Lithium battery installations - does this affect insurance cover?

[Minxy]

With all the talk on another thread about EV batteries and fire risk it got me thinking (yes it does happen occasionally!) ... whilst we have to notify insurers about some modification to our MHs, I wonder if changing the batteries from the 'usual' suspects to lithium is one which they have to be notified about and if they will start to charge an extra premium for this 'risk'? Whether it is a greater risk or not is obviously up to them/the underwriters to determine but if it means they can increase the premiums you can bet they will.

 

[drpeej]

I've just added air assist suspension and uprated my PVC to 3500 kg. No change in insurance premium but a small fixed charge for modifying the policy.

 

[pappajohn]

Tell them anyway, then they know so no blame can be apportioned in the event of a claim

 

[Spriddler]

If you already have lithiums, tell them.
If you haven't, ask them.

 

[Minxy]

I've just added air assist suspension and uprated my PVC to 3500 kg. No change in insurance premium but a small fixed charge for modifying the policy.

Yes that's quite normal for an amendment, it's the 'risk' factor specifically around lithium batteries that got me thinking rather than general mods.

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[eddie]

Yes that's quite normal for an amendment, it's the 'risk' factor specifically around lithium batteries that got me thinking rather than general mods.

What is this "risk factor" you speak of?

 

[funflair]

Yes that's quite normal for an amendment, it's the 'risk' factor specifically around lithium batteries that got me thinking rather than general mods.

You say "lithium" but you need to be aware that there are many types of "lithium" battery and the ones that get fitted into motorhomes are not the same as EV batteries, motorhome habitation batteries are LiFePO4 lithium iron and are a lot safer than other types.

But it may be worth telling insurers if it is an upgrade, ours came as standard and no questions were asked when they took on the risk.

 

[Jim]

Yes that's quite normal for an amendment, it's the 'risk' factor specifically around lithium batteries that got me thinking rather than general mods.

LiFePO4 cells are a lot less dangerous than most others. You can crash them, hold a flame thrower to them, worst you'll do is melt the plastic.

I would suggest always telling your insurer whenever you modify the van. I'm sure they would be happy to know you've reduced risks by fitting such a safe battery

 

[poppycamper]

When i insured my professionally converted PCV the insurance company never asked what fittings were fitted including battery so as far as they are aware lithium could be fitted by converter.

 

[Lenny HB]

Lithium are an option on most vans so I can't see it would be a problem.

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[tonyidle]

I once asked my insurer about modifications. I was running a modern classic car at the time and there was a lot of discussion about what the insurance company needed to know. When I asked they said anything that deviates from standard fittings. I listed everything and supplied an A4 page full. Things ranged from rear mudflaps, through tyre make and size, suspension components, ignition system, poly bushed bearings, battery type and size, to air and oil filters, transmission and type of oil. And many, many other components. They wrote back and said they only meant performance-enhancing mods and only then if they were substantial.

 

[MichaelT]

I once asked my insurer about modifications. I was running a modern classic car at the time and there was a lot of discussion about what the insurance company needed to know. When I asked they said anything that deviates from standard fittings. I listed everything and supplied an A4 page full. Things ranged from rear mudflaps, through tyre make and size, suspension components, ignition system, poly bushed bearings, battery type and size, to air and oil filters, transmission and type of oil. And many, many other components. They wrote back and said they only meant performance-enhancing mods and only then if they were substantial.

We had uprated front springs fitted when we had the E&P system fitted so at renewal thought I better fes up to Comfort who were not interested on either front, as you say its performance enhancing stuff they are interested in.

 

[Swifter]

I was unaware LiFePO4 are more likely to catch fire than lead acid batteries .

 

[Jim]

I was unaware LiFePO4 are more likely to catch fire than lead acid batteries .

They are less likely

 

[eddie]

I was unaware LiFePO4 are more likely to catch fire than lead acid batteries .

They are less likely

When I turned my Land Cruiser over, it has two lead acid batteries (it has an inverter as standard) it was the acid that was the most hazardous liquid on the road!

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[deleted79651]

There is a general insurance declaration requirement to state all modifications to the vehicle, and in the pre 'Connecting you now' recorded Phone message, 'Failure to do so could invalidate your claim or reduce the amount that we pay out', so I tell them about the Lithium, ask if they have recorded the disclosure [Bored sigh response from Operator] and get the 'no difference in premium' reply. Potential wriggle room for Insurers minimised ... 'But other wriggles are available ...'

Steve

 

[bigtwin]

I was unaware LiFePO4 are more likely to catch fire than lead acid batteries .

There’s a good reason for that.

Ian

 

[Minxy]

Thanks guys, not having lithium myself it's not something I've looked into so was just 'musing'.

 

[deleted79651]

Thanks guys, not having lithium myself it's not something I've looked into so was just 'musing'.

'A musing?'
'Naw, I was being deadly serious ...It's not a laughing matter' 'Which way is Stage Left?I'm looking for the exit ...'

Steve

 

[Minxy]

'A musing?'
'Naw, I was being deadly serious ...It's not a laughing matter' 'Which way is Stage Left?I'm looking for the exit ...'

Steve

Stay where you are as I've already left and at least that way I know where to avoid!!!

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[Jo662]

What is this "risk factor" you speak of?

i think the risk factor is mainly for the drop in ones. I had mine done recently at eddievanbitz and am very happy it was done professionally so I have complete peace of mind.

 

[poppycamper]

i think the risk factor is mainly for the drop in ones. I had mine done recently at eddievanbitz and am very happy it was done professionally so I have complete peace of mind.

Don't see why so called drop in ones should be any more risky than "proper" ones!

 

[WESTY66]

i think the risk factor is mainly for the drop in ones. I had mine done recently at eddievanbitz and am very happy it was done professionally so I have complete peace of mind.

Yes I fear an visit early next year

 

[eddie]

Don't see why so called drop in ones should be any more risky than "proper" ones!

I don’t think the batteries themselves are, but if the ancillary equipment isn’t designed with Lithium technology in mind and there was an issue, where does the liability lie?

 

[autorouter]

With all the talk on another thread about EV batteries and fire risk it got me thinking (yes it does happen occasionally!) ... whilst we have to notify insurers about some modification to our MHs, I wonder if changing the batteries from the 'usual' suspects to lithium is one which they have to be notified about and if they will start to charge an extra premium for this 'risk'? Whether it is a greater risk or not is obviously up to them/the underwriters to determine but if it means they can increase the premiums you can bet they will.

There's more risk associated with lithium batteries in satnavs, laptops and mobile phones. And some of those jump starters and portable power banks. They are mostly Lithium-Polymer rather than the much safer LiFePO4 type normally fitted to motorhomes.

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[Jim]

LiFPO4 are very safe, and I am happy to leave them on charge. E-bikes though, do you leave those on charge in your garage!

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[Minxy]

With our previous e-bikes we always removed the batteries and charged them in the cab when we were travelling, we'll do the same with the ones for our current e-bikes. I don't leave anything charging in the MH overnight or whilst we're out either.

 

[Coolcats]

With all the talk on another thread about EV batteries and fire risk it got me thinking (yes it does happen occasionally!) ... whilst we have to notify insurers about some modification to our MHs, I wonder if changing the batteries from the 'usual' suspects to lithium is one which they have to be notified about and if they will start to charge an extra premium for this 'risk'? Whether it is a greater risk or not is obviously up to them/the underwriters to determine but if it means they can increase the premiums you can bet they will.

interesting I would say declare everything, a conversation with a broker regarding one of our vehicles which is a VW Transporter I mentioned that post manufacture and before being put on the road I had lowering springs fitted which are a official VW part along with tow bar electrics and tow bar again VW official components a particular underwriter would not insure the vehicle as it had been modified post manufacture build. Other underwriters did not have the same issue so I would say just declare any variance. Whilst its a hassle and some underwriters may not want to provide cover or want to know who installed, from my perspective I am OK with the underwriter not wishing to insure the vehicle rather than having a claim later and the insurer not paying out!