Key guidance:

• Conduct a fire and safety risk assessment before developing electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.
• Train staff and drivers to operate vehicles and charging equipment safely.
• Ensure charge points are installed in appropriate locations and comply with insurer requirements and guidance.
• Strengthen fire safety measures wherever practical.
• Keep your insurer informed about planned charging infrastructure and fleet expansion projects.

Insuring EV infrastructure

To ensure electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is adequately insured, organisations should begin with a comprehensive risk assessment to identify and manage potential hazards.

• Insurers often recommend locating charge points away from buildings where possible to reduce the risk of damage to property.
• They may also recommend implementing traffic management measures to reduce the likelihood of vehicle collisions and other incidents.
• Simple measures, such as clear signage and well-designed parking layouts, can help minimise the risk of damage to vehicles and charging infrastructure.

Driver training on safe charging practices is also important, helping to ensure charging infrastructure is used correctly, supporting operational efficiency and reducing the risk of avoidable incidents and costs.

Depot charging infrastructure risks

Public sector depots face additional risks due to high vehicle density and operational complexity. Fire risks can be more significant where electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure are present, requiring additional preventative measures. Potential mitigation measures include sprinkler systems, vehicle submersion tanks and fire suppression drainage infrastructure.

Fire risk assessments should be completed before installing charge points, and charging infrastructure should be located away from combustible materials wherever possible. As a guide, charge points should ideally be positioned at least:

• 10 metres from combustible walls.
• 7.5 metres from unprotected openings.
• 10 metres from combustible storage areas.

Indoor charging facilities should be located close to exits, preferably at ground level. Underground parking areas should provide a minimum 120-minute fire resistance rating and adequate ventilation.

Cable management is another important consideration. Depots should carefully plan charge point locations and vehicle spacing to prevent cables from becoming trip hazards or suffering accidental damage. Keeping cables organised and protected improves safety and can help extend their operational life, reducing replacement costs.

Driver training is essential to ensure the safe and efficient use of EV charging infrastructure. Without appropriate training, drivers may unintentionally create safety risks or cause damage that could result in costly repairs and insurance claims.

Insurance benefits of driver training include:

• Lower claim risks

Insurers assess risk based on operational practices. Well-trained drivers can help reduce accidents, lowering the likelihood of claims involving charging infrastructure, vehicles or fire-related incidents. Where appropriate, drivers with strong safety records may be prioritised for EV operation.

• Lower premiums

Some insurers may offer more favourable terms where fleet operators can demonstrate robust safety measures, including effective driver training programmes.

• Reduced downtime and costs

Fewer accidents and equipment failures can reduce operational disruption and repair costs, benefiting both fleet operating budgets and insurance performance.

Building standards and insurance considerations

Insurance providers may require compliance with specific building and infrastructure standards as a condition of providing cover.

• Commercial properties may be required to provide dedicated electric vehicle (EV) charging areas with appropriate fire-resistant separation measures.
• Charging infrastructure should be installed using certified equipment and by competent installers in accordance with relevant national standards and requirements.

Liability risks can include damage to third-party property, personal injury, and environmental impacts resulting from fires, equipment failures or other incidents.

Organisations that provide public or shared EV charging facilities may require additional liability insurance to cover risks associated with charger malfunctions, user error or third-party use of the infrastructure.