Electric car insurance
By Allstate
Last updated: September 2023
Is getting car insurance for an electric vehicle different from gasoline cars?
Generally, auto insurance covering an electric car works just like insurance that covers a car that runs on gasoline or diesel. So, for electric vehicles (e.g. Tesla Model 3, Model S, Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron, Nissan LEAF, etc.), this means the same familiar options may be available.
Liability coverage
There are two types of liability coverage: bodily injury liability coverage, which helps pay for medical costs for someone else who is injured in an accident you cause, and property damage liability coverage, which helps pay to repair or replace property damaged in an accident you cause. Most states have minimum required limits for liability coverage; view more information about the car insurance requirements in your state.
Collision coverage
This coverage helps pay for damage to your car caused by an accident, no matter who was at fault. Although collision coverage is an optional coverage as far as legal requirements are concerned, if you still owe money on your auto loan or if you lease your car, your lender or lease holder may require it.
Comprehensive coverage
This coverage – which is usually required if you are financing or leasing a car but optional if you own your vehicle outright - helps to pay for repair or replacement if your car is damaged by a cause other than a collision. Comprehensive coverage typically covers damage or loss from causes such as theft, animal damage or hail, but you should check your specific policy to determine what it covers.
Medical payments coverage
As the name implies, this type of coverage helps pay for medical bills for you or your passengers if you're injured in an accident. This coverage is usually optional and not available in all states.
Personal injury protection (PIP)
Only available in some states, PIP can help pay for costs you incur because you're injured in a covered accident, such as medical expenses, lost income, childcare costs or grocery delivery fees.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
This type of coverage can help protect you in case you're involved in an accident caused by someone who's uninsured (has no car insurance) or underinsured (whose liability coverage limits are lower than the cost of the damage caused in the accident).
There are additional optional coverages you may also want to consider, such as rental reimbursement coverage. Talk to your insurance company for more information about what is required in your state.
Will an EV charging station affect my homeowners insurance?
Most plug-in electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles use AC Level 1 or AC Level 2 charging equipment, which can be installed within a garage or outside of the home, according to Energy.gov. Charging equipment installations must comply with strict local, state, and national codes and regulations. Once your EV charging station is properly installed, you'll want to check with your insurance company to see if it is covered under your homeowners insurance policy or if you'll need to purchase additional coverage.
Will insurance cover EV roadside assistance?
Many insurers offer a roadside assistance program that helps cover you when you have car trouble on the side of the road, in a parking lot, at work or even at home. Having roadside assistance coverage on an electric car can help get you towed to the nearest charging station, or some programs may offer a mobile charging station that can charge your car, right on the spot. You’ll need to check your current car insurance policy to see if roadside assistance is included and what services specific to electric cars are offered.
Talk with your insurer before you get a new policy
If you have any questions about buying auto insurance coverage for your electric car, it's a great idea to talk to your insurance company. They can help you understand the types of coverages that are available and provide any additional information to help you choose the best insurance for your specific needs.