As electric vehicles take over UK roads, it’s beneficial for drivers to learn that insurance for an EV differs in key ways from that of a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. From battery cover to charging gear and even the windscreen, understanding what your policy should include is essential for proper protection.
What’s the Same?
Standard car insurance cover applies to both ICE and EVs:
- Third-party liability – For damage caused to others
- Collision cover – Repairs after an accident
- Comprehensive cover – Includes theft, weather, and vandalism
- Personal injury protection – For medical expenses
What’s Consistent Across ICE and EV Insurance?
In many respects, the foundation of a motor insurance policy remains the same. Whether your vehicle runs on petrol, diesel or electricity, you’ll still need third-party liability to cover damage caused to others, as well as collision and comprehensive cover for incidents like accidents, theft, or vandalism. Personal injury protection also remains a standard inclusion, helping with medical costs if you're involved in an accident.
Where EV Insurance Stands Apart
The major difference between EV and ICE insurance lies in the components specific to electric vehicles—main point, the battery.
An EV battery can make up as much as 40% of the vehicle’s total value, making it a vital component to protect. While most comprehensive policies do cover battery damage due to an accident or external event, they typically don’t account for battery degradation over time. This natural wear reduces range and performance, yet is often excluded from traditional policies. That’s why having an independent battery health report is invaluable—not only to ensure fair valuation for insurance purposes but also when it comes time to sell your vehicle.
In addition, the cost of battery replacement can be significant, especially in newer, longer-range EVs. Ensuring your insurance policy has sufficient coverage limits is essential for avoiding unexpected out-of-pocket expenses. As mentioned in our previous blog posts about EV warranties, when it comes to EVs, in addition to the vehicle warranty, you can look into the battery warranty as well. Before committing to purchasing your new or used EV, you can check the battery warranty of that specific EV via EVCP reports.
Charging Equipment
One of the key differences in EV ownership is the reliance on charging infrastructure—both at home and on the go. Whether you’ve invested in a high-capacity home wallbox or are simply using a standard Level 1 charger, your charging setup represents a real financial investment. Portable charging cables, too, are expensive and not always automatically covered under insurance. It’s important to check that your policy includes both fixed and mobile charging equipment to avoid nasty surprises later on.
Why Windscreen Cover Matters More with EVs
While windscreen damage is one of the most common car insurance claims across the board, EVs bring a unique twist. Many modern electric vehicles feature advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)—cameras and sensors built directly into the windscreen. Replacing a windscreen on an EV often means recalibrating these systems, which can significantly increase the cost.
Yet not all insurers automatically cover ADAS recalibration. It’s essential to review your policy and ensure that windscreen cover includes this technology, or you could be left footing the bill. Insurance companies like Allianz, Aviva and Admiral are some examples of the ones offering this insurance.
The Role of Independent EV Reports
When it comes to insuring a used EV having clear, data-driven insights into its condition is a game changer. Our EV health Reports offer insurers accurate information on your vehicle’s battery health, performance history, and maintenance patterns.
This level of transparency can result in better premium rates, as insurers can make informed decisions rather than relying on generic estimates. It also ensures you're not over-insuring (and overpaying) or under-insuring (and taking on risk) based on outdated or incomplete data.
You can learn more about different EV insurance companies at websites such as Which? or Electric Car Guide.
