A recent Verivox analysis, reported by the Funke newspapers, shows that drivers of electric cars often face higher full‑coverage insurance premiums than owners of comparable combustion‑engine vehicles. Under identical conditions, premiums for electric models can be up to “44 % more expensive” than for the same car equipped with a gasoline or diesel engine.
“BMW X3 example”
For a BMW X3, the electric version’s all‑risk policy can cost up to 44 % more than the gasoline version, even though both are classified in the same body type. When the model‑specific tariffs are examined, about “49 %” of the options for the electric variant are pricier, “32 %” are cheaper, and “19 %” are equal to the combustion counterpart.
“Skoda Enyaq example”
The electric SUV Skoda Enyaq is, according to the study, sometimes insured for as much as “18 % more” than the similarly sized petrol Skoda Kodiaq. Roughly “40 %” of the policies for the Enyaq exceed the cost of the Kodiaq, “35 %” are less expensive, and “26 %” are identical in price.
Aljoscha Ziller, managing director of Verivox Versicherungsvergleich GmbH, noted:
> “Insurers once priced electric cars outright cheaper than gasoline cars. Initially, data on claims were insufficient and insurers wanted to capture a young growth market. That era of blanket discounts for electric vehicles is now over”.
Verivox’s long‑term data show that while electric vehicles cause fewer accidents, the incidents that do happen tend to be more costly-particularly under full‑coverage plans. Nevertheless, attractive premiums are still available: some insurers maintain low rates to expand their electric‑car customer base. Depending on the model and tariff, a driver of an electric vehicle could potentially save up to “23 %”.
Ziller advises electric‑car owners to compare policies carefully before making a choice. “Besides the price” he says, “make sure that key benefits are included-especially protection for the expensive battery. Coverage terms still vary widely among plans”.
“Methodology”
The study was based on model calculations for a 45‑year‑old resident of Berlin driving “12,000 km per year” with a 15‑class no‑claims discount. Verivox evaluated more than “400” all‑risk tariffs from roughly “60” insurers.