From 2028, a charge of £0.03 per mile for battery electric cars and £0.015 per mile for plug-in hybrid cars will be introduced. This will increase annually in line with the Consumer Price Index.

Electric car insurance

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What is electric car insurance?

Electric car insurance is a type of policy designed for electric vehicles (EVs). It covers many of the same things as standard car insurance, but with a few differences for more tailored protection. 

What’s included in electric car insurance depends on the policy and the level of cover you choose. But a policy that’s designed for electric cars could include things such as: 

  • Recovery in case you run out of charge when you’re out and about 

  • Cover for accessories such as your charging cables 

  • Extensive cover for your car battery. 

Electric car at charging station

Is EV insurance different from other types of car insurance?

EV car insurance is mostly the same as insurance for any other car. However, it tends to include EV-specific extras, such as battery cover, charger and charging cables cover, and EV breakdown cover and recovery if you run out of charge.

Other than that, you’ll still be choosing between the same cover levels and the same wide variety of policy extras. The claims process is also the same.

Here are the three main levels of car insurance that you can choose from for an electric car.

Third-party

  • tick

    The most basic level of cover and the minimum required by law

  • tick

    Covers the cost of other people’s damages or injuries

  • cross

    You won’t be able to claim for damages to your own car or for your injuries.

Third-party

Third-party, fire and theft

  • tick

    Includes the same cover as basic third-party insurance

  • tick

    Also covers your own car against fire damage and theft

  • cross

    Doesn't include cover for you or your car if you're at fault in an accident.

Third-party, fire and theft

Comprehensive

  • tick

    The highest level of cover available

  • tick

    Covers both damages and injuries to others, as well as you and your own car

  • tick

    Can pay out if your car is written off after an accident

  • tick

    Often cheaper than other policies despite offering more protection

  • cross

    Doesn't automatically insure you to drive other cars.

Comprehensive

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

Our data shows that electric cars are a little cheaper to insure than petrol and diesel cars, but there isn’t much in it.

Electric car drivers typically pay £12 less per year than petrol car drivers, and £54 less than diesel drivers3:

Electric car annual insurance cost

Petrol car annual insurance cost

Diesel car annual insurance cost

£563

£575

£617

While EVs are generally cheaper to run (depending on where and when you charge them), their high value and specialist parts make them expensive to repair, and that can impact your premium.

However, there are now more affordable electric cars on the market, and used electric vehicles are more commonly available.

As more people switch to greener vehicles, the infrastructure for electric cars is improving and expanding too.

The increasing popularity of EVs means you could have more options when you shop around for EV car insurance – potentially resulting in a more competitive deal.

What impacts the cost of electric car insurance?

As with other types of car insurance, the price of insurance for electric cars depends on a range of factors.

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The value of your car

Usually, the more your car is worth, the more it costs to insure.

Our data shows that people pay roughly £46 less to insure a car worth £5,000-£9,999 compared to one worth £30,000-£39,9993.

Car with tick icon

The insurance group your electric car is in

Vehicles are arranged into insurance groups based on factors such as value, performance, security features and repair costs. Typically, cars in higher groups cost more to insure.

For example, a 2024-2026 Tesla Model 3 falls into group 36, making it more expensive to insure than a 2021-2023 Fiat 500 Electric Action, which is in group 15.

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The level of cover you choose

Even though they offer more protection, comprehensive policies are often cheaper than third-party.

That's in part because drivers who choose comprehensive cover could be considered more risk-averse than those who opt for the more basic policies.

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Your age

Your age is one of the main factors that gives providers an idea of how risky you might be to insure. That's why under-25s pay more than older drivers, as they lack road experience.

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Your postcode

Some areas are more prone to crime or harsh weather, which can make cars riskier – and more expensive – to insure.

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Your driving and claims history

Drivers with a clean claims record over the past five years typically save £24 a year on car insurance compared to those who have claimed3.

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Your annual mileage

Driving less means less chance of having an accident, which could lower your quote.

Car and repair garage

Where you park your car overnight

A private drive or secure car park, for example, is considered safer than a public road.

What extras are available with electric car insurance?

You’ll find many of the optional extras that are available for petrol and diesel cars are also available for electric cars.

However, there are a few special options to consider when insuring an electric car. Common add-ons can include:

Car battery icon

Battery cover

This covers your battery if it’s damaged in a fire or accident. Check whether the policy covers owned or leased batteries, or both. If you’re not sure, speak to the insurance provider.

Breakdown icon

Breakdown cover

Breakdown cover should include recovery to the nearest charging point if your EV runs out of battery. Some recovery services may even be able to charge you on the spot.

Energy shaped symbol

Portable charging cables cover

UK EV car insurance normally covers your charging cables if they're lost or stolen. Some policies may cover your wallbox charger too. If not, you may be able to cover it on your home insurance.

Checklist with lightning icon

Electric charger liability cover

This could cover you if someone trips over your charging cable in a public place and gets injured.

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Personal accident cover

Personal accident cover could provide compensation if you, your partner and even your passengers are killed or seriously injured in a car accident.

Car with legal contract

Motor legal protection

Also known as legal cover, motor legal protection could cover your legal expenses if you need to take legal action against another driver, or if another driver brings a claim against you.

Shield with tick

No claims discount protection

If you choose to add on no claims discount protection, you can make a claim without it affecting any years of discount you’ve built up.

Car keys

Courtesy car cover

Adding courtesy car cover to your policy means you can get a temporary car to use if yours is stuck in the garage for repairs after an accident.

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European cover

All UK car insurance policies include third-party cover to drive in Europe. You'll need to upgrade your policy for more cover and add on European breakdown cover for roadside recovery on your trip.

Always check your policy terms

It’s worth noting that comprehensive policies may include some add-ons as standard. So, it’s worth comparing different cover levels to see if you could save overall by choosing a different policy.

Always make sure you read the terms carefully, so you understand exactly what’s covered and what’s not.

Do all insurance providers offer electric car cover?

Most of the mainstream car insurance providers offer electric car insurance.

As the demand for EVs grows, more will follow suit. This greater competition means comparing electric car insurance is one of the best ways to get a cheaper quote.

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Parked electric car being charged

What are the pros and cons of owning an electric car?

Pros of owning an electric car

  • Reduce your carbon footprint – Electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them more environmentally friendly than petrol or diesel cars

  • Cheaper to drive – It's generally cheaper to charge an EV than fill up a petrol car, especially if you charge at home and have a 'time of use' energy tariff that costs less in off-peak hours.

  • Free parking – Many car parks offer free or subsidised parking bays with charging points

  • Exceptions and discounts – Fully electric cars can enter low-emission zones for free in cities including London, Bath and Glasgow

  • Quieter – EVs are much quieter than standard cars – even though they have an audible running sound to increase safety for pedestrians. For drivers, this can create a more relaxed driving experience.

Cons of owning an electric car

  • High repair costs – EVs are made up of expensive, specialist parts that makes them costly to repair, contributing to their high upfront price and the cost of car insurance in general.

  • Limited range – According to the Energy Saving Trust, EVs have an average range of around 220 miles per charge (though some can go over 300). Standard and hybrid cars generally last longer on a full tank, depending on the tank size and miles per gallon (MPG).

  • Slow to recharge – EVs can take several hours to fully recharge. Even fast chargers take around 20-40 minutes, which may not be ideal on long trips or when you’re in a hurry.

  • Limited stations – Charging stations aren’t as common as petrol stations, and there are usually fewer chargers than pumps. You may need to find your closest charging stations in advance.

What else should I consider when buying an electric car?

Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether to buy an electric car:

Electric car batteries: should you buy or lease?

If offered by the car’s manufacturer, leasing the battery can lower the upfront cost to buy the car.

If performance drops below a certain amount – normally 60-75% – the battery is usually replaced or repaired for free by the manufacturer.

Just be aware that you’ll have to agree to certain stipulations made by the manufacturer, and you’ll need to budget for paying the lease each month. Selling the car on at a later date may be more complicated too.

Electric car range

Electric cars don’t always have the same range on a single charge. If you regularly make long journeys, but want to transition to a greener vehicle, a hybrid car may be a better option.

Charging at home

To charge your car at home, you’ll need to install a charging unit. The government offers grants of up to £500 to help with installation costs. However, this scheme is only available for flat owners and those in rented accommodation who have dedicated off-street parking at their property.

Costs vary depending on the brand and type installed, but you can expect the charger and installation to cost around £800-£1,500.

Charging point locations

Are there plenty of charging points in and around your local area or places you visit often? Check out the Zapmap tool to see what coverage is like near places you frequently drive to.

Mileage charge from 2028

From 2028, a charge of 3p per mile for battery electric cars and 1.5p per mile for plug-in hybrid cars will be introduced. This will increase annually in line with the Consumer Price Index.

How can I get cheaper electric car insurance?

The cost of electric car insurance is based on the risk you pose as a driver. Insurers use factors such as your address, age and even your job to assess that.

But there are ways to reduce your premium.

Compare electric car insurance

Avoid auto-renewal

Don’t assume that your auto-renewal quote is the best price you’ll get. It’s worth comparing electric car insurance to see if other providers can offer you a better deal.

You could save £485 when comparing car insurance with Compare the Market4.

Reduce your mileage

The less time you spend on the road, the less likely you are to make a claim. This can sometimes lead to cheaper insurance.

Increase your voluntary excess

The higher your excess (the amount you agree to pay towards a claim), the lower your premium can be.

For example, people typically save £217 with a voluntary excess of £100, compared with those who have no voluntary excess3.

Just make sure you could afford to pay the combined compulsory and voluntary excess if you end up needing to claim.

Pay annually

People typically pay £500 for car insurance in one go, compared with £714 when they pay in monthly instalments3. That’s because monthly payments tend to include interest charges.

Park your EV safely overnight

Drivers who park on their own driveway typically pay £247 a year less for car insurance than those who park on the street3. Other safe options include a secure garage or private car park.

Only paying for the cover you need

There’s no point paying for optional extras you don’t need.

If you’re coming up to renewal, check your policy for any add-ons you haven’t used and remove them from your next policy. Your premium should come down.

Compare electric car insurance
Amy Rootham

What our expert says...

“According to the RAC, 86,000 new electric cars were registered in March 2026 – 24% more than March 2025 and a new UK record.

“But while the popularity of EVs is growing, it’s important to know that they can be costly to maintain. Not only are they made up of expensive, specialist parts, but rising energy prices can also cost you more to charge your car at home. However, it can still be cheaper than traditional fuel types.

“All this contributes to the cost of insuring your EV – and that’s why comparing can make a big difference. Shopping around for quotes gives you more options and a higher chance of finding cover at a price that works for you.”

Amy Rootham, Insurance expert

More on car insurance

Learn more about specialist car insurance, from electric vehicles to eco cars

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Cost & savings
Cost of insuring an electric car
Why EV insurance can cost more and what affects the price
Policy & cover
Low emission car insurance
Could you get cheaper cover if you drive a green vehicle?
Eco car insurance quotes
Find out what makes a car eco friendly and your cover options
Car ownership
A guide to car batteries
Signs your battery needs attention and how to deal with a flat
All car insurance guides

Car insurance group checker

Check your car's insurance group and how it could affect your premium

FAQs

Is there road tax on electric cars?

Yes, there is road tax on electric cars as of 1 April 2025. The rate you’ll pay depends on when your electric car was registered:

EV registration date

Annual road tax

1 April 2017 - 31 March 2025

£200 (standard rate)

After 31 March 2025

£10 in year one

Standard rate (£200) from year two

1 March 2001 - 31 March 2017

£20

After 1 April 2025 with a value of over £50,000

£440 (additional rate) for five years from the second year of registration

From 2028, a charge of 3p per mile for battery electric cars and 1.5p per mile for plug-in hybrid cars will be introduced. This will increase annually in line with the Consumer Price Index.

What is the difference between hybrid and electric?

An electric car only uses a battery-powered motor to drive, while a hybrid uses both an internal combustion engine (petrol or diesel) and a battery-powered motor.

Electric car charging points are still less accessible than petrol stations in some areas, so a self-charging hybrid may still be a more convenient option. (Some hybrids, known as plug-ins, need charging points.)

In terms of car insurance, hybrid car insurance is different from insuring an electric car. We can help you compare that too.

Can I get a government grant to buy an electric car?

Some electric cars may be eligible for a government grant, depending on the make and how you use it.

But it’s not a typical grant you apply for – the manufacturer or dealer automatically applies the discount to the purchase price.

There is also a charge point grant. This provides funding of up to 75% towards the cost of installing electric vehicle smart charge points at certain types of domestic properties (typically flats) across the UK.

See more about the scheme on GOV.UK.

What is EV insurance excess?

There are two kinds of car insurance excess:

  • Compulsory excess – this is set by your car insurance provider. If you make a claim on your policy, you’ll have to contribute this amount to your claim.

  • Voluntary excess – you choose how much to pay, on top of the compulsory excess. By offering to pay a higher excess, you can get a cheaper premium. But be sure you can afford to pay both the compulsory and voluntary excess if you need to.

Can I add additional drivers to an electric vehicle insurance policy?

Yes, you can add additional drivers. These are called named drivers.

Adding a named driver could even save you money. Our data shows people typically save £158 a year on their cover by adding a named driver to their car insurance policy5.

If you want to add a named driver, just be careful to avoid fronting. Fronting is when you claim to be the main driver of a car, when it’s actually the additional driver who does the majority of the driving.

This is a form of insurance fraud and you can be prosecuted for it.

What happens if I’m leasing the battery on my electric vehicle?

Leasing is very uncommon these days. But if you do have a leased electric car battery, you’ll need to make this clear to your insurance provider when you take out a policy. That’s so they can make sure any claims are paid out correctly.

For example, if your car is stolen or written off and it’s covered by your policy, your payout could cover the value of the car minus the battery. The payout for the battery will go to whoever owns it.

What if someone trips over my charging cable?

It’s a good idea to make sure liability for any accidents or injury is covered by your car insurance policy, especially if your car is going to be charged on a busy street.

To prevent anyone from tripping, you can buy a raised cable protector to make it more visible to pedestrians.

Are electric cars manual or automatic?

All new EVs are automatic, as they are powered by an electric motor and don’t require gear changes to control speed in the same way as petrol and diesel cars.

A few manufacturers have made electric cars that mimic a manual transmission to preserve a more engaging driving experience. However, these are typically aimed at a niche market.

Looking for something else?

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Amy Rootham
Reviewed 30 Sept 2026 byAmy RoothamInsurance expert

Amy helps make comparing insurance simpler and clearer. Thanks to more than four years’ experience at Compare the Market, she understands what people look for, working closely with insurance providers to offer you deals and services that are fair, easy to understand and right for your needs.

Methodology

1 Correct as of June 2026.

2 Based on Trustpilot ratings (July 2026).

3 Based on 51% of customers who compared quotes for this type of policy in August 2026.

4 Based on Online independent research by Consumer Intelligence during June 2026, 51% of customers could achieve this saving on their car insurance through Compare the Market.