California EV Charging Station Insurance Rules Simplified by Senate Bill 770

Electric vehicle (EV) charging station installation and insurance requirements in California planned developments and condominiums are subject to Civil Code Section 4745. For planned developments where garages are part of individual lots, homeowners are not obligated to obtain liability insurance for EV charging stations under this section. The code specifies that insurance mandates apply only to stations in common or exclusive common areas. In condominium settings with shared garage facilities, recent challenges have emerged regarding the mandatory insurance coverage naming homeowners associations (HOAs) as additional insured parties, causing compliance difficulties for unit owners. Senate Bill 770, effective January 1, 2026, amends Civil Code Section 4745(f)(1)(C), removing the requirement for homeowners to provide HOAs with a certificate of insurance that names the HOA as an additional insured when installing EV charging stations in common or exclusive use areas. Remaining provisions require licensed contractor installations, homeowner responsibility for installation and electricity costs, and proof of insurance through a certificate presented to the HOA. This legislative adjustment aims to streamline compliance and reduce insurance coordination barriers for condominium owners wishing to install EV charging infrastructure. Despite the removal of the additional insured requirement, ensuring insurance coverage on the charging equipment remains a legal obligation. Guidance from insurance brokers continues to be essential for navigating insurance certification processes. Stakeholders in the real estate and insurance sectors should note this evolving regulatory environment enhancing EV infrastructure facilitation while maintaining risk management standards. The law supports expanding EV adoption in multi-unit residential properties by clarifying insurance requirements and removing previously obstructive mandates. For further access to statutes, California's legislative information website provides official bill texts and statutory codes. Legal expertise in community association law remains instrumental in managing compliance and advising homeowners and HOAs on insurance responsibilities related to EV charging stations.