Sounds like you have issues with both and omg what a nightmare. I feel bad just hearing about it.
First, the insurance company is correct, they are not responsible for anything but damage caused by the accident. It’s actually hard to believe a lightning strike didn’t total it. It happens more than you might think, I think. Have a buddy who’s boat and then camper were struck by lightning separate incidents. Both were a total loss due to the inability to estimate with certainty all the electrical damage.
Any damage by the repair shops is your issue (winterization, broken stuff) although if you used an insurance company authorized shop as most companies recommend or require, then make Progressive fight for this as well.
As for the specifics with the AC, that could go either way. You don’t say if it was replaced under insurance or a prior repair you did.
I don’t often recommend this but this is/may be worth a lawyer. And/or your own research about time limits and valuation limits for insurance repairs.
Best of luck, sorry to hear you’re getting screwed on this.
