Does Home Insurance Require an EICR? UK 2025 Rules, Claims & Risks

Does Home Insurance Require an EICR? UK 2025 Rules, Claims & Risks

🏠 Does Home Insurance Require an EICR? UK 2025 Rules, Claims & Risks

Does Home Insurance Require an EICR

Many UK homeowners and landlords are surprised to learn that insurance companies can refuse claims for electrical fires or faults if the property does not meet electrical safety standards.

So the big question is:

“Do I need an EICR for my home insurance in 2025?”

The answer: Not always legally — but often contractually. And in many cases, not having a recent EICR can put your insurance payout at risk.

📘 Contents

📌 Quick Answer

No — UK law does not force homeowners to have an EICR for home insurance.

However, many insurers now state in their policy terms that:

  • the electrical installation must be safe and maintained
  • the wiring must be in good condition
  • unsafe or outdated wiring may invalidate a claim

And the easiest way to prove this is with a recent EICR.

For landlords, the rules are stricter — see: Landlord EICR Rules (2025 Guide).

⚖️ When Home Insurance Requires an EICR

When Home Insurance Requires an EICR

Many UK insurers require or strongly recommend an EICR if:

  • the property is over 25 years old
  • you have recently bought the property
  • you have upgraded the consumer unit
  • you are insuring a rental or holiday let
  • there has been an electrical fire in the past

Some insurers explicitly state that an EICR must be renewed every 5–10 years.

The number of insurers including this requirement has increased sharply since 2022.

🚫 When Insurers Can Refuse a Claim

Even if the policy does not demand an EICR, insurers may refuse a claim if:

  • faulty or outdated wiring caused the fire
  • there was no RCD protection
  • DIY electrical work contributed to the incident
  • the consumer unit was unsafe
  • the property had known electrical defects

EICRs often uncover these issues — and getting them fixed prevents claim rejection.

See also:
Why EICRs Fail

🏘️ Landlord Insurance & EICRs (2025 Rules)

For landlords, the rules are far more strict:

  • Legally required EICR every 5 years
  • Most insurers require proof of electrical safety
  • Failure to provide an up-to-date EICR may void cover

Many landlord insurers now ask for:

  • a valid EICR at policy renewal
  • evidence that C1/C2 issues were repaired

🏡 Standard Homeowner Policies (2025)

Household policies generally include terms such as:

  • “Electrical installation must be kept in a safe condition.”
  • “We may reject claims caused by poor maintenance.”
  • “Old or faulty wiring may invalidate claims.”

A recent EICR is the simplest way to demonstrate compliance.

🔍 Why Insurers Prefer Properties With EICRs

  • EICRs reduce risk of electrical fires
  • They prove the wiring meets BS 7671 standards
  • They detect dangerous faults early
  • They reduce payout risk for the insurer
  • They ensure RCD protection is working

As a result, some insurers offer lower premiums when an EICR is provided.

🕒 Recommended EICR Timeframes

Although law says 5–10 years, the safest practice is:

  • Homeowners: every 8–10 years
  • Landlords: every 5 years (legal)
  • Older properties (30+ years): every 5 years
  • After major electrical work: sooner

For testing intervals by property type, see:
How Often Should an EICR Be Done?

🔗 Related EICR Guides

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an EICR required for home insurance?

No — but insurers can still reject claims without one.

Can my insurance ask for an EICR?

Yes — many do, especially for older homes or high-risk properties.

Will my claim be rejected if I don’t have an EICR?

Not automatically — but if faulty wiring caused the damage, they can reject it.

Do landlords legally need an EICR?

Yes — every 5 years minimum.

Does renewing a consumer unit require an EICR?

No — but insurers often request one after upgrades.

With home insurance becoming stricter in 2025, having a recent EICR is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from rejected claims.

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