Electric Car Insurance: Does it Still Cost More in 2024?
Electric vehicle car insurance can cost more, but it’s still possible to save on premiums while helping the environment.
Excellent
)
Written byEmily Guy Birken
)
Plutus Award winner
12+ years writing about insurance and personal finance
Emily is a widely recognized expert on personal finance and has authored several personal finance books. She’s a frequent guest on national and regional media.
Featured in
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
Edited byCourtney Mikulski
)
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content
Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score
Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.
Featured in
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
Reviewed byEvelyn Pimplaskar
)
10+ years in insurance and personal finance content
30+ years in media, PR, and content creation
Evelyn leads Insurify’s content team. She’s passionate about creating empowering content to help people transform their financial lives and make sound insurance-buying decisions.
Featured in
){kind=logo}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
)
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Updated November 21, 2024
Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.
Advertiser Disclosure
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Table of contents
Car insurance for electric vehicles (EVs) generally costs more than insurance for gas-powered vehicles for two very important reasons. EVs tend to be more expensive than their fossil-fuel-burning counterparts, and on average they still cost more to repair.
The average new EV sold for $61,448 in December 2022, while the average new car across all categories sold for $49,507, according to Kelley Blue Book.[1] And while EVs may need less maintenance than gas-powered vehicles, when they do need significant repairs those are generally more expensive.
Quick Facts
Electric and hybrid vehicles may require more expensive insurance coverage than traditional vehicles due to their relative value.
Drivers of eco-friendly cars may be eligible for discounts from their car insurance companies, and even tax breaks.
More expensive insurance coverage may be evened out by money saved on fuel over time.
Are car insurance rates higher for EV cars?
Drivers can generally expect to pay higher premiums for electric cars compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.
“The cost of your insurance is based on the value of your car, your location, and your individual factors,” explains Heather Zoller, a Maryland-based Certified Insurance Counselor.
That said, Zoller hasn’t necessarily seen a drastic difference in premiums between EVs and ICE cars among her clients. This may be due to car buyers shopping solely for either an EV or an ICE, rather than comparing the costs of owning the EV versus the ICE of a particular make and model.
For example, a car buyer might not choose between the EV Ford Mustang Mach-E (starting MSRP of $46,895) and the gas model Ford Mustang (starting MSRP of $27,770), but instead between the Mustang Mach-E and the Tesla Model 3 (starting MSRP of $43,990). Such car buyers may compare the cost of insuring the two EVs, rather than comparing the cost of insuring an electric versus gas vehicle.
)
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles with the Safest Drivers
Compare Rates for EV Insurance
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
EV vs. gas model car insurance rates
Understanding the full cost of owning an EV compared to its gas-powered counterpart requires comparing the difference in car insurance rates. Here are the car insurance rates for EVs versus their gas model counterparts (where available), based on Insurify data.
Make/Model ▲▼ | EV Insurance Rate ▲▼ | Gas Model Insurance Rate ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Mustang | $309 | $288 |
| KIA Soul | $223 | $232 |
| Tesla Model 3 | $423 | N/A |
| Tesla Model S | $388 | N/A |
| Tesla Model X | $421 | N/A |
| Tesla Model Y | $395 | N/A |
| Toyota RAV4 | $198 | $227 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Why does it cost more to insure an electric vehicle?
Several factors influence the higher cost of premiums for electric car insurance:
EVs are more expensive than comparable ICE cars.
EVs repairs may require specialized knowledge or equipment.
EV battery damage may require special safety protocols.
EV batteries are expensive to replace, costing up to $15,000 — and that doesn’t necessarily include labor.[2] For comparison, a replacement battery for a gas vehicle generally costs between $45 and $250.
Here are the starting MSRPs for EVs compared to their gas-powered counterparts, where available, according to Kelley Blue Book. These price differences help explain the potentially higher cost of electric car insurance.
Make/Model ▲▼ | EV Starting MSRP ▲▼ | Gas Model Starting MSRP ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| BMW i4 | $51,400 | N/A |
| Chevrolet Bolt EV | $25,600 | N/A |
| Ford Mustang | $46,895 | $27,770 |
| Nissan Leaf | $27,800 | N/A |
| Tesla Model 3 | $43,990 | N/A |
| Tesla Model X | $109,990 | N/A |
| Toyota RAV4 | $41,590 | $27,575 |
How much is car insurance for electric vehicles or hybrids per month?
Insurify’s research found that the average monthly cost for car insurance for a gas engine car is $248, while the cost for an EV is $357. That’s a 44% difference in premium costs. But why do EVs cost so much more to insure?
As of 2015, “electric vehicles were associated with fewer collision and property damage liability claims, but increased severity [of those claims],” according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.[3] In other words, while electric vehicle owners made fewer claims (and were presumably in fewer accidents), the claims they made were for more severe damage, which costs more to fix.
Since 2015, the difference in severity between EV and ICE insurance claims has diminished, according to the 2020 Highway Loss Data Institute bulletin — but insurance premium differences are still evident.
“It can take the insurance industry a few years to analyze losses with new technology,” Zoller says. “The industry is keeping an eye on fires in EVs right now, for example.”
That means the cost of electric car insurance may change. If the trends outlined by the HLDI bulletin continue, those costs may go down.
What is a Hybrid Car?
Electric vs. gas car insurance costs by year
The average cost of car insurance for gas and electric cars increased over the past two years, but gas model cars are still slightly less expensive to insure. In 2023, the average cost of car insurance for an EV is 26% higher than for gas-powered vehicles. But the good news is, the cost gap appears to be closing. In 2021, that cost difference was 37%.
Year ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote: EV ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote: Gas ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $416 | $320 |
| 2022 | $332 | $249 |
| 2021 | $336 | $231 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Electric vs. gas car insurance
Your premium costs have little to do with your vehicle’s fuel source — but everything to do with the cost to purchase and repair your car. The more a car costs, the higher your premiums will be, since your insurance is protecting a more expensive asset.[4]
Additionally, newer technology is costlier to repair. There are fewer professionals with the knowledge and equipment to repair new tech, meaning those mechanics can charge a premium for their labor. It may also be more difficult or expensive to get necessary parts for new technology. For example, EV batteries have some difficult-to-source components that make them very expensive to replace.
Electric vehicles are also often on the forefront of other innovative automobile technologies, which can affect their insurance costs. For instance, all Tesla models built after a certain date have the capability for Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot, and Full Self-Driving (FSD). These systems are intended to reduce the driver’s workload behind the wheel, but self-driving processes are riskier to insure, which may be reflected in a Tesla driver’s insurance premium.
How to save when insuring an electric vehicle
Though EV drivers can spend 44% more on insurance premiums than gas vehicle owners, you have several ways to save money on your electric car insurance. Some of these strategies include:
Shop around for rates
Comparing multiple auto insurance quotes is one of the best ways to ensure you’re getting the best insurance for your budget. An online quote-comparison tool like Insurify makes it simple, easy, and quick to check the rates of several insurers at once so you can feel confident you’re getting the best insurance coverage for you at the lowest price.
)
Improve your credit score
Increasing your credit score will not only help your finances, but also potentially reduce your auto insurance premium. You can improve your score by paying your bills on time and paying down any outstanding debt.
Increase your deductible
The deductible is the amount of money you pay before your insurance coverage kicks in for a claim. Requesting a higher deductible will reduce your premiums. However, make sure you can easily afford the higher deductible if you do need to make a claim.
Become a better driver
Drivers who have had no moving violations or insurance claims for three years or more usually pay less for insurance than those who have more recent violations or claims.
Take advantage of tax breaks
The IRS offers a tax rebate of up to $7,500 to EV buyers who meet other eligibility requirements. While this tax break doesn’t directly reduce your insurance premiums, the rebate can help offset the higher cost of insurance. In addition to the federal tax credit, some states and municipalities also offer tax breaks for EV owners.
What are the cheapest car insurance companies for EV owners?
Many companies offer electric vehicle insurance coverage. Comparing rates and coverage levels between insurers will help you find the right auto insurance for your needs. Nationwide provides the lowest average monthly quote for electric vehicles, while the highest quote, from The General, is 92% higher. Keep in mind that many other factors can affect car insurance rates, including driver profile.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| Nationwide | $188 |
| Travelers | $203 |
| Clearcover | $221 |
| Progressive | $261 |
| Liberty Mutual | $380 |
| Bristol West | $422 |
| The General | $513 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
What are the cheapest states for insuring electric vehicles?
The cost to insure an electric vehicle can vary from state to state. This is partially related to the fact that location affects all auto insurance rates. Insurance rates vary based on where you drive and park the car most often, since that can affect your likelihood of getting into an accident and making a claim.[4]
EV insurance can also vary depending on how common electric cars are in your state. In states with low EV purchase rates, there’s less infrastructure in place to repair electric cars, meaning insurance will be more expensive. The good news is that EVs are becoming a much more common sight on America’s roads.
“There’s been an uptick in EVs in the last few years,” Zoller says. “The average family or average older couple has more EV options to choose from.”
Based on Insurify data, Tennessee is the cheapest state in which to insure an electric vehicle. The following states have the lowest average insurance rates for electric vehicles:
What are the benefits of driving electric vehicles?
Drivers are making the switch to EVs for a number of reasons. Some of the key benefits of these cars include:
Fuel savings: Driving an EV means no more stops at the gas station. (And driving a hybrid means gassing up a lot less often.)
Energy efficiency: EVs are generally more efficient than their gas-powered counterparts.[6]
Environmental impact: EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, which reduces a driver’s carbon footprint.[7]
Reduced maintenance: EV motors require less regular maintenance than gas engines. This saves EV drivers both money and time.[6]
Tax incentives: You may qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax rebates, as well as potential state and local government tax incentives, when you buy an eligible EV and meet the other eligibility requirements.
)
Understanding the Basics of Unleaded Fuel
Recent quotes for other Insurify users
Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $41/mo for liability only and $51/mo for full coverage.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 21, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from November 21, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 21, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from November 21, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Do insurance companies offer discounts for electric cars?
Some insurance companies offer discounts to EV drivers. These discounts might be called a “green car discount” or an “alternative fuel discount” and could take a small percentage off the cost of your premiums. Here are some insurers that offer EV discounts:
Arbella: EV drivers in New England may be eligible for an energy-saving vehicles discount of up to 10% off their premium with Arbella.
Farmers: Both hybrid and EV drivers can save 5% on all major coverages with Farmers’ alternative fuel discount.
Mercury Insurance: Drivers in 10 of the 11 states Mercury Insurance serves may be eligible for an EV discount.
Travelers Insurance: Hybrid and EV drivers may be eligible for a discount through Travelers.
See Also: How Long Does a Tesla Battery Last?
Electric car insurance FAQs
For now, electric vehicles continue to be a bit more expensive to insure than gas-powered cars. But the difference is gradually becoming smaller. If you’re considering buying an EV and want to learn more about insurance and EVs, here are answers to some commonly asked questions.
Is an electric car more expensive to insure?
Generally, yes, an electric car is more expensive to insure. But your car insurance rates will vary based on the vehicle make and model, your driving history, and more. Always compare rates to ensure you’re getting the right coverage at the best price for you.
Why do electric cars cost more to insure?
Electric cars may cost more to insure because their parts may be harder to source and require specialized knowledge to repair. Additionally, electric cars are more expensive in general, so it’ll cost more for an insurance company to pay out a total loss.
How can you find the cheapest car insurance for electric vehicles?
Shopping around for electric car insurance is one of the best ways to find the cheapest rates for your electric car. Using a quote-comparison tool like Insurify lets you compare quotes from multiple insurers so you can find the best one for you.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Related articles
- The 10 Best and Worst Car Insurance Comparison Sites
- No-Down-Payment Car Insurance
- Top 10 Cheapest Car Insurance Companies
- How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance With a Low Income
- Best Cheap Full-Coverage Car Insurance
- 7 of the Best Car Insurance Companies
- Can Your Insurance Company Force You to Total Your Car?
Popular articles
- What Is Gap Insurance for Cars, and Do You Need It?
- How Much Will Insurance Pay for My Totaled Car? (Full Guide)
- What Is the Difference Between a Real ID and a Driver’s License?
- Rebuilt Title: What It Is and How It Works
- What Is a Car Insurance Deductible?
- Best Car Insurance Rates and Discounts for Teachers
- What Comprehensive Car Insurance Covers in Texas
Sources
- Kelley Blue Book. "Average New Car Price Tops $49,500."
- GreenCars. "Overview of EV Batteries."
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Insurance losses of electric vehicles and their conventional counterparts while adjusting for mileage."
- III. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- III. "Nine ways to lower your auto insurance costs."
- Natural Resources Defense Council. "Electric vs. Gas Cars: Is It Cheaper to Drive an EV?."
- U.S. Department of Energy. "Emissions from Electric Vehicles."
)
Emily Guy Birken
Emily Guy Birken is a former educator, lifelong money nerd, and a Plutus Award-winning freelance writer who specializes in the scientific research behind irrational money behaviors. Her background in education allows her to make complex financial topics relatable and easily understood by the layperson.
Her work has appeared on The Huffington Post, Business Insider, Kiplinger's, MSN Money, and The Washington Post online.
She is the author of several books, including The 5 Years Before You Retire, End Financial Stress Now, and the brand new book Stacked: Your Super Serious Guide to Modern Money Management, written with Joe Saul-Sehy.
Emily lives in Milwaukee with her family.
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content
Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score
Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.
Featured in
10+ years in insurance and personal finance content
30+ years in media, PR, and content creation
Evelyn leads Insurify’s content team. She’s passionate about creating empowering content to help people transform their financial lives and make sound insurance-buying decisions.
Featured in
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
)
)
)
)
)