Electric vehicle adoption is accelerating, and with it comes the demand for reliable charging infrastructure in apartment complexes, office buildings, shopping centers, and other public spaces. For property owners and managers, installing commercial EV chargers isn’t just an amenity; it’s a competitive advantage that attracts tenants, employees, and customers.
But commercial chargers are significant investments, both financially and operationally. Protecting them with the right warranty is essential, and the most important factor to look for is whether your warranty is underwritten.
What Is an Underwritten Warranty?
An underwritten warranty is backed by a licensed insurance company. This means the coverage is not dependent solely on the financial stability of the seller or manufacturer; it’s legally guaranteed by an insurer with the reserves to fulfill claims.
For commercial properties, that distinction matters. Unlike residential chargers, which might inconvenience one driver if they fail, a commercial charger outage impacts dozens (or even hundreds) of users, not to mention the property’s reputation.
Risks of Non-Underwritten Coverage
Purchasing a warranty that isn’t underwritten may seem like a cost-saving shortcut, but it can expose property owners and operators to serious risks:
- Coverage that disappears with the provider: If the warranty provider goes out of business, your coverage vanishes with them, leaving you with costly repairs or replacements.
- Revenue loss and tenant dissatisfaction: A broken charger can mean lost revenue from usage fees, and it frustrates tenants or employees who rely on dependable charging access.
- Unregulated terms: Non-underwritten plans lack regulatory oversight, which can result in vague exclusions or denied claims when you need coverage most.
For property managers and building owners, this translates to unbudgeted expenses, dissatisfied stakeholders, and damaged trust.
The Benefits of Choosing an Underwritten Warranty
With an underwritten plan, you gain financial protection and operational confidence:
- Claims guarantee: No matter what happens to the warranty administrator, the insurance backing ensures claims will be paid.
- Regulatory oversight: Insurer-backed warranties are subject to compliance and auditing, adding transparency for property owners.
- Budget stability: Predictable costs help building owners manage maintenance expenses and avoid sudden large payouts.
- Operational continuity: Fast, guaranteed service means less downtime for chargers, keeping tenants, employees, and customers satisfied.
Additional Features to Look For
Beyond underwriting, a strong commercial EV charger warranty should include:
- Comprehensive protection against electrical and mechanical failures, power surges, and accidental damage.
- On-site repair and labor coverage to minimize downtime.
- No Service Fees to eliminate any additional out-of-pocket expenses.
- Transferability if the property changes ownership or management.
- Dedicated support with clear expectations and communication to keep operations running smoothly.
The Bottom Line
Commercial EV chargers are critical infrastructure for modern properties. Choosing a warranty without underwriting puts your investment and your reputation at risk. By securing an underwritten warranty, you ensure that coverage is dependable, claims are honored, and your chargers stay operational when they’re needed most.
In today’s EV-driven market, uptime is everything. Protect it with the right warranty.
Written by: Holly Audiss Paperi, VP of Client Success