Installing Electric Car Charging Points in Blocks of Flats

Installing an EV charger in flats is possible and can offer its share of benefits, but there are some considerations to help navigate the process smoothly.

If you do decide to install electric charging points in your block of flats, arranging an appropriate level of insurance cover could also help protect against potential damages.

What is an EV charger?

An EV charger is a device or port that provides electric current to the battery of an electric vehicle.

EV chargers act as a charging point for electric vehicles and are the equivalent of a fuel pump for unleaded or diesel-powered cars.

Benefits of installing electric charging points

Installing an EV charger in a block of flats comes with a host of possible benefits, which include:

• 24/7 convenience: If you’re a resident, having an EV charger at your disposal means you can top up your vehicle’s battery at your convenience without having to find a public charging point. If you’re a landlord or agent, installing EV in your block of flats can be a selling point for potential tenants.
• Improved environmental sustainability: Government statistics suggest that EV chargers will produce 80% fewer emissions than petrol vehicles by 2050. Installing EV chargers in your block of flats means you’ll play an active role in making your community more sustainable. Demonstrating your commitment to sustainability could also attract environmentally conscious tenants to your property.
• Showcasing corporate responsibility: As an agent or landlord, having blocks of flats with an EV charger can demonstrate your corporate responsibility to providing sustainable and amenable housing.
• Property value increases: Having EV chargers installed in your block of flats could potentially increase your overall property value.
• Meeting expectations: As EV chargers become more commonplace, potential residents are more likely to expect them to be installed on-premises. That said, investing in EV charging points could mean more interest from potential tenants or buyers, offering a healthy return on investment (ROI) in the process.

Funding electric charging points in a block of flats

If you’re a landlord considering installing EV charging points for your block of flats, the good news is you can secure funding to do so.

The government is running a scheme to help participating landlords with the costs of installing EV charging points in their block of flats. Currently, there are two government grants available:

1. Electric vehicle chargepoint grant (EV chargepoint grant): You can get £350 or 75% off the cost of buying and installing a socket (whichever amount is lower).
2. Electric vehicle infrastructure grant (EV infrastructure grant): You can get money off the wider installation work required to install multiple EV chargepoint sockets, which usually equates to up to £30,000 or 75% off the overall price. The amount varies depending on how many parking spaces the work covers.

Considerations when installing electric chargers in a block of flats

As a landlord, agent or residential manager, there are some considerations you should make before installing EV chargers in your block of flats, such as:

• Underground parking: If your block of flats has underground parking, you should know that installing EV chargers in these locations can be more difficult. You’ll need to consider how to install the electric cabling safely while ensuring adequate fire safety and ventilation. These extra logistical roadblocks typically come with added costs, so you should always get an accurate quote before making a commitment.
• Parking space location: You’ll also need to carefully consider where to position parking spaces around your block of flats. Your EV charging cables typically need to run from the main building or block. That said, your parking spaces will have to be close enough to ensure the installation process is safe, effective, and compliant.
• EV charging approvals: To install an EV charger in your block of flats, you’ll need to get certain approvals and permissions before carrying out any work. These typically include getting the ‘green light’ from any existing freeholders, the building management company, and possibly your local authority if planning permission is required.
• Feasibility: You’ll also need to ensure your building’s main supply can handle the extra load of your EV charger. We also recommend contacting your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) before carrying out any installation work. You can usually identify your DNO by looking for your Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN).

H3: Does block of flat insurance cover damage to EV chargers?

Block of flats insurance can usually cover damage to EV chargers. That’s because when you install EV chargers on flats, they’re usually seen as building fixtures.

However, most insurers are very stringent on how EV chargers are fitted and serviced. If an EV charger doesn’t meet the insurer’s fitting and servicing requirements, they may not provide cover.

That said, you should always check these rules or requirements with an insurer before committing to a policy.

At Gallagher, we provide specialist types of insurance cover to suit a variety of situations, including:

• Freeholders insurance: Cover for freeholders or joint freeholders living in a converted house, multiple flats or a purpose-built block.
• Residential landlord insurance: Comprehensive property cover designed specifically for buy-to-let landlords.
• Insurance for agents: Block of flats cover tailored to busy agents juggling the demands of their day-to-day business.

Secure a suitable policy based on your EV charger and property requirements with Gallagher. Providing your EV charger is fitted and serviced according to the standards or specifications outlined in your policy, we can offer cover.

Alongside building insurance, liability insurance, and legal expense compensation as standard, you can choose optional add-ons such as engineering insurance and inspection services.

If you need to make a claim, our in-house specialists will aim to make your experience as seamless as possible. For emergency claims, you can contact us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

 

Get a quote online or call us on 08000 92 93 94. We look forward to hearing from you.

Disclaimer:

The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.

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