Switching to an electric vehicle changes a few things about running a car, and insurance is one people often ask about. The good news is that an EV is insured much like any other car. What tends to differ is the price, because it is shaped by the value of the car and the cost of repairing it, and the kind of roadside support you want. This guide covers both.
It is written for drivers in the Republic of Ireland who own an electric vehicle or are thinking of switching from petrol or diesel.
In short
- Electric vehicles are insured like any other car, with the same three cover levels: third party, third party fire and theft, and comprehensive.
- An EV premium reflects the car's value and repair costs plus your own driver profile, not just the fact that it is electric.
- Premiums can change when you switch from petrol or diesel, so get a fresh quote for your specific EV.
- EVs can have familiar problems such as a flat 12V battery or a tyre issue. Running out of charge can happen too.
- Roadside cover matters. AA Rescue supports electric vehicles, including when they run out of charge.
Understanding EV insurance costs and coverage
An electric vehicle is insured the same way as a petrol or diesel car. You choose from the same three levels of cover: third party only, third party fire and theft, or comprehensive. Comprehensive is the widest and covers damage to your own car after an accident, though it is worth checking how your policy treats the battery and charging equipment, since these are the parts that make an EV different.
Your premium is worked out from the car and from you, rather than from the fuel type alone. The main factors include:
- The value of the car. Electric models are often newer and can cost more to buy, which feeds into the premium.
- Repair costs. Battery and specialist parts, and the availability of approved repairers, can affect the cost of EV repairs.
- Your driver profile. Your age, experience, no-claims bonus and address all count, exactly as they do for any car.
This is why drivers moving from a diesel or petrol car sometimes see their premium change when they switch. It is not automatic, and it is not simply because the car is electric. It can reflect that the new car is worth more or costs more to repair. Because the outcome depends so much on the specific vehicle and your own circumstances, the only reliable way to know your price is to get a personalised quote rather than going on someone else's experience.
When you do, read the policy documents to see how the battery is covered, including a leased battery if you have one, and whether charging cables and home charging equipment are included. The AA offers car insurance for electric vehicles, and you can get a quote for your EV online. Premiums and terms and conditions apply to every policy.
Roadside assistance for electric vehicles
Range anxiety tends to be a worry for new EV drivers, but running out of charge is only one possible reason for needing help. An EV can also develop a fault with its 12V battery or have a tyre problem. Good roadside cover matters, and it is worth knowing how your provider handles an electric car.
AA Rescue supports electric vehicles as part of its roadside assistance. If your EV develops a fault, a patrol will try to diagnose and, where possible, fix it at the roadside. If it runs out of charge, AA Ireland's current guidance says it will take the car to the nearest charge point rather than charge it at the roadside. Check the terms of your membership for the assistance and recovery that applies to you.
Roadside assistance is a separate product from your insurance policy, so you can hold both for your electric vehicle: cover for the car itself, and help to get you moving again if it stops. Match the level of support to how and where you drive, and check what each product includes so you are clear on what is covered.
Ready to cover your EV?
Take a look at car insurance and roadside assistance from the AA and get a quote for your electric vehicle. We are here to help you switch with confidence.
