As more of us make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), ensuring safe charging at home becomes increasingly important. At Lansdown Insurance Brokers, our Block of Flats Insurance team have pulled together some essential advice from Ecclesiastical’s guidance to help you minimise risk, protect your home (and your vehicle) and get the most from your EV experience.
Why this matters
EVs are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which require regular charging. While the charging process is typically straightforward, the risk of electrical fire or damage to wiring can increase if the installation or equipment is not suitable. Good practice now helps avoid big headaches later.
Key safety considerations
- Use the right charging equipment
It is possible to charge an EV from a standard 3-pin domestic socket, and many new EVs come with a suitable EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) cable.
However, installing a dedicated EV charging wallbox at home is strongly recommended. It’s safer, more convenient, and can reduce charging time by 30-60 % (depending on your vehicle).
Any wall box should be installed by a competent electrician, ideally one who is accredited (e.g., by the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), NAPIT or SELECT in Scotland).
- Check your home wiring & socket capacity
If you are charging from a standard 13 A socket, it’s critical to ensure your property wiring is capable of handling the overnight load: older wiring may struggle and pose a fire risk.
Avoid connecting the EV charger via extension leads or multi-socket adapters. These are not designed for heavy overnight load and can significantly increase risk of fire or electric shock.
- Use good-quality cables and keep them in good condition
Always use a cable purchased from a reputable retailer or from the vehicle manufacturer; these will have been tested to UK safety standards.
Frequently inspect your charging cable for damage, wear and tear. If you spot any, have it replaced.
Make sure the charging cable doesn’t create a trip hazard; if it crosses a pavement or route used by others, it may also constitute a legal hazard.
- Use appropriate charging points and follow manufacturer instructions
Only use charging points or equipment compatible with your vehicle’s make and model. Using an incompatible charger could lead to damage or safety issues.
Keep the vehicle’s instruction manual close at hand and follow any specific charging guidance from the manufacturer.
- Consider alternative charging & support schemes
There are government-backed or local incentives to assist with the cost of installing a home charging point, it’s worth exploring what’s available in your region.
If you also charge at workplace or public charging points, apply the same scrutiny: quality equipment, correct compatibility and safe cabling all matter.
What this means for your insurance
At Lansdown Insurance Brokers we work with clients who are making smart, future-proof choices, including adopting EVs. From an insurance perspective:
Ensuring safe installation of charging equipment and maintaining it in good condition helps reduce the risk of fire or electrical damage to property, a factor insurers will take into account.
If you install a dedicated wallbox, ensure you inform your insurer or broker. It may require an update of your policy to recognise the change in equipment/usage.
If you lease or park the vehicle in a communal area (such as an apartment block or shared parking), check who is responsible for the charging infrastructure and whether additional permissions are required.
Quick checklist for your home EV charging setup
- Have a qualified electrician assess your wiring if using a standard socket for charging
- Preferably install a dedicated EV wall box with correct certification
- Use a certified charging cable and inspect it regularly
- Avoid extension leads, multi-sockets or daisy-chaining
- Ensure the cable doesn’t pose a trip hazard
- Confirm compatibility with your vehicle make/model and follow manufacturer instructions
- Check for applicable government/local grants or subsidies for charging point installation
- Notify your broker or insurer of any significant change in your charging setup
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
About Lansdown Insurance Brokers
Lansdown Insurance Brokers are specialists in Landlord Insurance and Block of Flats Insurance. We can provide flexible policies to suit your needs. Whether you’re a landlord, letting agent, or property owner, call the team on 01242 524498 or email enquiries@lansdowninsurance.com.
Lansdown is part of the Benefact Group, a charity-owned, international family of financial services companies that gives all available profits to charity and good causes.