Home EV Chargers and Insurance: What to Tell Your Insurer

Fitting a home EV charger is a change to your property's electrics, and many drivers wonder whether they need to tell their insurer. Policies differ, so the only reliable answer comes from your own insurer. This post explains what is worth checking and the paperwork that helps if you ever need to make a claim. It is general information, not legal or insurance advice.

Your home insurance

• Some home insurers ask to be told about significant changes to the property, and a charger on an outside wall or a new circuit may count. Check your policy wording or ask.
• Ask whether the charger itself is covered against damage or theft, and whether it counts as a building item or contents.
• If you rent, check with your landlord as well, as the building insurance may be in their name.

Your car insurance

Car insurance usually covers the car rather than the charger on your wall. Some policies include cover for the charging cable, which can be stolen or damaged. If you use a portable cable, ask whether it is covered away from home too.

Keep the right paperwork

If something goes wrong, an insurer may ask for proof that the charger was installed properly. Keep these together with your house papers:

• The Electrical Installation Certificate from your installer.
• Confirmation that the work was notified under Building Regulations, where required.
• The charger's manual and warranty details.
• Any records of later checks or repairs.

The same documents help when you sell the house. See our post on moving house with an EV charger.

Avoid problems that could affect a claim

Using an extension lead or a domestic socket for regular charging, or a charger fitted by someone not qualified, could cause problems if there is a fire or damage. A properly installed and certified charger, checked from time to time, is the safest option. Our guide to charger maintenance lists simple checks.

Charging for guests, tenants or a business

If other people use your charger, for example holiday guests, tenants or staff, tell your insurer, as this may affect your cover. See our guide to EV charging for holiday lets.

Energy North Ltd installs and certifies home chargers across North, East and West London with City & Guilds certified electricians. See our EV charger installation page to book a survey.