Car insurance
How should I insure my electric car?
It is not only in the “refueling process” that an electric car differs from a combustion engine. There are a number of things that drivers should consider when it comes to insurance. (Symbol photo)
© Daniel Kubirski / Picture Alliance
Dealing with an electric car is new to many people. This raises the question of car insurance. What do you have to consider and how should you insure your electric car?
As with any combustion engine, motor vehicle liability insurance is mandatory for an electric car. The insurance costs do not differ fundamentally. Rather, they depend on the type and regional class of the car, the annual mileage, the no-claims discount and various other factors. Drivers can take the no-claims discount with them when they change insurance.
Before concluding an insurance contract, however, it is particularly important to ensure that the electronics – especially the battery – are also insured. Because the battery is the “heart” of the electric car and requires special insurance protection.
The insurance of the battery is included in the comprehensive insurance. The ADAC recommends taking out fully comprehensive insurance, as e-cars are often younger and more expensive than comparable combustion engines. Such an insurance also contains important safeguards. In this context, it is advisable to pay attention to whether the new or the current value of the battery is replaced in the event of damage before taking out the insurance.
Also good to know: the car owner actually has to dispose of the battery himself after a total write-off. In such a case, however, some insurers assume the disposal costs.
Insure consequential damage to an electric car up to 20,000 euros
In addition, drivers should keep in mind that the specific insurance contract will determine which type of battery damage is covered. Various damage such as fire, overvoltage or consequential damage from an animal bite can be insured. Consequential damage should be insured up to 20,000 euros.
Although electric cars do not pose a higher risk of fire than combustion cars, extinguishing a burning electric vehicle is usually more complex: After the extinguishing process, the vehicle should be stored in a water bath for a certain period of time. Depending on the type of insurance, the extinguishing process as well as the disposal of the contaminated extinguishing water is insured.
Further insurance coverage makes sense
In addition to insuring the battery, it is advisable to find out from the insurance provider whether this will apply if the charging cable is stolen. In addition, insurance cover for the charging infrastructure, such as the in-house wallbox, makes sense. Damage to your own charging station in the event of vandalism, incorrect operation when charging or a vehicle fault should definitely be considered.
Sources: ADAC, GDV consumer portal