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Wed, 08 Jul 2026

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 Why electric cars cost more to insure - and what's being done about it

The insurance cost of electric vehicles is still putting many would-be buyers. So what can be done about it?

* EVs are designed with integrated components, which can be difficult and expensive to replace if damaged.
* Repairing an EV's high-voltage charging port can cost up to £4,000, making it likely that the vehicle would be written off by insurers.
* The value of the battery pack in an EV is often too great to warrant repairing individual cells, leading to write-offs after minor accidents.
* Industry sources suggest that insurers have been resistant to redesigning batteries for easier repair.
* Chinese EV makers coming into the UK market have brought lower labour costs, but may not be incentivized to simplify repairs.
* Thatcham Research is working with manufacturers to develop a blueprint for making EVs cheaper and easier to repair.
* Manufacturers are starting to address these issues, including Renault, which is exploring ways to make battery pack repairs more feasible.
* The average repair cost for new EV models is now just 18% higher than conventional vehicles, potentially leading to lower insurance premiums.