Insuring Electric Cars – The Best Tips

Statistics show that electric cars are becoming increasingly popular. In 2015, the Statista portal recorded just 12,363 new registrations. In 2019 there were already over 63,000 vehicles.

Since then, demand has skyrocketed: 194,163 new registrations were reported in 2020 and the trend is rising. Anyone who is interested in an electric car asks themselves about the purchase and maintenance costs. One thing is clear: you definitely have to take out insurance for your electric car.

What Distinguishes Electric Cars

While the prototypes of today's electric vehicles only had a short range, modern models have now become a real alternative to diesel or gasoline-powered cars. They make an important contribution to environmental protection and the path to climate neutrality cannot ignore them.

They do not emit any exhaust gases during operation. This means that every electric car helps to reduce the amount of fine dust, CO2 and other harmful substances in the air. If they are also charged with electricity from renewable sources, the environmental balance is even better.

The household budget is also happy about investing in an electric vehicle: electricity is significantly cheaper than gasoline or diesel, and there are hardly any wearing parts in electric vehicles. Modern vehicles are also significantly more efficient than alternatives powered by combustion engines: they recover energy that is usually used for braking.

What Is Important When Insuring Electric Cars

In order to get registration for a vehicle in Germany - regardless of the drive system - you must provide proof of valid insurance. At least liability insurance is necessary to participate in road traffic. However, if you cause an accident, it only covers damage to the other party's car.

Just as with traditional vehicles, experts recommend voluntary additional insurance for new electric cars. Particularly noteworthy is the protection of the battery: it accounts for around a third of the car's total value. Defective batteries sometimes cause damage amounting to 10,000 to 15,000 euros.

Insurance packages specifically tailored to electric cars cover the costs incurred in the event of a short shot or a marten bite. With most insurance policies, these services are included in a partially comprehensive insurance option. It also pays for damage caused by environmental disasters such as floods and storms or a fire.

Fully comprehensive insurance offers comprehensive protection: it also pays for damage you cause yourself and covers the costs of vandalism. The policy should also cover towing costs: If an electric car is towed, it generates electricity, which can lead to short circuits and battery defects.