Five battery rules as a fire could cost you £420,000

The average cost of fire-related claims involving lithium batteries is £50,000, with fires caused by leaking and damaged batteries and overcharged e-vehicles combusting at home. The Greater London area alone has seen 673 fires where a lithium battery or vehicle was involved since January 2023.

The largest claim received by Allianz for a fire started by a rechargeable lithium battery is for more than £420,000, after a battery-powered vacuum cleaner caught alight, causing a major fire in a property in London. Allianz fire-safety partner and Surrey firefighter, Angela Everington, says homeowners should be wary of the number and age of these batteries they have lying around which could start fires.

She said: “Old batteries aren’t just unnecessary to keep lying around but are more prone to damage and deterioration. The older the battery, the higher the chance of leaking, sparking or igniting a fire.”

To raise awareness of the dangers, Allianz has compiled a list of some of the top lithium-ion powered items people admit to holding on to for too long:

• 1. Smartphones – 77%
• 2. Laptops – 57%
• 3. Digital cameras – 20%
• 4. Power bank – 13%
• 5. Electric toothbrush – 11%

Angela said: “Overcharging, or using incorrect wattage when charging, can damage the battery, causing it to overheat and even explode. Allianz’s research chimes with the trends we’ve witnessed when attending house fires, which are more frequently caused by lithium products.”

Caroline Johnson, Allianz personal lines claims director, said: “Fires caused by rechargeable lithium batteries can have devastating consequences, and it is important that people use good quality batteries from reputable retailers. Items such as mobile phones, tablets, cameras and other electronic devices are essential parts of modern living but we can all take precautionary steps to make sure we are charging, disposing and handling our devices correctly. People should look out for problems with their batteries such as wear and tear, overheating and bulging, and dispose of damaged batteries properly.

“Old tech should be recycled properly and it is also important that every house has smoke alarms fitted.”

The figures show that although most people own lithium battery-powered items, one third (34%) said they don’t know or are unsure of the risks they pose. More than 78% of people regularly charge their battery products overnight and almost half (45%) use uncertified chargers.

Angela is encouraging people to use, treat, and dispose of these products properly to help keep their homes and possessions safe and has shared some of her top tips to help avoid fires at home.

• Avoid charging devices overnight or unattended.
• Store lithium batteries in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources.
• Always use certified chargers for your devices.
• Look out for signs of battery damage - such as swelling or leaking.
• Dispose of damaged batteries safely – do a quick Google search to find your nearest refuse centre.