Electric Vehicle Chargers provide electrical power from an AC source to which plug-in vehicles connect. The electric energy is stored in a battery which provides power to the vehicle, just like any other chargeable device or electronic. These are important to consider in your insurance policies, as they do pose a risk to your property and may not be included in your standard home or auto coverage.
3 Types of chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.
Level 1: Standard Wall Outlet- This is a standard 120-volt wall outlet with no equipment installation required and works well at home, workplace, public, and anywhere. This is also the slowest way to charge an electric vehicle and it offers up to 3-5 miles of range per hour. Can be used overnight charging for average daily driving.
Level 2: 240-Volt Outlet- Level 2 charging is fast and it requires installing a station also called Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). It also requires a dedicated 240-volt or 208-volt electrical circuit. This charging station is commonly available at workplace charging stations, in public, and in many homes. It offers up to 14-35 miles of range per hour of charging time.
Level 3: DC Fast Charger- refers to Direct Current DC and this is the fastest DC charging option available. It requires a 480-volt connection making DC fast and it offers up to 250 miles of range per hour with 50 to 125 miles of range chargeable in 15 minutes depending on the vehicle and equipment.
The Difference Between Hardwired and Portable Plug-in EV Chargers?
Hardwired units can be installed indoors or outdoor. It has a 3 ft flexible conduit coming from the top and bottom of the station depending on the model, and it also has 6 inches service wire that comes out. Hardwired stations are usually more permanent, they can definitely move but you need to have an electrician come out to install and reinstalled units. While Portable plug-in EV charger can be plugged into a simple household outlet and doesn’t require any special installation.
Travelers Quantum Home 2.0 Coverage for Electric Vehicle Chargers
Coverage A: Dwelling would apply if an EV charger was installed in the home.Coverage B: Other Structures would apply if an EV charger were not physically connected to your home or installed as a free-standing structure.
Coverage C: Personal Property would apply if the charger is attached to the motor vehicle. Coverage is subject to the Special Limits of Liability for motor vehicle parts or equipment not attached to motor vehicle and it depends on the selected coverage level. Available limits are $500, $1,000 and $2,500.
Coverage E: Liability could apply if brought against an insured because of bodily injury or property damage involving an EV charger depending on the application of the “motor vehicle liability” exclusion.
Travelers Quantum Auto 2.0 Coverage for Electric Vehicle ChargersEV chargers would be considered auto equipment if you acquire Physical damage coverage. In terms of Liability Property Damage would apply if an insured’s operation of a motor vehicle results in an accident that causes damage to an EV charger. EV chargers are not applicable to the Medical Payments and PIP coverage.
Klinger Insurance Group in partnership with Travelers. Get a quote now and contact us at 301-428-4935 or email us at info@klingerinsurancegroup.com.
Sources: https://driveclean.ca.gov/electric-car-charging
https://www.mpoweruk.com/infrastructure.htm
https://clippercreek.com/ev-charging-station-installation-hardwired-vs-plug/
Travelers Quantum Home and Auto 2.0 Electric Vehicle Charger
