Business insurance cover at risk if techs not EV-trained
Independent bodyshops and garages across the UK are at risk of losing business insurance cover if they do not have EV-trained technicians on site, as insurers begin to tighten requirements around high-voltage vehicle work.
The warning follows a real-world case in which an independent garage approached Autotech Training after its insurer declined to offer cover, citing the absence of a qualified EV technician as a significant risk factor.
Business insurance cover risk
While EV training has traditionally been viewed as a way to future-proof businesses or unlock new revenue streams, this case highlights a critical shift: it is increasingly becoming essential simply to remain operational.
With more than two million electric vehicles now on UK roads and adoption continuing to accelerate, independent workshops are encountering EVs more frequently. However, many are still not equipped with the skills required to work on high-voltage systems safely.
As a result, insurers are reassessing risk.
Andrew Harris ACII, a Chartered Insurance Broker with 18 years of industry experience providing general risk management and insurance advice, said about the risk to business insurance cover:
“From an underwriting perspective, garages working on high-voltage vehicles without appropriately trained technicians present a significantly elevated risk. In the event of an incident, questions around competence, compliance and duty of care can directly impact liability and claims outcomes. Without evidence of appropriate training, this is a level of risk many insurers are no longer willing to accept.”
Clear obligation
Although EV training is not currently a legal requirement, existing legislation places clear responsibilities on employers. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, businesses must ensure that employees are competent to carry out their work safely.
Given that electric vehicles contain high-voltage systems capable of causing serious injury or death, this places a clear obligation on bodyshop and garage owners to ensure technicians are properly trained.
For businesses, the implications go beyond compliance. If an incident occurs involving an untrained technician, insurers may refuse to pay out on a claim. In more serious cases, business owners could face enforcement action or prosecution if it is found that adequate training and safety measures were not in place.
