Lower cost per use: this is what may convince you to go electric. A rule that also applies to the cost of car insurance. With a sometimes significant difference that an online insurance comparator detects.
Examples of cheaper electric vehicles to insure
“In 2023, the average cost of insurance for electric vehicles will continue to be less expensive than that of thermal models,” indicates the latest study* by Assurland.com, with an average premium of 563 euros in 2023 for an electric car, compared to at 645 euros for an electric vehicle. a gasoline model.
In equivalent models, Assurland.com highlights more attractive prices for electric motors. To give some examples: third-party insurance for a Dacia Spring costs an average of 138 euros, compared to 150 euros for a Sandero, or an 8% difference.
The same thing also happens with the Fiat 500, 16% less in third-party insurance and 2% in comprehensive insurance, or with a Renault Clio compared to a Zoé, with differences of 16% in third-party insurance and 5% in comprehensive insurance.
Towards the end of a tax advantage
But two factors could put an end to this situation in the short term. First of all, the elimination of the TSCA (Special Tax on Insurance Contracts), a “fiscal donation” in force since January 1, 2021 and that “is only planned until the end of 2023,” Assurland.com points out in its statement. of press.
“A non-trivial advantage, since it represents a reduction of 33% in the civil liability guarantee and 18% in the damage guarantee,” highlights the study, whose savings could reach 25% in third-party insurance and 15 % all risk.
The last hope for this elimination of TSCA to be maintained: the presentation and adoption of an amendment to the 2024 Finance Bill, because this measure has not yet been renewed in the PLF presented by the government.
More expensive repairs
Another risk that an increase in premiums poses for electric car owners is “a double penalty in the event of an accident,” the study points out:
“These vehicles, made mainly of aluminum, lighter than steel, but also more expensive and very complicated to repair, must be entrusted to specialized bodybuilders, which are more expensive in terms of labor.”
Additionally, Assurland.com analyzes the importance of the battery, which can represent up to 50% of the vehicle’s price:
“Therefore, in the event of a problem, replacing the battery is usually not profitable enough compared to the residual value of the car. This is how many electric vehicles end up scrapped when they are still almost new.”
Reparability, a future criterion for the ecological bond
Among the poor results, the study mentions Tesla models, which see the cost of their car insurance skyrocket, in particular due to the irreparability of the batteries.
Assurland.com cites in particular the example of the Tesla Model Y, currently the best-selling car in the world: “In the United States, some companies now refuse to cover this specific model.”
An interesting point, since France will establish an “environmental score”, which will take into account different criteria to grant or not the ecological bonus starting next year.
The evolution of this environmental assessment for 2025 plans to add three other criteria, including the repairability of the battery.
*Methodology: study conducted from 150,000 electric, diesel or gasoline car insurance applications compared on Assurland.com since January 1, 2023.
Source: BFM TV
