Lithium on board. Insurers onside.
Fitting lithium is a modification your insurer should hear about from you, not from a surveyor. Done properly it is a five-minute conversation. This is the checklist we give every TITAN marine owner - what to declare, what evidence to have ready, and how to talk about LiFePO4 so an underwriter relaxes.
Tell them, in writing
Email your insurer or broker that you have replaced lead-acid with LiFePO4, with the bank size and install date. Declared changes protect your cover; undeclared ones are how claims get refused.
Name the chemistry
Say LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate), not just "lithium". It is the most thermally stable mainstream lithium chemistry - a different conversation from the e-scooter fires underwriters worry about.
Evidence the safety case
UN38.3 transport tested, CE and UKCA marked, and a custom BMS that disconnects on over-charge, over-discharge, over-current, short circuit and temperature. All on the TITAN spec sheet - attach it.
Quote your fusing
Lithium can deliver far higher fault current than lead-acid, so the main fuse must be rated for it. State your Class T or MRBF fuse and its rating - this single line does more reassuring than anything else.
Document the install
Professional install or competent DIY both insure fine when documented: photos, a simple wiring diagram, and charge sources set to lithium profiles. Native Victron comms means TITAN sets charge control automatically on Victron systems.
Keep the paperwork together
Invoice, spec sheet, warranty. TITAN batteries carry a lifetime, fully transferrable warranty - which also tells an underwriter the manufacturer expects this pack to outlive the boat's next survey cycle.
Do I need to tell my insurer I have fitted a lithium battery?
Yes. A battery bank change is a material modification to the vessel and insurers expect to be told. Most respond with no fuss when you present the chemistry and the safety case clearly - problems almost always come from not declaring, not from declaring.
Is LiFePO4 the same fire risk as phone or scooter batteries?
No. Phone, e-bike and scooter fires involve other lithium chemistries. LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) is the most thermally stable mainstream lithium chemistry and does not contain cobalt. Every TITAN also has a custom BMS that disconnects the pack on over-charge, over-discharge, over-current, short circuit and temperature events.
What documents will my insurer or surveyor want?
Typically: the battery spec sheet, proof of UN38.3 transport testing and CE/UKCA marking, details of the main fuse and wiring, your charge sources and their lithium profiles, and the installation date. TITAN spec sheets and manuals are downloadable from every product page, and we can supply compliance documentation on request.
Does a lithium battery need a special fuse?
Yes - the main battery fuse must be rated for the higher fault current lithium can deliver. We recommend (and sell) Class T and MRBF terminal fuses sized to your installation. Quoting the fuse type and rating in your insurance declaration is exactly the detail that reassures underwriters.
Will my premium go up?
Usually not for a declared, properly installed LiFePO4 system with appropriate fusing. Some insurers ask for a professional install or a recent survey on larger banks. If your current insurer is uncomfortable with lithium, specialist marine brokers place lithium-equipped vessels routinely - ask us and we can share what other TITAN owners use.
This guide is general information, not insurance or legal advice - your policy wording governs. We are happy to supply spec sheets and compliance documentation for your insurer on request.
