markpj23
Senior Member
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2021
- Messages
- 201
- Vessel Name
- Black Horse
- Vessel Make
- Med Yachts 62
Interesting discussion in another online group about how one major insurer (starts with an M) severely reduced liability coverage after the boat owner upgraded to the new lithium batteries. Compounding that, and common to other insurers, is the reality that if your system was not upgraded and installed by an ABYC certified electrician your claim may be denied entirely.
If true, this stance by the insurer is not readily apparent in the declarations of the policy. Several claim to have been told this only after the claim has been submitted and an adjuster issued their findings. Insurance brokers / agency had no clue either.
Add to that the lack of ABYC certification for any LiFePO battery that I have been able to find, UL certification limited to individual cells and not the pre-packaged battery as a whole (ie, Grp 31, 8d packaging) and this sounds like a real mess. Throw in a quickly evolving standard (ABYC TE-13 2020) and I'm not sure which way to go. If I am correct, the TE-13 standard speaks to 'traditional' LiOn batteries which can experience thermal runaway, while LiFePO4 units cannot?
I love the new technology batteries on paper. Not sure how factoring in the insurance and professional installation to the equation will work out.
Heads up - you may be in for an unexpected battle with your insurer.
If true, this stance by the insurer is not readily apparent in the declarations of the policy. Several claim to have been told this only after the claim has been submitted and an adjuster issued their findings. Insurance brokers / agency had no clue either.
Add to that the lack of ABYC certification for any LiFePO battery that I have been able to find, UL certification limited to individual cells and not the pre-packaged battery as a whole (ie, Grp 31, 8d packaging) and this sounds like a real mess. Throw in a quickly evolving standard (ABYC TE-13 2020) and I'm not sure which way to go. If I am correct, the TE-13 standard speaks to 'traditional' LiOn batteries which can experience thermal runaway, while LiFePO4 units cannot?
I love the new technology batteries on paper. Not sure how factoring in the insurance and professional installation to the equation will work out.
Heads up - you may be in for an unexpected battle with your insurer.
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