow we agree on something. ;)