What happens if there’s an accident at an EV charging station?

What happens if you’re using a public charging station? Your auto insurance may apply in several scenarios involving your EV while charging, depending on what coverage you have:

• Collision coverage: If you accidentally hit the charger or another object while parking
• Comprehensive coverage: If damage is caused by fire, vandalism, falling objects, or weather
• Liability coverage: If your vehicle causes injury or damage to others while charging

Or, for example, if you back into a public charging unit, your collision coverage would help pay for the damage to the charger and your car.

Always report incidents to the charging station operator and document the scene with photos and witness info, as Car and Driver recommends.

If you have a Level 2 charger installed at home, your homeowners insurance may help in these situations:

• Damage to the charger itself (e.g., fire, lightning)
• Liability coverage for injuries that occur on your property (e.g., someone trips over your charging cable)

Be sure to inform your insurer that you've installed an EV charger, especially if it required electrical work. It may be considered a “permanent fixture” and could affect your dwelling coverage limits.

If a guest, neighbor, or delivery person trips over your home charging cable:

• Your personal liability coverage (typically part of homeowners insurance) may pay for their medical bills or legal claims
• You could be considered negligent if the cable was left across a walkway, unmarked, or unlit

A few things you can do to help reduce accidents from happening at your home include:

• Use retractable or wall-mounted charging solutions
• Keep cords off walkways
• Provide adequate lighting near your charger

Many standard auto policies now include coverage for EVs, but it’s worth checking to see if your policy includes the following specifics:

• Battery replacement coverage after collisions or fire
• Towing to the nearest charger (especially if you run out of charge)
• Coverage for portable chargers or cords
• Home charger replacement or power surge protection under homeowners policies

Some insurers offer EV-specific add-ons or plans designed for electric vehicle ownership.

Whether you’re charging your EV at home or out in public, it's important to know where your protection starts and where it might fall short. Review your home and auto policies today to make sure you're fully covered.