Five Questions About: Insuring electric cars

Will car insurers cover my electric car?

While most insurers offer cover for hybrid cars, few mainstream providers offer policies for fully electric vehicles. This is likely to change as electric models become more popular but motorists are currently likely to find it easier to buy cover through a specialist, such as PlugInsure.

Is it cheaper to insure an electric car?

The Government offers grants of up to £5,000 for anyone buying an electric car, but they are still significantly more expensive than many similar diesel cars. That and the fact that electric cars require specialist repair work can mean insurance premiums are more expensive. However, this is slightly mitigated as electric cars tend to have restricted top speeds. It is definitely worth getting quotes for cover before purchasing the car. Electric cars are exempt from vehicle tax and the London congestion charge.

Who insures my car's battery?

Some electric car owners lease the battery that powers their vehicle and insurer Direct Line has expressed concerns that this makes cover more complicated. If you're in this situation, make it very clear to the insurer before purchasing a policy and check your responsibilities with the battery provider. This is usually the most expensive element of the car and you don't want to be liable after an incident.

What if someone trips on my cable while charging?

If you're running a charging lead across the pavement or a car park then you may well be held liable should someone trip on it. When contacting an insurer for a quote, be sure to question whether or not it provides cover for this.

How practical is an electric car?

While electric cars can be cheaper to run, most will travel only 40-70 miles before they need a charge. However, the Government is subsidising the roll-out of charging points across a number of cities and so it is becoming easier to operate an electric car, at least within certain areas.