Is your home protected against EV fire? Here’s what Malaysian Insurers have to say

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 — Malaysian insurers have spoken about home insurance coverage for electric vehicle (EV) fires. Following a recent incident in Alam Damai, Cheras, the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) clarified what policies typically cover, and what EV owners should know. An EV-related fire is not automatically excluded from standard home insurance coverage.

Homeowners should ensure their property is adequately insured, notify their insurer when installing a permanent EV charger, and ensure electrical installations comply with requirements. PIAM says fire damage is covered regardless of the ignition source, as long as there is no fraud, deliberate act, or breach of policy conditions.

An EV fire within a building, such as a condominium car park, is not automatically excluded from fire insurance. An EV charger may be covered under the "buildings" section of a home insurance policy, while unattached charging cables typically fall under specialist EV motor insurance policies or add-on packages. Homeowners should review their motor and home insurance policies for potential coverage gaps.

Proper installation of EV chargers is crucial for insurance claims, as insurers require homeowners to take reasonable precautions and maintain electrical safety standards. If you’ve installed an EV charger, notify your insurer to ensure the property's sum insured reflects current rebuilding costs and avoid underinsurance.