Homeowners told to update insurers when installing EV chargers

Homeowners in Malaysia are advised to inform their insurance providers when they install permanent electric vehicle (EV) chargers, according to the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM). These chargers are classified as building fixtures and fittings under home insurance policies, so accurately updating the sum insured ensures that property owners are not underinsured, the CEO of PIAM, Chua Kim Soon, explained.

This guidance was prompted by a recent fire incident in Alam Damai, Cheras, where an EV charger connected to a front porch is believed to have ignited a blaze that destroyed a two-storey house. PIAM clarified that standard homeowner and fire insurance policies cover fire damage caused by any ignition source, as long as there is no fraud, deliberate act, or breach of policy terms.

The association made it clear that permanently installed, hard-wired EV chargers are considered building fixtures and fittings under home insurance policies. However, portable charging cables, unattached to a fixed structure, usually fall under motor insurance policies or require additional coverage packages. PIAM stressed the significance of professional installation, as insurers will review official investigation reports, such as those from the fire and rescue department, to confirm that electrical safety standards were met and to rule out any uncertified modifications.