Are electric cars cheaper to insure than petrol or diesel in 2025?

Living

4 min read

Electric cars have become more and more common across Northern Ireland (and further afield). While driving an electric car may save you money on petrol or diesel, does that extend to insurance as well? 

Let’s find out.  

Is electric car insurance more expensive? 

In many cases, yes, although this may change in the future. 

This is because specialist parts, particularly batteries, are expensive to replace or repair, which pushes the cost of claims – and therefore premiums – up, by as much as 25% on average. 

It’s worth remembering, though, that the cost of your insurance is always personal, and other factors like your driving history, claims record, where you live, and the type of cover you choose will all affect the cost of the premium as well. 

Why can electric car insurance be more expensive? 

There are a few reasons why insuring an electric car can cost more: 

• Battery costs: The battery is the most valuable part of an electric car and can cost thousands to repair 
• Specialist repairs: Electric cars need trained technicians and specialist equipment and there is currently a shortage of EV-qualified mechanics, which pushes up repair costs and waiting times 
• Technology: Electric cars usually come with advanced features like sensors and cameras, which are costly to fix 
• Newer vehicles: Most electric cars are still relatively new models with higher values, which can naturally increase insurance premiums 

Electric car-specific insurance considerations 

When you’re comparing policies, there are some things specific to electric cars to check that don’t apply to petrol or diesel cars: 

• Battery leasing: Some manufacturers sell the car but lease the battery separately. If that applies to you, make sure your policy covers the battery or that the leasing company takes responsibility. 
• Charging equipment: Check whether your home charging unit and portable cables are covered if they’re stolen or damaged. And liability is also important, because if someone trips over your charging cable, you could be held responsible. 
• Breakdown support: Electric cars obviously don’t run out of fuel in the traditional sense, but you could still be stranded with an empty battery. Some insurers now offer recovery to the nearest charging station or mobile charging support. 

Tips for getting the right electric car insurance for your needs

If you need to insure an electric car, here are a few simple steps to help: 

• Shop around: Premiums can vary a lot, so don’t settle for the first quote you receive 
• Check the cover details: Make sure the battery, cables, and chargers are included in your policy 
• Ask about repair networks: Confirm whether your insurer works with electric car-trained garages 
• Consider telematics: Black box or app-based policies that reward safe driving can help bring costs down 
• Review each year: As electric cars become more mainstream, premiums may change, so it’s worth checking again at renewal 

Key takeaways 

Right now, electric cars are usually more expensive to insure than petrol or diesel models. That’s mainly because of expensive batteries, specialist repairs, and advanced technology. 

However, as electric car ownership grows and more mechanics are trained, that gap is likely to narrow. 

For drivers, the key is to focus on getting the right cover - making sure your battery and charging equipment are protected, and that you’re not caught out by hidden exclusions. 

Would you like to talk about an electric car policy? Get in touch with one of our team at 08000 66 55 44 or get a quote online today.