Electric car insurance: everything you need to know

From cables to batteries to charging, electric vehicles (EVs) need some extra things covered compared to fuel-based cars.

But how does this cover differ? We discuss whether you need specialist insurance, what EV insurance does and other EV insurance questions you may have.

Do I need specialist insurance for an electric car?

No.

This is one of the most common EV myths. There’s no need to have specialist insurance.

As far as we see it, the risk factors involved with electric car ownership are largely the same as with any other car.

Automation and autonomous driving may change things, but currently, electric car insurance is a natural extension of traditional motor cover.

How do insurers define EVs?

We classify any cars in the three categories below as an EV:

• battery electric cars
• hybrid electric cars
• plug-in electric hybrid cars

We don’t charge one type of EV more than the other, but the model of car you drive does influence your cost.

What does Admiral Electric Car Insurance cover?

Our Electric Car Insurance offers the same cover level as standard car insurance, but with a few specialist additions. We cover your EV’s battery and charging cable against accidental damage, fire or theft.

Our customers also get access to a 24-hour EV helpline.

What doesn’t it cover?

This largely depends on what tier of cover you choose. However, the general exclusions for EV insurance are the same as car insurance.

Some of our exclusions include:

• alterations to vehicle software
• damage from incorrect fuelling
• driving after an accident, unless necessary
• loss or damage caused by carrying hazardous goods
• unlawful use of an automated vehicle
• wear and tear

You can read our full list of exclusions in our policy books.

Can you add optional extras with electric car insurance?

Yes.

Our EV insurance includes all our extras including breakdown, hire vehicle and personal injury cover.

Are electric cars more expensive to insure?

We calculate your car insurance price using numerous factors, and electric car insurance is no different.

Naturally, your car choice and its insurance group are one of them. Insurers place cars in groups based on information like the cost, availability of spare parts and how easy it is to repair.

You can read more on car insurance groups here.

We also discuss the latest EV insurance prices in our Pricing Index.

What happens if I’m leasing the battery?

Some manufacturers have an option to buy an EV and lease its battery to lower the price.

You need to notify your insurer if you’re leasing it. A leased battery changes the correct payout if your EV is written off.

What are the implications for at-home charging?

The growth in electric car ownership means more of us will be charging our cars at home.

People can get confused about whether to claim under their car or home insurance if a fire happens. It all depends on where the fire starts.

If electrical wiring caused it, then it’s claimed under home insurance. If an EV fault caused it, then it’s claimed under car insurance.

Learn more about how to charge your electric car.

What if someone trips over my charging cable?

Someone tripping over your charging cable opens you up to allegations of negligence and possibly a personal injury claim.

Our policy states that if you’ve taken reasonable steps to prevent the accident or injury, then you’re insured.

The cover applies even if you’re not in the car when it happens.

How to get an electric car insurance quote

Getting a quote is easy. Simply visit our electric car insurance page and click ‘get a quote’. We use your registration plate to determine if your car is an EV.