Long Insurance Services of Kernersville, NC


  Contact : 336-992-5664

All posts by Duane Long

Comments Off on ​What to Do After a Hit and Run
Hit and Run Accident

​What to Do After a Hit and Run

Posted by

Getting in a car accident is enough to ruin anyone’s day. But if you’re involved in a hit-and-run, the experience can be especially disorienting.

You realize that your vehicle’s been hit and before you can step out to get the other driver’s information, their car is taking off into the distance.

As overwhelming as the experience can be, how you react next can play an important role in protecting yourself physically and financially. If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run, here are some important details to consider before you leave the scene of the accident.

What is a Hit-and-Run?

An accident is considered a hit-and-run when one party flees the scene of the crash, even if it’s only a fender bender. Depending on the state where you live, the consequences for leaving a crash can include criminal charges, fines, license revocation and even jail time.

Although the penalties are steep, a driver may choose to flee for several reasons:

  • They lack auto insurance coverage.
  • They’re already breaking the law in some way.
  • They’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • They don’t own the vehicle they’re driving.

What to Do in a Hit-and-Run

Like any collision, there are some basic steps you should take once the dust has settled. It’s your responsibility to document as much of the accident as possible so that you are better positioned to protect yourself, your passengers and your vehicle.

Here’s what to do if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run:

  • Stay calm. Any collision can evoke intense emotions including anger, fear and anxiety. Try to remain collected so you can think and act with a clear head.
  • Stay where you are. Don’t leave the scene of the accident or attempt to chase down the other driver. Staying put can help you collect valuable evidence while avoiding incurring penalties yourself. Move your car safely off the road and start by checking to see if you or any passengers need medical attention.
  • Remember the details. Try to remember as many details as you can, such as the make and model of the car as well as the license plate number. You may not be able to identify who hit you, but anything you remember can help when you talk to the police or your insurance company.
  • Find witnesses. An accident of any kind will typically draw attention. Once you’re safe, see if there are any witnesses to confirm what happened. If possible, get their names and contact information. This will help you solidify your story when you talk to the police.
  • Call the police. Dial 911 and call the police to the scene, especially if someone needs medical attention. (Some states legally require calling the police after a collision.) The authorities will help investigate the incident and file an accident report.
  • Take photos. Pictures will help provide evidence of the damage. Take photos from multiple angles, including a full view of the vehicle and close-ups of any dings and scratches. Don’t forget to take pictures of the paint left by the other car, too. Since photos provide great evidence documenting what happened at the scene of the accident, they can often speed up the claims process – helping you get back on the road quicker. They’ll also come in handy if you use ERIE’s photo appraisal process.
  • Contact your insurance agent. In any accident (not just a hit-and-run), call your insurance agent to see what you should do next. They can walk you through what to do and how to file a claim.

Will My Insurance Cover a Hit-and-Run?

If police can identify the culprit, their insurance company could help pay for the damages. But many hit-and-run drivers are never identified, which means their liability coverage isn’t an option.

In the event of a hit-and-run, chances are you’ll have to file a claim with your insurance company. Whether the accident is covered depends on the coverages in your policy. That’s why it’s best to make sure you have the protection you need. These coverage options can help ensure you’re protected:

  • Uninsured and underinsured motorist property damage: These coverages can pay to repair or replace your vehicle if you’re hit by someone with limited or no insurance coverage. That means it can also cover unidentified drivers in a hit-and-run. However, availability varies by state. Some states don’t offer one or both coverages. In other states, such as North Carolina and West Virginia, uninsured motorist property damage coverage is mandatory. Talk to your local ERIE agent about how things work where you live. In states where this coverage is not available, optional collision coverage can cover damage caused by a hit-and-run driver. Learn more about uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
  • Collision coverage: Collision coverage will help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your car after a collision, including a hit-and-run. When using this coverage, most drivers will pay a deductible which is a fixed amount specified in your policy.
  • Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury protection: Similar to property damage coverage, this type of coverage can help to pay for injuries you and your passengers sustained if you are hit by someone with limited or no insurance (or a hit-and-run driver). It can pay for medical costs, lost income and pain and suffering. This coverage is mandatory (and subject to waiver) in some states. Other states, such as New York, are no-fault states, meaning that drivers in an accident can file a claim with their insurance company regardless of who is at fault. Even if you live in a no-fault state, it’s recommended to have uninsured and underinsured coverage.

Get Back to Your Life

A car accident, no matter what the circumstances, can change your whole day, week or month. And managing the claims process without having every piece of the puzzle can make those days and weeks feel a lot longer.

At Erie Insurance, our goal is to restore your confidence and renew your optimism by giving you a fresh start. Hassle-free claims service and fair assessments are what we’re all about.

Read More
Comments Off on What to Do After an Accident
Witnessing an accident

What to Do After an Accident

Posted by

Car accidents can often leave drivers, passengers and witnesses shaken. In the moments that follow, staying focused on safety is what matters most. After you’ve made certain that everyone is out of danger, you can move the vehicles off the road if possible, contact police or any first responder that should be notified and begin gathering information.

What Are the Next Steps After an Accident?

In the aftermath of an accident, your brain might start to whirl with questions. Often, the loudest one is, what now?

  1. Make sure everyone is safe and get out of harm’s way. Check yourself, your car’s passengers and the passengers in the other vehicle if there is one and it’s safely accessible.If your vehicle can be moved out of the roadway, do so. Turn on your hazard lights, and if you have flares or emergency triangles, use them to alert others that danger is ahead. Try to stay calm, as panicking won’t help the situation.
  2. Call the police to report the accident and EMS if needed. Call 911 immediately to request medical help if anyone is injured and to report the accident to police. Once on scene, police will file a report.
  3. Document the scene. Take notes, photos, videos and voice memos. Make sure to get:
    • Date, time and location
    • Description of what happened, while it’s still fresh in your mind
    • Contact information of those involved and any witnesses
    • Insurance information, driver’s license number and license plate information of all drivers involved
    • Identifying information of all responding officers
    • Photos of the involved vehicles
    • Copy of final accident report
  4. Contact roadside assistance. If your vehicle is inoperable, you can request a tow using your preferred towing company or by using ERIE’s Roadside Service.Roadside Service is an optional coverage on your auto policy. If you don’t have this coverage, you can still use Roadside Service but you’ll have to pay on the spot for towing or service calls.
  5. Start the claims process. Once you’re off the road and in a quiet, secure location, contact your Erie Insurance Agent or ERIE’s main claims office to begin the claims process. No matter where the accident occurs, your agent can gather the information, talk about next steps and submit the claim so you can start the recovery process.

What Should I Photograph?

While getting photos of the damage might not be top of mind in the aftermath of an accident, capturing the extent of the damage can be a valuable tool during the claims process. Once you’ve called the police and exchanged information with any other parties involved, taking photos—assuming you can safely exit the vehicle—is a smart next step.

What makes photos so crucial is their ability to offer impartial proof of what occurred during the accident. Photos make for a reliable means of evidence by helping figure out how the accident occurred, who was at fault and capturing what the scene is like.

When you take photos, you’ll want to capture:

  • Vehicle damage from multiple angles, including wide angles
  • License plates
  • Property damage
  • Road conditions
  • Video of traffic flow and traffic light intervals
  • Tire marks on the road
  • Injuries

Once you have filed a claim, and your vehicle needs to be repaired, the adjuster assigned to your claim may ask for additional photos of the damage to help with the estimate. If you are using the photo appraisal tool, you will be prompted for certain photos through either a text or email.

How to File a Claim

After you’ve made certain that everyone is safe, obtained a police report, documented the scene, you can start filing a claim. This involves notifying your insurance company of the accident, so they can investigate and cover eligible repairs or medical costs under your policy.

Filing a claim with ERIE can be broken down into the following steps.

  1. Start a claim by:
    • Contacting your ERIE agent
    • Calling ERIE’s claims number at (800) 367-3743.
  2. A claims representative will contact you. An adjuster will get in touch with you right away to review the accident details and your auto insurance coverage. If your vehicle is not drivable and you need a rental, they can arrange that for you at this time too. To speed up the process, keep all the information you have collected handy.
  3. Review car repair options. ERIE offers several options for getting your car back up and running. Options ERIE offers include:
    • Photo Appraisal
    • Direct Repair Program
    • Field Inspection

    Customers always have the choice to work with any auto repair shop they trust for the inspection, damage estimate and repairs.

  4. Monitor your claim in your Online Account or ERIE mobile app. You will be able to view:
    • The status of your claim
    • Rental company and repair shop information
    • Payment status
    • Contact information for claims representative handling your claim
  5. Settle the insurance claim. Most claims have speedy resolutions, but the timeframe will depend on the nature of the accident. Claims settlement checks can be distributed via paper checks or epayment, if eligible.1 

As the customer, you have the right to select your repair shop. ERIE can also provide you with a list of trustworthy repair shops that are part of the Direct Repair Program.

What If…? Common Post-Accident Scenarios

While it’s helpful to keep these best practices in mind, accidents rarely play out exactly to plan. That’s why it’s important to be ready should complications arise.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at the Accident Scene

In the disorienting aftermath of an accident, it is easy to make mistakes. Be mindful of these common pitfalls:

  • Vacating the scene. It’s the driver’s responsibility to remain at the scene until all information is exchanged and a police report has been completed.
  • Discussing who’s at fault. Only determine the details of the accident and relay them to police and insurance.
  • Delaying contacting your insurer. By reporting your accident in a timely manner, it can help the claims process.
  • Skipping documentation. Obtain photos and other evidence as soon as possible.
  • Ignoring injuries. If you feel any pain, include this in your report to police and insurance, as it helps get it on record and trigger the correct coverage.

What Should I Do if I Witness an Accident?

If you witness a car accident, your top priority should, again, be your safety. If the scene is safe, you can attempt to lend assistance and call 911 to report the accident.

For a detailed guide on what you can do when witnessing an accident, read our blog.

You’re Not Alone

Car accidents are stressful, but knowing what to do can make the situation more manageable. Prioritizing safety, documenting the scene and contacting your insurer promptly can help protect you and move the recovery process forward.

If you ever have questions about your coverage or the claims process, your ERIE agent is ready to help.

1The ERIE ePayment option is available for personal lines payments up to $15,000 and cannot involve a lienholder. Payments must be made to personal, U.S. based bank accounts. ERIE retains no bank account information using either form of electronic transfer. 

Read More
Comments Off on How To Prevent Frozen Pipes (And What To Do If They Freeze Anyway)

How To Prevent Frozen Pipes (And What To Do If They Freeze Anyway)

Posted by

Frigid winter temperatures can cause pipes to freeze – or even burst. Do you know how to tell if pipes are frozen? We’ve pulled together tips to help prevent frozen pipes and a list of suggestions for you to follow if they do freeze.

Pro tip: Know ahead of time how your homeowners insurance can kick in to help repair damage from a frozen or burst water pipe. Not sure if you’re covered? Talk to us and find out.

Symptoms of Frozen Pipes

One of the earliest signs of a frozen pipe is when no water comes out of your faucet when you turn it on. If you notice that, head first to the basement and check to see that the water is still turned on and that you don’t have a leak. Once you’ve confirmed these two things, continue your inspection to make sure one of your pipes has not burst. If your search reveals that your pipes are frozen but none have ruptured, you have two choices:

  • Call a plumber to help thaw your frozen pipes. Most times, this is a better idea if you don’t think you can safely thaw the pipes yourself, you don’t know where the frozen pipes are or you can’t access the frozen area.
  • Attempt to thaw the frozen pipes yourself. Be aware this option can be dangerous if not done correctly.

How To Fix Frozen Pipes

If you’re not an experienced DIY-er, it’s safer to defer this one to a professional. However, there are fast fixes you can try if you’re experienced with home maintenance work. If you attempt to thaw the frozen pipes yourself, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Keep your faucet open. Water and steam will be created during the thawing process, and your pipes need an opening to discharge this. Keeping the faucet open also allows for moving water to run through the pipe, which will expedite the thawing process.
  • Apply heat to the section of the pipe that is frozen. This can be done by wrapping an electronic heating pad around the pipe, heating the area with a hair dryer or both. If you lack either of these items, using towels soaked in hot water will help as well.  Remember, this is a temporary fix, and the heating pad should not be left unattended.
  • Know what not to do. Never use a blowtorch, propane or kerosene heaters, a charcoal stove or any other open flame device to thaw your frozen pipes. That presents a severe fire hazard. You should also avoid using a space heater unless you are sure the area is clear of any flammable material. Again, never leave the space heater unattended.
  • Continue applying heat until water flow returns to normal. Once you have successfully thawed the pipe, turn on other faucets in your home to check for any more frozen water pipes.
  • Take swift action if the frozen pipes are located inside an exterior wall. This is a serious situation when you should call a professional contractor, as repairs may involve cutting a hole in the wall toward the inside of the house to expose those pipes to warmer air.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

While we can’t control the weather, there are things we can do to prevent pipes from freezing. To prevent pipes from freezing and causing major damage, follow these steps:

  • Drain water from pipes that are likely to freeze. This includes your swimming pool and sprinkler water supply lines.
  • Disconnect any hoses from the outside of your home, drain the hoses and store them in the garage. Make sure to close the indoor valves supplying these outdoor access points.
  • Insulate the area around vents and light fixtures. This helps prevent heat from escaping into the attic.
  • Seal any wall cracks. Be sure to pay careful attention to the areas around utility service lines.
  • Open kitchen cabinets. This allows the warm air to circulate around the pipes.
  • Keep the garage doors closed to protect water lines.
  • Allow your faucets to drip cold water on the coldest days. The movement will make it harder for the water to freeze.
  • Keep your thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Never let it fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit when you leave your home.
  • Ensure you have proper seals on all doors and windows.
  • Place a 60-watt bulb in areas where you’re concerned about pipes freezing. Make sure there are no combustible materials near the bulb.

Protection from Frozen Water Pipes

Frozen water pipes and the damage they can cause are a reality for thousands of people each year. That’s especially the case when you are at below freezing temperatures for an extended period of time.

Of course, even the most careful homeowners can face unexpected surprises during a deep freeze. When that happens, having a plan—and a team you can rely on—can make all the difference.

Learn more about homeowners insurance that protects you without surprises to help you feel confident about your insurance protection.

Read More
Comments Off on How to Choose a Life Insurance Beneficiary
3 people looking at a life insurance policy

How to Choose a Life Insurance Beneficiary

Posted by

Life insurance is important to protect your family’s financial future.  Who you name as a beneficiary can be just as important as your initial decision to purchase life insurance. It’s a big job, which is why it’s important to choose the right person – someone who’s trustworthy and knows what matters most to you.

Your local ERIE agent is here to help you determine the right beneficiary (or beneficiaries) for your unique situation. Here is some helpful information:

What is a beneficiary?

A beneficiary is a person or entity designated to receive the funds from your life insurance policy in the event of your death. A beneficiary can be a person, business, trust, charity, church or even a school. An insurance policy can have more than one beneficiary, as well.

When selecting a beneficiary, a policy owner should select someone with “insurable interest” in the life of the insured. Insurable interest generally means that the beneficiary will incur some type of loss should the insured pass away.  Those with insurable interest often include, but are not limited to:

  • Spouses, domestic partners, fiancés or common law spouses
  • Divorced spouses (if there is a financial dependency, such as children or a property settlement specified in a divorce decree)
  • Parents
  • Legal guardians with permanent custody
  • Grandparents
  • Children
  • Siblings
  • Business partners

Why do I need a beneficiary?

Naming a beneficiary lets your insurance company know who should receive the policy benefit upon your passing. We require our policyholders to name a beneficiary when purchasing life insurance.

If a beneficiary is not named, your family could have to go through probate court before receiving any insurance funds. This process delays the benefit payment, while subjecting your loved ones to a complicated and costly legal process as they grieve.

How to choose a beneficiary

Choosing a beneficiary depends largely on how you’d like your life insurance to be used upon your death. If you have young children, naming a spouse or close family member you trust as your beneficiary and memorializing your wishes may be one way to provide for your children’s care in your absence. Grown children could use the insurance benefit to help pay for college. And if you choose a charity, the funds will go toward a cause close to your heart.

In short, who you choose as a beneficiary is dependent on your values and lifestyle. Here are some answers to common questions about beneficiaries to help you make your decision:

  • What if my beneficiary dies?
    In the event you outlive your beneficiary, you should always call your insurance agent to update your policy. And ideally, you should always name a primary and contingent or secondary, beneficiary. Naming a contingent beneficiary makes it clear who should receive your insurance benefit if a primary beneficiary is deceased.
  • What if my beneficiary is a minor?
    If you name a minor as a beneficiary, you should also name a guardian – someone who can manage the insurance funds until they turn 18. If you don’t want to name a guardian, you can always name your estate or living trust as the beneficiary, then include instructions on how the insurance money should be used. But when it comes to estate planning and wills and trusts, you should consult a legal and or tax professional.
  • What if I don’t have any children?
    Your life insurance beneficiary should be a person or entity that you are comfortable naming as the beneficiary of your life insurance proceeds. If your beneficiary is a person, that individual should have an insurable interest in your life. An important part of choosing a beneficiary is making sure the funds are used in a way that honors your wishes.
  • What if I want to leave money to a charity, school, or church?
    Your local ERIE agent can help you determine a way to honor your charitable wishes while making sure your family is protected, too. If you decide to name a charity as a beneficiary, it’s recommended that the amount should be consistent with an established pattern of giving or support.
  • Can you choose a pet as a beneficiary?
    This isn’t as far-fetched as it may sound. Some people have left small fortunes behind to their pets. However, most insurance companies, including ERIE, won’t let you name a pet as a beneficiary. If you’re concerned about protecting your furry friends, name a trustee that will care for them after you’re gone.

What do I do after selecting a beneficiary?

After you find the right fit, you can inform your beneficiary of their new role. Here’s how to put them in the best position possible:

  • Discuss your policy. No one likes talking about death. But it’s important to have a conversation with your beneficiary. You may want to discuss who your insurance company is and where they can find your policies when you pass. You can advise your beneficiary of why you chose them and what your final wishes are. Be prepared if they suggest an alternative or need more information.
  • Update your information. When your funds are being distributed, any inaccuracy in policy documents can slow down the payment process. List your beneficiary with up-to-date contact information including an address, phone number and his or her relationship to you. This goes for organizations, too.
  • Review your policy frequently. As your priorities change, so will your policy. Review your policy at least once a year and after significant events like the birth of a child, death of a beneficiary, marriage or divorce. Update your beneficiaries as needed and make sure your funds are in the right hands based on your current situation.

Protect the ones you love

Your life insurance policy should reflect what you value most. Choosing the right beneficiary is as personal as choosing the right coverage. That’s why we’re here to help you do both.

We know life is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Each family dynamic is unique and we’re here to provide you with specialized guidance when it comes to protecting the people who matter most to you. Ask us how we can help protect your legacy.

Read More
Comments Off on How Does Insurance Cover Parking Lot Accidents?
Parking Lot

How Does Insurance Cover Parking Lot Accidents?

Posted by

Parking lots can be crazy places. Whether you’re at the mall, the grocery store or even just grabbing a quick coffee… all those cars coming and going can up anyone’s chances of being in a parking lot accident.

Which may lead you to wonder: How does insurance cover parking lot accidents? Let’s walk through a few common scenarios.

What Happens if I Hit Someone Else’s Car in a Parking Lot?

Accidents happen. That’s why having the right auto insurance can give you peace of mind.

If you do hit a car in a parking lot, here’s what to do next:

  • Don’t leave the scene. If you drive away without telling anyone, that’s considered a hit-and-run accident, meaning you would have to pay legal penalties. Depending on the state where you live, the consequences for leaving a crash can include criminal charges, fines, license revocation and even jail time. So do the honest thing and stick around.
  • Get out of harm’s way. Even a simple fender-bender can block traffic or scatter broken glass. Make sure you’re a safe distance from anything dangerous and be mindful of the flow of traffic. If needed, put your hazard lights on to alert nearby drivers.
  • Try to locate the car’s owner. If you’re in a parking lot for a specific store, try contacting the owner directly. Note the make, model and color of the car and ask a store employee to page the owner over the loudspeaker. If you’re in a place, like a grocery store, where people are unlikely to leave a car parked for a long period of time, you could also try waiting for the car’s owner to return.
  • Leave a note. It’s the right thing to do… and potentially even the law. Not leaving a note is considered a hit-and-run in the majority of states, even if the damage was just a small scratch. Keep it simple and polite. Include your name, contact information, and a brief explanation of what happened. Leave it in a secure spot where it won’t blow away, like under the windshield wiper.
  • Consider calling the police. If the damage is serious, call the non-emergency number of the local police department. An officer can help you file an incident report and track down the car’s owner.
  • Call your insurance agent. When you’re with Erie Insurance, you don’t have to go it alone. Your local ERIE agent is there to answer questions and help you understand what’s covered.

Remember, policy conditions might require you to tell ERIE or your agent about the incident – even if you decide not to file a claim. Learn more about what to do when accidents happen.

Someone Hit My Parked Car. Now What?

An at-fault driver’s auto insurance should cover the property damage they caused to the other vehicle. Hopefully, they left a note and you can get in touch without too much fuss.

Unfortunately, some people won’t do the right thing. If you return to a dented or dinged car with no indication of who did it, you can ask around to see if anyone witnessed the accident. If there aren’t any, ask the store if they have security cameras. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle as well. (They’ll come in handy if you take advantage of ERIE’s photo appraisal process.)

If the incident is a hit-and-run—or if the at-fault driver has no auto insurance or not enough insurance—you’ll have to rely on your own auto insurance to cover the damage. That’s assuming you purchased optional collision coverage on your own vehicle.

Also, uninsured motorist property damage coverage that is available in some states protects your car if it’s struck by a hit-and-run driver. (A deductible may apply.)

Just keep in mind that you’ll likely need uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage. This insurance coverage is optional in some states and mandatory in others. It covers you and your passengers’ damages if you’re injured by an uninsured driver or a driver who doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Whether it’s a simple fender-bender or something more serious, remember – your local ERIE agent is there to help answer questions and provide advice.

What Happens if Two Cars Hit Each Other at the Same Time?

There is usually an at-fault driver when there’s a parking lot accident. Determining who was at fault is important because it often dictates which driver’s insurance company will pay for the damages – including things like car repairs, medical bills and property damage. And whether or not you’re at fault can impact your auto rates after the accident, too.

But there are some cases where an accident is two drivers’ fault—for instance, two people may back out at the same time and hit each other. What typically happens in these cases is that each driver files a claim with their own insurance company.

How to Prevent Parking Lot Accidents

Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep you, your car and others safe. Get our list of tips for how to avoid a parking lot accident.

Unfortunately, accidents do happen. But when you’re with ERIE, you have your own personal insurance advisor – your local ERIE agent – when they do.

Read More
Comments Off on Lithium-Ion Batteries Are Transforming & Challenging Businesses
Lithium Batteries

Lithium-Ion Batteries Are Transforming & Challenging Businesses

Posted by

The business world is becoming increasingly dependent on lithium-ion batteries. These compact, rechargeable power sources have become an essential part of daily operations in industries ranging from construction and retail to restaurants and logistics. Their widespread adoption is largely due to their high energy density, efficiency and reliability.

However, as businesses integrate more battery-powered tools and devices into their workflows, they should also consider the risks and take steps to mitigate potential hazards.

While most people associate lithium-ion batteries with smartphones and laptops, their use extends far beyond personal electronics. They are the unseen force powering a growing number of commercial operations. In retail environments, handheld inventory scanners, digital signage and payment can systems rely on battery power to function efficiently.

Restaurants are incorporating lithium-ion-powered kitchen equipment, such as wireless food thermometers, temperature monitoring devices and even automated delivery robots.

The construction industry has embraced battery-powered tools and heavy equipment, including electric forklifts and site lighting, which reduce emissions and enhance job site efficiency.

Auto body shops rely on lithium-ion battery-powered tools like impact wrenches, cordless sanders and polishers for efficient, untethered repairs.

Beyond these more obvious applications, lithium-ion batteries are embedded in many everyday workplace essentials. They power wireless security systems, medical devices like portable defibrillators and emergency backup power supplies that keep businesses operational during outages. Many businesses unknowingly depend on lithium-ion batteries for critical functions, making it essential to assess both their benefits and the risks they introduce.

The rise of e-bikes and e-scooters has made commuting more convenient, but these lithium-ion-powered devices can pose unexpected risks when brought into businesses. Employees or customers may park them indoors, sometimes charging them in office spaces, breakrooms or near flammable materials without realizing the potential danger.

Though rare, fires from lithium-ion batteries have increased in numbers in recent years as the device’s popularity has grown.

A database of global lithium-ion battery incidents kept by UL Solutions, the global safety, inspection and certification organization, recorded 2,262 fires in 2023, an increase of 303% since it began tracking them in 2018. Battery fires also caused 773 injuries and 132 deaths, according to the database, which combs news articles for mention of incidents from around the world.

Among the biggest problems fueling the rash of fires is a seemingly endless supply of batteries that haven’t been safety tested and certified by an accredited testing laboratory, like UL.

🚨 Hidden Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Despite their advantages, lithium-ion batteries present several hazards that businesses must address. One of the most significant risks is thermal runaway—a chain reaction that occurs when a battery overheats, potentially leading to a fire or explosion. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), battery-related fires have been rising in commercial settings, highlighting the importance of proper battery management.

When a battery is in use or charging, lithium ions pass between the anode and cathode—the negatively and positively charged parts of the battery—to generate a flow of electrons. All this energy can cause the cells inside the battery to heat up. Should faults occur in the cell, either due to internal failure or external conditions, they can enter into an uncontrollable state called thermal runaway.

It’s this phenomenon that makes a failure of a lithium-ion battery so dangerous, allowing fires to occur with little warning, according to Skip Donnell, a risk control professional at ERIE.

“When a fire starts, room temperatures can go from ambient to 1,300 degrees in just 60 seconds,” he said. “The fires themselves pose a unique problem because they can reignite, and there really isn’t any fire extinguisher designed to control them.”

Other key risks include:

  • Battery degradation: Over time, lithium-ion batteries lose their capacity, which can result in swelling, leakage or combustion.
  • Improper charging habits: Overcharging or using the wrong type of charger can increase the likelihood of overheating and shorten battery lifespan.
  • Storage dangers: Storing damaged or defective batteries alongside functional ones can create a fire hazard.
  • Environmental impact: Improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries can lead to toxic waste contamination, making it crucial to follow proper recycling protocols.

💡Tip: Never store batteries in direct sunlight or in high-temperature environments, as excessive heat can accelerate degradation and increase the risk of failure.

Best Practices for Safe Battery Use in Businesses

To minimize these risks, businesses should consider adopting stringent battery management policies. Proper storage and handling are critical—batteries should be kept in a cool, dry area away from combustible materials. Companies should also establish designated charging stations equipped with manufacturer-approved chargers to ensure safe operation.

✅ Key Safety Measures:

  • Store batteries properly: Keep them in temperature-controlled environments and away from flammable objects.
  • Inspect batteries regularly: Look for swelling, leaks or other signs of wear and remove damaged batteries from use.
  • Train employees on battery safety: Ensure staff understands how to charge, store and dispose of batteries correctly.
  • Have a fire suppression plan: Install extinguishers rated for lithium-ion battery fires and train employees on emergency procedures.

💡Tip: Use fireproof storage containers for large battery packs to reduce fire risk in case of failure.

Insurance Protection for Battery-Related Incidents

Even with the best precautions, lithium-ion battery incidents can still occur. That’s why businesses must ensure their insurance coverage includes protection against battery-related damage. Many assume their standard policies are sufficient, but specific risks associated with battery fires or failures may not be covered.

Businesses should review their policies to confirm they include:

  • Property insurance to cover damages caused by battery fires or malfunctions.
  • Business interruption coverage to help recover lost revenue if operations are halted due to a battery-related incident.
  • Liability insurance to protect against claims in case a malfunctioning battery causes harm to customers or employees.
  • Workers’ compensation insurance to cover injuries caused by battery-related accidents.
Read More
Accessibility by WAH
Verified by MonsterInsights