What is electric car insurance?

Electric car insurance is just like regular car insurance – but with a few useful extras designed for EV drivers. It offers the same protection against accidents, theft and damage, but also covers unique things that come with owning a partial hybrid, plug-in or fully electric vehicle.

What’s covered will depend on the level of cover you choose, from third party only to fully comprehensive. An electric car policy can include some handy benefits that petrol and diesel drivers don’t need, such as recovery if your battery runs out mid-journey, and cover for essentials like your home charging cable or wall box.

Electric car insurance can also protect the battery – one of your car’s most expensive parts – against accidental damage or theft. It gives you the same peace of mind you’d expect from any good car insurance policy, but fine-tuned for life behind the wheel of an electric vehicle.

Do I need specialist electric car insurance?

You don’t necessarily need specialist insurance to cover an electric car. Most major UK insurers now insure electric vehicles under their standard policies, with a few EV-specific extras like battery and charging cable protection. It means you’re unlikely to need a dedicated ‘EV-only’ provider unless your car is particularly high-value or specialist.

That said, there are sometimes differences in what’s included. As Which? point out, some insurers may exclude certain makes and models or charge higher premiums for high-performance EVs. Cover can also vary when it comes to accessories and equipment. For instance, only around a third of policies include wallbox charging stations, and almost three in ten won’t cover charging cables stored at home.

So while specialist policies aren’t essential for every EV driver, they may offer a bit more reassurance. If you have a premium model or just want a high level of protection for your battery and accessories, choosing an EV-specific policy could be worthwhile. But do check standard comprehensive policies too – you may find they already include everything you need.

Why a good electric car insurance policy makes a difference:

  • Battery protection: Covers repair or replacement for your battery to protect against fire, theft and accidental damage. Handy if an electrical surge during charging causes damage.

  • Charging cover: Protects your charging cables and wallboxes for home charging.

  • Replacement vehicle: Some policies include a courtesy EV while yours is being repaired.

  • Out-of-charge recovery: Cover for recharging your vehicle if it runs out of battery on the road.

What are my options for electric car insurance?

When it comes to insuring your electric car, you have the same three main options as any other driver, but with a few EV-specific considerations.

Comprehensive cover

Offers the most protection, including accidents, theft and fire, plus extras like battery cover, charging cable protection and out-of-charge recovery. It’s ideal if you want complete peace of mind.

Third party, fire and theft

Provides cover if you damage someone else’s vehicle, and protects your EV if it’s stolen or catches fire. However, it doesn’t usually include the EV-specific benefits of a comprehensive policy.

Third party

The minimum legal requirement. It covers damage to other people and their property but not your own car, battery or charging equipment.

Comprehensive policies offer the best protection for EV drivers, but it’s worth comparing across providers to check each policy’s cover before you decide.

What does electric car insurance cover?

To give you an idea of the kind of protection you can get, here’s what one leading provider of electric car insurance includes as standard for EV drivers:

  • Out-of-charge recovery: If you run out of battery in the UK, you’ll be recovered to the nearest charge point and helped back on the road.

  • Charging equipment cover: Your charging cables, wall boxes and adaptors are protected against accidental damage, fire and theft.

  • Battery protection: Covers your electric car’s battery for accidental damage, fire and theft, even if it’s leased separately from the car.

  • Over-the-air (OTA) update cover: Includes cover for paid software upgrades that enhance your car’s performance, such as speed or acceleration boosts.

  • Charging cable liability: Protection if your charging cable causes an accident while it’s attached to your car and in use, as long as you’ve taken reasonable care.

  • Lifetime repair guarantee: Labour on repairs is guaranteed for as long as you own the car when using an approved repairer.

This specific cover for electric cars comes on top of the standard benefits you’d expect from a comprehensive policy, such as accidental damage cover, lock and key replacement, and more.

How much does electric car insurance cost?

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), in the second quarter of 2025 (April - June), the average cost of car insurance in the UK was approximately £562. That’s down from £622 in the same quarter of 2024. Whilst this figure covers both comprehensive and third-party premiums, comprehensive policies are usually the cheapest option despite offering the highest level of cover.

Sometimes electric car insurance can cost more because of the specialist parts and repairs involved. While EVs have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars, the technology they use can be more expensive to replace, and repairs often need specially trained mechanics. Early studies show that electric vehicles cost around 25% more to repair than petrol cars and take around 14% longer to fix.

Of course, your own circumstances will influence the cost of your car insurance:

  • Your age and experience: Younger or newly qualified drivers often pay higher premiums.

  • Type of car: High-value, fast or sports cars will naturally cost more to insure.

  • Driving history: Past accidents, claims or driving convictions can increase costs.

  • Your postcode: Urban areas with higher traffic or theft rates typically have higher premiums, as can living in an area prone to flooding.

  • Your job: Roles that involve frequent driving or high stress may attract higher premiums.

  • Modifications: Performance upgrades can bump up the premium. So can expensive speakers or in-car entertainment systems as they might make your car more attractive to thieves.

  • Annual mileage: The more you drive, the higher the risk and the cost.

  • Security measures: Cars with alarms, immobilisers or secure parking may attract lower premiums.

  • Car insurance group: Cars are placed into insurance groups (1–50) based on factors like repair costs, safety features and performance. The higher the group, the more you’ll usually pay.

  • Named drivers: Adding other drivers to your policy can either lower your premium if they’re experienced and claim-free, or raise it if they’re young or have a poor driving record.

  • Policy type and optional extras: Added cover like breakdown assistance or legal protection can raise premiums.

According to MoneyHelper, age really does make a difference to your car insurance bill. Drivers around 55 enjoy the cheapest premiums, while 20-year-olds face the priciest quotes due to the typically higher risks. So if you’re just starting out behind the wheel, expect to pay more initially – but hang in there as it usually gets cheaper as you get older.

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Page updated on 13th November 2025, Reviewed by Richard Groom