📋 Overview

You've received a demand letter from a homeowner claiming problems with your EV charger installation. EV charging equipment (EVSE) installations are governed by specific electrical codes including NEC Article 625 and California's Title 24 energy requirements. This guide will help you respond strategically, protect your C-10 electrical license, and resolve the dispute effectively.

License at Risk

Electrical work defects can trigger CSLB investigation and potential discipline under B&P Code 7109 for departure from accepted trade standards.

Inspection Records

City/county electrical inspections are critical evidence. A passed inspection demonstrates code compliance at time of installation.

Insurance Notice

Notify your general liability carrier immediately. EV installations can involve significant property damage claims requiring coverage.

Common EV Charger Installation Claims

  • Charging failures - Vehicle not charging, slow charging, intermittent connection
  • Electrical issues - Tripped breakers, overheating, circuit problems
  • Property damage - Fire, melting, damage to electrical panel
  • Code violations - Wire sizing, circuit protection, grounding issues
  • Vehicle damage claims - Alleged damage to EV battery or charging system
  • Installation quality - Improper mounting, exposed wiring, aesthetic complaints
$450
Professional Response on Letterhead

Case review, response letter citing applicable codes, and strategic guidance to protect your license.

Schedule Review

🔍 Evaluate the Claim

Before responding, conduct a thorough review of the installation and the claimed defects. This will help you determine if the complaint has merit and what defenses may apply.

Risk Assessment Matrix

Issue Type Potential Exposure Risk Level
Fire/Property Damage Full repair costs + property damage + potential personal injury HIGH
Vehicle Battery Damage EV battery replacement ($5,000-20,000+) + diminished value HIGH
Code Violations Correction costs + re-inspection fees + CSLB discipline MEDIUM
Charging Failures Diagnostic and repair costs + inconvenience damages MEDIUM
Cosmetic/Aesthetic Minor repair or reinstallation costs LOW

📄 Installation Records

  • ✓ Signed contract with scope of work
  • ✓ Electrical permit and inspection records
  • ✓ Load calculations and panel capacity assessment
  • ✓ Photos during and after installation

📝 Equipment Records

  • ✓ EVSE manufacturer specifications
  • ✓ Equipment warranty information
  • ✓ Wire sizing calculations (NEC 625)
  • ✓ Communications with homeowner

Notify Your Insurance Carrier Immediately

EV charger claims can involve significant property damage. Most GL policies require prompt notice of any claim. Send written notice within 24-48 hours of receiving the demand letter.

🛡 Defense Strategies

California law and electrical codes provide contractors with several defenses to EV charger installation claims. Identify which apply to your situation.

Passed Electrical Inspection

If your installation passed city/county electrical inspection, this is strong evidence that the work met code requirements at time of installation. Inspection records show compliance with NEC 625 and California Electrical Code.

When to use: You pulled permit and passed final inspection from the AHJ.

Manufacturer Equipment Defect

If the EVSE unit itself was defective, liability may shift to the manufacturer. You installed per specifications - the failure was in the equipment, not your work.

When to use: Problem is with charger functionality, not electrical installation.

Pre-Existing Electrical Conditions

If the home's electrical system had pre-existing issues (undersized service, faulty wiring, inadequate grounding), you're not liable for problems caused by conditions you didn't create or warrant.

When to use: Panel or home wiring issues existed before your work.

Homeowner Modification or Misuse

If the homeowner modified the installation, used incorrect settings, or operated the charger outside normal parameters, this can constitute a complete defense.

When to use: Evidence of tampering, DIY modifications, or improper use.

Vehicle Compatibility Issues

Some charging issues stem from the vehicle's charging system, not the EVSE installation. Certain EVs have known compatibility issues with specific charger brands or settings.

When to use: Charger works with other vehicles; issue is vehicle-specific.

Weak Defenses to Avoid

  • "The customer chose the charger" - You're still liable for proper installation
  • "It worked when I left" - Latent defects may appear later
  • "They signed off on the work" - Doesn't waive defect claims
  • "I've done hundreds with no problems" - Each installation must meet code

⚖ Response Options

Choose your response strategy based on claim validity, your defenses, and business considerations.

Offer Diagnostic Visit

Propose a no-cost inspection to diagnose the issue. This shows good faith and lets you determine if the problem is your installation, the equipment, or other factors.

  • Demonstrates professionalism
  • Gathers evidence for defense
  • May reveal simple fix

Negotiate Settlement

If defect exists in your work, negotiate a fair resolution. Offering repair or partial refund often costs less than litigation.

  • Avoids CSLB complaint
  • Preserves reputation
  • Limits legal costs

Dispute Claim

If claim lacks merit or defenses are strong, send formal denial with supporting documentation (inspection records, photos, specifications).

  • Preserves all defenses
  • May deter weak claims
  • Document everything

Tender to Manufacturer

If equipment defect is suspected, contact the EVSE manufacturer for warranty claim and potential indemnification.

  • Shifts liability
  • May provide replacement
  • Preserves customer relationship

Our Response Services

  • 📄 Demand letter: Flat fee $450
  • ⏱️ Extended negotiation: $240/hr
  • 📊 Contingency: 33-40% for strong claims

Cost-Benefit Consideration

For claims under $10,000, offering prompt professional repair often costs 50-70% less than litigation - even if you believe you'd prevail. Document everything and get signed completion acknowledgment.

📝 Sample Response Letter

Customize this response template for your situation.

EV Charger Claim Response Letter
Re: Response to Demand Letter - EV Charger Installation at [PROPERTY ADDRESS] Dear [HOMEOWNER NAME]: We acknowledge receipt of your letter dated [DATE] regarding the EV charger installation at the above address. We take all customer concerns seriously and want to address this matter promptly and professionally. Our records indicate this installation was completed on [INSTALLATION DATE] and passed electrical inspection by [CITY/COUNTY] on [INSPECTION DATE], permit number [PERMIT #]. The installation was performed in accordance with NEC Article 625, California Electrical Code, and the manufacturer's specifications for the [EVSE MODEL] charging station. To properly evaluate the concerns you've raised, we request the opportunity to inspect the installation and diagnose the reported issues. We propose scheduling this inspection at your earliest convenience, at no charge to you. [IF DISPUTING: Based on our records and the passed electrical inspection, we believe the installation was performed correctly and to code. However, we remain committed to understanding and resolving any legitimate concerns.] [IF EQUIPMENT ISSUE: The symptoms you describe may indicate an issue with the charging equipment itself rather than the installation. We recommend contacting [MANUFACTURER] warranty support at [PHONE] to report the issue, as the equipment may be covered under manufacturer warranty.] Please contact our office at [PHONE] to schedule the diagnostic inspection. We look forward to resolving this matter to your satisfaction. Sincerely, [YOUR NAME] [LICENSE NUMBER]

Related Resources

Home Services Response Hub Construction Defect Response Payment Dispute Response

🚀 Next Steps

Immediate actions to protect your license and business.

Step 1: Notify Insurance

Contact your GL carrier within 24-48 hours. Send written notice with copy of demand letter.

Step 2: Gather Records

Pull permit, inspection records, photos, contract, load calculations, and all communications.

Step 3: Respond Timely

Send written response within 30 days. If CSLB complaint filed, respond within 15 days.

Step 4: Document Everything

Confirm all future communications in writing. Photos, emails, certified mail for important documents.

If They File a CSLB Complaint

  • Respond within 15 days - CSLB expects written response to all complaints
  • Provide documentation - Permit, inspection records, contract, load calculations
  • Demonstrate code compliance - Reference NEC 625, California Electrical Code
  • Consider mediation - CSLB offers voluntary dispute resolution

Protect Your C-10 License

EV charger claims can threaten your electrical contractor license. Get professional help responding strategically.

Schedule Consultation - $450

California Resources

  • CSLB Website: cslb.ca.gov - License lookup, complaint process
  • NEC Article 625: Electric Vehicle Charging System requirements
  • California Electrical Code: Title 24, Part 3
  • CAL FIRE: Fire safety requirements for EVSE installations