If you have checked an insurance quote for a Tesla Model Y or a Kia EV6 lately, you might have had a minor heart attack. In 2026, EV insurance can still land higher than petrol equivalents, even when you are doing everything “right”.
It is not just insurers being awkward. There is a logic to it, and once you understand the logic, you can start pulling the right levers to bring your premium back down.
Why are EV insurance costs still high?
1) The “battery write-off” problem
EV batteries are expensive, and they sit low in the car, often integrated into the floor structure. That creates a harsh reality for insurers. Damage that looks minor can trigger costly safety checks and limited repair routes, and in some cases a total loss decision if the repair cost approaches the car’s value.
2) Specialist capacity, training, and repair delays
EV repair requires high-voltage training, tooling, safe working practices, and workshop capability. Industry bodies have warned about an EV skills gap. Repair bottlenecks can mean longer repair times and higher claims costs, particularly once courtesy cars and storage time are added in.
3) Performance characteristics and claim frequency
Insurers price on claims data. Some reporting has pointed to higher claim frequency for EV drivers and has linked part of that to the learning curve and strong acceleration. Instant torque is brilliant, but it can also make the car feel deceptively quick for newer drivers.
5 ways to lower your 2026 premium
1) Choose an “insurance-friendly” EV
Not all EVs are priced the same by insurers. Smaller, lower-powered EVs can sit much lower on average premium rankings than high-performance models. If your priority this year is cutting insurance, model choice is one of the biggest levers you have.
2) Shop around, and try EV-aware insurers and brokers
Some insurers still price EVs conservatively because repairs and total-loss outcomes can behave differently. You want an insurer that understands EV claims and has repair pathways. Even a small difference in repair confidence can show up in your quote.
3) Make your parking and security story stronger
Insurers care about theft and damage risk. If you can, prioritise off-street parking or a garage, well-lit areas, CCTV where available, and sensible security measures.
A dash cam can also help. Some insurers offer dash cam discounts, and even when they do not, video evidence can protect your no-claims bonus by speeding up liability decisions.
4) Use excess strategically
Increasing your voluntary excess can reduce your premium, but only if you can genuinely afford it. If the excess is so high that claiming becomes pointless or unaffordable, it is not a win.
5) Reduce “small claim” risk by cutting low-speed damage exposure
Small claims keep your risk profile expensive. Low-speed bumps, car park knocks, and charger-bay scrapes all contribute to claim frequency. Choose calmer, better-designed charging locations where manoeuvring space and lighting are good.
The ONEEV edge
A huge part of insurance risk is where you spend your time. By using ONEEV to find high-quality, well-lit, and secure charging hubs, you reduce the chance of charger-bay bumps or opportunistic vandalism. That helps protect your no-claims bonus and keeps your premiums from climbing for the wrong reasons.
Bottom line
EV insurance can be higher because the claims are often higher, slower, and more complex. Pick an insurance-friendly model, choose EV-aware insurers, strengthen your parking and security story, use excess wisely, and reduce small-claim exposure. Do those five things and your premium has far less room to misbehave.
FAQs
Why do insurers write off EVs more easily after damage?
Battery packs are expensive and safety-critical. Even minor underside or structural damage can trigger costly inspection and replacement pathways, which can push repair costs close to the car’s value.
Is it true that EV repairs take longer?
They can. High-voltage training requirements and limited specialist capacity can create delays, and delays increase claim costs through courtesy cars and storage.
Does increasing voluntary excess always reduce the premium?
Often it can, but not always, and it only makes sense if you can afford the higher out-of-pocket cost after an incident.
Do dash cams reduce insurance costs in the UK?
Some insurers offer dash cam discounts, but it is not universal. Even without a discount, dash cam footage can help protect your no-claims bonus by resolving disputes faster.
How can ONEEV help reduce insurance risk?
By helping you choose safer, well-lit charging locations with better layouts, you reduce low-speed damage risk and the chance of avoidable claims.
Helpful links
External references: Thatcham Research on battery write-off risk, MoneySuperMarket EV insurance index, Which? on voluntary excess, MoneySuperMarket on dash cam discounts.
