I plugged my 100V EUC fast charger into the power strip under my desk, just like I do every day. Thirty minutes later, a loud pop echoed through the open-plan office, followed by the smell of ozone and half the sales team shouting that their monitors went black. I hadn’t just tripped a breaker; the surge fried a $4,000 network switch and corrupted a coworker’s unbacked-up hard drive, and now HR is asking for my insurance details.
Key Takeaways
- Personal Liability Applies: Your Homeowners or Renters “Personal Liability” coverage should cover damage you cause to others’ property, even at work, unless it falls under a “Business Pursuit” exclusion.
- The “Business Pursuit” Grey Area: If you argue you were charging the wheel to do your job (courier), insurance might deny it. If it was for your commute (personal), you are safer.
- Employer’s Property: Usually, an employer cannot easily sue an employee for simple negligence, but they can fire you. Liability insurance helps if you damaged the building (landlord’s property) or a coworker’s personal property.
- Safety Certifications: If your charger wasn’t UL certified (common with fast chargers), the insurer might argue “Gross Negligence” to avoid paying.
The “Why” (Property Damage Liability)
You are personally liable for negligence. Bringing a high-draw, non-commercial appliance into an office grid can be deemed negligent.
“We cover damages… for which an insured is legally liable because of property damage.”
However, the “Business Pursuits” exclusion says they won’t cover you if the damage arises out of your employment. You have to thread the needle: “I was charging my personal vehicle, not performing a business act.”
The Investigation: Who pays for the server?
I called three liability adjusters to run this scenario.
1. State Farm (Renters Liability)
- Verdict: Likely Covered. Since commuting is not “work,” charging the vehicle used for commuting is a personal act. They would likely pay for the damaged switch, up to your liability limit (usually $100k).
2. The Employer’s Insurance
- Verdict: Primary. Usually, the company’s “Commercial Property” insurance pays for the fried electronics. They could subrogate (sue) you, but it’s rare for an employee unless you were malicious.
3. Specialty PEV Insurance (Liability Rider)
- Verdict: Solid. If your renters insurance balks at the “motorized vehicle” aspect (arguing the charger is part of the vehicle), specialty liability coverage usually steps in.
Comparison Table
| Damaged Item | Covered by Your Renters Policy? | Covered by Employer Policy? |
| Office Server/Switch | Yes (Liability) | Yes (Property) |
| Coworker’s Laptop | Yes (Liability) | No (Personal Property) |
| Your EUC Charger | No (Your Property) | No |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check the Charger: Before plugging in at work, look at the label. Input Amps? If it draws more than 10A, do not plug it into a power strip sharing other devices.
- Ask Permission: Get an email from the office manager saying “It’s okay to charge at your desk.” This shifts some liability to the company.
- Claim Personal Use: If interviewed by insurance, emphasize that the vehicle is for commuting, not for work deliveries.
FAQ
Can they deduct the damages from my paycheck?
In most states (like California/New York), it is illegal for an employer to deduct breakage/damages from wages without written consent.
[IMAGE: Photo of a melted power strip with a heavy duty EUC charger plugged in]