Are EV chargers covered by my insurance policy?

Quick answer

Yes, if the charger is permanently installed (hard-wired and fixed to a wall or post at your home) it is treated as a fixture or fitting and is therefore covered under the Buildings section of your policy.

No, if it’s a portable “granny” cable/plug-in unit that simply sits in the boot, it’s regarded as a vehicle accessory and isn’t covered.

Why a fixed wallbox is covered

Our policy defines Buildings as “the structure of the home … as well as fixtures and fittings … permanently fixed solar panels, … permanent hot tubs, Jacuzzis or spas.”

A hard-wired EV wall-charger is a permanent electrical fixture in exactly the same way as those examples, so damage caused by any insured peril (fire, storm, escape of water, malicious damage, theft, etc.) is covered up to your Buildings sum-insured limit.

If you have chosen the optional Accidental Damage extension for Buildings, one-off mishaps (e.g. reversing into the charger) are also insured.

When the charger isn’t covered

Our policy excludes “mechanically or electrically-propelled vehicles … and the parts, spares and accessories of any of these” from Contents cover.
A loose, plug-in lead or portable charger counts as an accessory of the car, so it falls under that exclusion.

Damage that arises from poor installation, wear-and-tear or faulty workmanship is not insured.

Tip: Include the cost of your charger (and its installation) when calculating the full rebuilding cost of your Buildings sum insured, so you’re never under-insured.