Electric vehicles generally require the same basic insurance cover as petrol or diesel cars. However, it is worth having a closer look at the policy terms. The battery, charging cable and other technical components come with specific risks that are not covered equally by every insurer. Suitable EV insurance should therefore protect more than just the vehicle itself. It should also reflect the particular requirements of electric mobility.
As with any registered passenger car, third-party motor insurance is a legal requirement for an electric vehicle. It covers valid claims if you injure another person or damage someone else’s property while driving. However, third-party insurance does not cover damage to your own car.
Partial or fully comprehensive cover is optional. Partial comprehensive insurance typically covers risks such as theft, broken glass, fire, storm damage and certain types of animal damage. Fully comprehensive insurance also covers damage caused by an accident for which you are responsible, as well as vandalism. Drivers looking to insure a new or high-value EV therefore often choose fully comprehensive cover.
The high-voltage battery is one of the most valuable components in an electric vehicle. Although the battery is generally included as part of the vehicle under comprehensive insurance, the exact level of cover can vary considerably. Check whether the EV insurance policy also covers operating errors, power surges, short circuits and consequential damage caused by animal bites.
You should also consider the agreed compensation limit and any deductions based on the battery’s age or condition. More comprehensive policies may additionally cover necessary diagnostic work, storage and the proper disposal of a damaged battery.
Good electric car insurance should cover more than the vehicle itself. Check whether portable charging devices and the charging cable supplied with the car are protected against theft, animal damage and damage that occurs during charging. Depending on the policy, a permanently installed home charger may be covered by buildings insurance, a separate electronics policy or an optional add-on.
Roadside assistance also deserves careful attention. An electric vehicle cannot always be recovered in the same way as a petrol or diesel car. Your breakdown cover should therefore include appropriate transport to the nearest suitable repair workshop or charging station.
There is no simple answer whether EV insurance costs more than cover for a petrol car. Insurance premiums depend on factors such as the specific model, its insurance rating, the regional risk category, your annual mileage and your no-claims history. Expensive repairs to individual components may also increase the premium.
Even so, an electric vehicle is not automatically more expensive to insure. Recent claims data indicates that EVs and comparable combustion-engine vehicles are becoming increasingly similar in terms of both claim frequency and average claim cost. The specific vehicle model therefore has a greater influence on the premium than the powertrain alone.
An online calculator can provide an initial estimate of potential costs. However, a meaningful insurance comparison should not focus solely on the annual premium. Pay particular attention to battery protection, cover for consequential damage, benefits for charging cables and equipment, and the level of new vehicle or purchase price compensation.
The best insurance for an electric car is therefore not necessarily the cheapest policy. It is the one that suits your vehicle, charging habits and preferred level of protection.
Alongside reliable insurance cover, convenient access to public charging infrastructure can make everyday EV driving considerably easier. JOLT provides ultra-fast charging at central urban locations, helping you fit short charging stops seamlessly into your daily routine.
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