Hidden fire risks of lithium batteries

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Do you know what a lithium battery is or where you’d find one? Well, you may not realise it but there’s a good chance you own at least one device containing a lithium battery.

You’ll find them in things used every day, like phones, laptops, and e-scooters - and they could pose a huge fire risk if not stored and used correctly.

Here at Allianz, our home insurance claims more than doubled from 2022 to 2023 for fires caused by lithium batteries.

So, if you own a device that has a lithium battery, it’s essential you use, store and dispose of them with care.

What are lithium batteries and where can you find them?

Today, lithium batteries are used in devices around the world. Most households contain one and most people even carry one with them daily.

They’re lightweight, full of power, long-lasting, and easily rechargeable, making them the perfect battery for most gadgets.

However, because of the chemicals inside them, they can be volatile if not treated with care.

According to our survey of 2,000 UK adults, we found only 69% were confident they knew what a lithium battery is.

Here’s a list of items that contain these potentially dangerous batteries:

Mobile phones
Laptops/tablets
E-vehicles such as cars, scooters and bikes
Cordless tools such as vacuum cleaners
Vaping devices
Rechargeable battery packs
Power tools such as an electric drill
Digital cameras
Smartwatches
Rechargeable headphones
Handheld gaming devices
Battery-powered toys such as remote control cars

While they’re an essential part of our day-to-day lives, their growing popularity means it’s more important than ever to be aware of the potential fire risks.

How do you know if a lithium battery is damaged?

Although they’re safe when used, stored and managed properly, they can be a serious fire risk if they’re damaged, as they have a higher chance of igniting and starting a fire.

Warning signs that your lithium battery is damaged include:

Swelling – the battery looks swollen, deformed or it’s leaking.
Overheating – the battery is hot to the touch.
Poor performance – your device struggles to fully charge and dies quickly.
Smoke or smell – the device is smoking or has an unusual smell.
Noise – hissing sounds coming from the battery.

If you think your battery’s damaged, don’t put it on charge or connect it to a power source. This can lead to an electrical overload and cause it to spark or explode.

Damaged batteries should be disposed of properly – a quick Google search will help you find your nearest location for disposal.

If you can, keep it in a fireproof container in a cool, dry place away from other flammables and batteries until you drop it off.

If the battery starts smoking or catches fire, call 999 immediately.

Video transcript

Lithium batteries are part of our daily lives, powering everything from phones and laptops to e-scooters and vapes.

But what many people don't realise is that when mishandled, these batteries can become a serious fire hazard. A damaged or improperly stored battery can overheat, ignite, and cause a fire in just minutes.

In recent years, we've seen a sharp increase in home fires caused by lithium batteries. And these aren't just minor incidents. They're causing significant damage, injury, and loss of property.

At Allianz, we've seen a rise in fire-related claims involving lithium batteries which have more than doubled in the last year.

The average damage from these incidents is over £50,000. These aren't isolated cases. People's homes are at risk. It's crucial that we raise awareness so people can take steps to prevent these fires before they happen.

Lithium batteries are found in all kinds of devices we use every day: Your phone, your laptop, even your electric scooter or vape. It's easy to forget how powerful these little batteries are, but they can be dangerous if they're not handled correctly. Luckily, preventing these fires is simple.

Here are a few tips to keep your home and family safe:

Avoid charging devices overnight or unattended. Overcharging can damage your battery and increase the risk of a fire. The last place you want to be when a fire breaks out is asleep.

Store lithium batteries in a cool, dry place away from heat sources. Exposing lithium batteries to heat has the same effect as overcharging. Try not to let it sit and sweat, instead keep them in a cool place away from heat.

Always use certified charges for your devices. Using the correct charger will help maintain the lifespan of your device and avoid it overheating.

Look out for signs of battery damage, such as swelling or leaking, and dispose of damaged batteries safely.

With Christmas just around the corner, and potentially some new tech on its way, now's a good time to do a spring clean and get rid of those old devices you may have laying around.

A simple Google search will tell you your nearest hazardous waste collection site so you can dispose of them properly.

By following these simple steps, you can greatly reduce the risk of a fire in your home.

For more fire safety tips and advice visit allianz.co.uk where you'll find more information on how to keep your home and loved ones safe.

Charging issues and old batteries

Allianz fire safety partner and firefighter, Angela Everington, says homeowners should be wary of the number and age of the batteries they have lying around at home.

Angela says, “Old batteries aren’t just unnecessary to keep lying around but are more prone to damage and deterioration. The older the battery, the higher the chance of leaking, sparking, or igniting a fire.”

Unfortunately, according to our survey, 74% of people admit to holding on to a device longer than they need, which is a massive fire risk to themselves and their belongings. Angela recommends safely disposing of old batteries as soon as you can.

Another common issue is overcharging and incorrect charging. This can cause the battery to overheat and even explode, something she’s seeing more frequently during callouts.

To reduce the risk of the battery overheating, Angela recommends unplugging your devices overnight and when fully charged.

The real-world impact of damaged lithium batteries

53% of people included in the study say house fires are what they're most conscious of when it comes to their homes and possessions. Unfortunately, fires started by lithium batteries have only become more frequent and more devastating.

The average cost of a lithium fire-related claim is £50,000. This includes fires caused by leaking and damaged batteries and overcharged e-vehicles igniting at home.

This is higher than the price of a laptop, phone and many e-vehicles, meaning the damage is spreading beyond the device.

One of our largest claims was more than £420,000 after a lithium battery-powered vacuum cleaner burst into flames and damaged an entire property.

With lithium batteries becoming more and more common, it’s worth being aware of how you can keep yourself, your family, and your home safe from fires

Tips to help avoid fires at home

Owning a device with a lithium battery is probably inevitable but it shouldn’t cause stress. With just a few easy steps, you can reduce the risk of a battery-related fire.

Firefighter Angela Everington has a few tips on how to handle lithium batteries that will help avoid house fires:

Avoid charging devices overnight or unattended.
Store lithium batteries in a cool, dry place away from heat sources.
Always use certified chargers for your devices. Using knock-offs can cause damage in the long term.
Look out for signs of battery damage – such as swelling or leaking.
Recycle damaged batteries quickly and safely – don’t hold on to them too long and use an official recycling centre to dispose of them.

A small spark can turn into a devastating house fire in a matter of seconds. By following expert advice, you can help protect yourself, your family and your belongings.

Sometimes accidents happen and you can find yourself in a dangerous situation. Make sure you’re covered with home insurance, so you have peace of mind if the worst does happen.