Electric cars remain 11% more expensive to insure

Thursday 06 November 2025 - 14:20

By: Sahili Aya

Electric cars remain 11% more expensive to insure

Electric and plug-in hybrid cars are 11% more expensive to compensate than petrol or diesel vehicles of the same generation, according to a new study by France Assureurs published on Thursday. The main reason is the high cost and low reparability of batteries, which account for between one-third and half the total price of an electric vehicle.

The study analyzed insurance data from 1.9 million vehicles, revealing that battery replacement after an accident is particularly costly because manufacturers often make them difficult to access or repair.

When considering only insurance payouts for vehicle damage – excluding cases where the driver was responsible for the accident – the cost gap increases to 14%, the report notes.

France Assureurs has called on the European Union to strengthen regulations requiring carmakers to design batteries that are easier to repair from the outset. The organization also urges manufacturers to encourage competition among repairers by providing access to spare parts and diagnostic tools for independent garages.

Fully electric brands, such as Tesla, were found to have less accessible parts, making repairs more complicated and expensive compared to traditional manufacturers. However, the study found no significant difference in accident rates between electric and combustion-engine car owners.

Adding to costs, many electric vehicles feature continuous light strips on the front and rear to enhance their futuristic design. These aesthetic details increase the cost of glass-related claims, which are 24% higher for electric cars than for conventional ones.

As the French car market rapidly electrifies—electric vehicles accounted for 19% of new car sales in 2025, and 24% in October alone—insurers and industry groups are calling for better repairability standards to keep premiums under control.