Adding an EV charger will change your home’s electrical system, which could affect your home insurance depending on where and how it’s installed. There’s no rule that having an EV charger will increase your premium. Review your home insurance and auto insurance, and confirm who covers what. Keep track of any documentation as this may be useful when making a claim.
For this article, our editorial team reviewed the Electrical Safety Authority’s home EV charging guidance, Natural Resources Canada’s charger installation guide, the Condominium Authority of Ontario’s EV charging guide and Ontario’s EV charging overview. They explain what homeowners need to keep on hand, what condo owners should know, and what tenants should confirm before installation.
How Does An EV Charger Affect Your Home Insurance?
Having an EV charger does not necessarily affect your home insurance rates. Whether your home insurance policy covers your charger depends on where it’s located, who owns it, and what caused any damage.
Generally, a permanent charging station may be covered as part of your home’s dwelling or other structures coverage, while a portable charging cord is considered personal property.
Should You Tell Your Insurer About An EV Charger?
Yes, we recommend letting your insurer know about the electrical work before spending any money. This gives you a chance to understand what is covered and allows the insurer to keep an up-to-date record of changes to your property.
Some questions to ask:
- Would the charger be covered as part of my dwelling, as a separate structure or as equipment?
- Does my policy say anything specific about a charging cord, such as if it was stolen or damaged?
- If an upgrade is required, would that affect the amount of dwelling coverage I need?
- If something happened to my home, EV, and the EVSE, would any of these policies respond?
- Are there exclusions for faulty workmanship, wear and tear, electrical breakdown, product defects, equipment left outdoors, flood, etc.?
- What documentation would they need to verify the addition, such as a receipt, ESA Certificate of Acceptance, photographs, or installation bill?
How To Install An EV Charger Safely And Keep The Records
Have a licensed electrical contractor perform the installation. They can evaluate your charger rating, existing electrical service, and electrical panel to determine whether you have enough circuits and power to accommodate a charger. Keep in mind, some installations may require an electrical service upgrade or a load-management device. Level 2 chargers operate at 240 volts so they may require a dedicated electrical circuit. Ensure that all components are rated and certified for use in Canada. Consider the environment of the charging location, including the need for weatherproof installations for outdoor locations.
In Ontario, the Licensed Electrical Contractor must file a Notification of Work with the Electrical Safety Authority before starting the installation. Ask for a copy of the Certificate of Acceptance once the work is complete.
If you do not exclusively own the parking space and/or wiring or if it is a common element, get written consent from your condo corporation or landlord before commencing an installation.
Keep copies of the quote and other documentation from the Licensed Electrical Contractor, including any electrical service calculations, product specifications, invoices, permits, inspection certificates, photographs, and warranty cards. Keep your Property Insurer’s confirmation of coverage in writing.
Read More: See When Home Insurers May Require an Inspection
What Happens If Your EV Charger Starts A Fire?
If a charger-related fire occurs, the owner should make a loss report as soon as practicable and take reasonable, safe measures to reduce the damage. The charger, cable, circuit breaker, and other burnt items are important evidence of the incident, so do not discard them without the permission of the insurer or the relevant authority.
Coverage for fire-related losses depends on the cause investigation and the policy wording. Home and personal-item fire losses may be covered under the home insurer. Other losses, including the damaged charger, faulty component, improper installation, EVs, third parties and their properties, depend on the policy terms and conditions.
Report EV damage to the auto insurer. Home and auto insurers may coordinate to determine coverage and liability.
Read More: Read About EV Garage-Fire Risks and Insurance Coverage
What’s Covered And What’s Not
| Loss or question | Policy that may be relevant | What decides the answer |
|---|---|---|
| Fire damages the house | Home policy | Your policy spells out what’s covered, exclusions, monetary limits for claims, and your deductible. Details about your installation may be incorporated into your policy as well. |
| A fixed charger is damaged | Home policy may classify it as installed property | Coverage is based on definitions within the policy, the cause of loss and whether a unit is attached to your primary dwelling or another structure. |
| A portable cord set is stolen | Home or auto policy may be considered | Coverage is based upon whether you own the item, where it is located, the policy’s definitions, theft coverage, if applicable, and your deductible. |
| The EV is damaged while charging | Auto policy may be relevant for the vehicle | Coverage depends on your policy, the cause of the damage, exclusions, and your deductible. |
| A neighbour’s property is damaged | Personal liability coverage may be relevant | Coverage depends on whether you are legally liable and the policy’s limits and exclusions. |
| The charger simply fails or wears out | Manufacturer, installer or equipment-breakdown coverage may be relevant | The warranty and the cause of the failure determine coverage. Wear and tear is excluded. Some items may be available as additional coverage. |
What Condo Owners And Tenants Must Check
Assigned parking spaces may be a common element. Walls, electrical rooms, and conduits may also be common elements, so make sure you comply with condo rules before installing any equipment or changing electrical wiring.
The process starts with an application to your condo corporation for permission to install a vehicle charger in the parking space assigned to your unit. Ontario’s condominium regulations set the process. Your application should be submitted in writing and must include technical specifications or drawings. Condominium corporations must respond within 60 days. Owners should check the corporation’s by-laws for more details.
Tenants need the landlord’s written permission to install a charger or alter electrical wiring.
If a corporation accepts an owner’s application, the owner and corporation must enter into a written agreement before installation. The agreement may cover charger ownership, electricity responsibility, maintenance, repairs, insurance, installation, and removal. A tenant’s arrangement with a landlord depends on the tenancy agreement and the landlord’s requirements.