Insurance for Electric Cars vs. Gas Cars

Quote Today

Key Takeaways

  • While electric and gas-powered vehicles share similar insurance basics, there are important cost differences between them.
  • Are you wondering, “Why does electric car insurance cost more than gas?” Cars that are fully electric usually have higher repair and replacement costs. But EV owners may save money over time thanks lower fuel and maintenance costs.
  • Experienced drivers age 50 and up tend to favor hybrids, which can offer a middle ground in insurance rates and ownership costs. Ultimately, comparing quotes between electric, hybrid and gas vehicles can help determine which option best fits your budget and driving habits.

What Factors Affect EV Insurance vs. Gas Insurance Rates?

When it comes to car insurance, there is no one-size-fits-all price. However, there are factors that impact both electric vehicles and gas-powered ones, like:
 
  • Repair complexity
  • Mileage
  • Replacement parts
  • Safety features
No matter what car you drive, insurance companies also look at personal factors to create your price, like your location and driving history.
Does it cost more to insure an electric car or a gas car? We’ve compiled the key factors that impact the price of insurance for electric cars vs. gas, from repair costs to safety features.

Does Electric Car Insurance Cost More Than Gas Cars?

“Is electric car insurance more expensive?” It’s a question we hear often. Typically, electric vehicles cost more to insure than gas cars as they can be more expensive and complicated to repair or replace. However, insurance costs are complex and unique to each person. 
 

Why Are Electric Cars More Expensive To Insure Than Gas Cars?

Electric car insurance may cost more than non-EV policies due to factors such as:
 
  • Higher vehicle value and repair costs: EVs usually cost more up front and require specialized repair work and parts, such as battery-related components.
  • Limited historical data: Since EVs are newer to the market compared to gas-powered cars, insurers have less data on long-term performance and claims trends.
  • Advanced technology and safety features: Reliable technology and safety features help make EVs a safe option, and research has found that drivers over age 50 care strongly about safety and innovative technology. But these enhancements can also make repairs more complex and expensive.

Does Gas Car Insurance Always Cost Less?

Gas vehicles generally have:
 
  • Lower repair and replacement costs
  • More available parts
  • Longer insurance data histories than EVs
Combined, these factors can help keep insurance costs down. But there are exceptions to this, like performance or luxury gas models. These high-end cars can cost even more to insure than an electric vehicle, depending on their specific features.
Remember:
Insurance prices are based on personal factors like location, driving history, vehicle type and use. How much coverage you have and what discounts are applied to your policy also play a critical role in your premium.

Balancing Costs With Long-Term Savings

Besides insurance and gas prices, there are other ownership cost differences to consider too. Even if you may pay more for EV insurance, electric cars can offer long-term savings from:
Fuel efficiency, since they don’t run on any gasoline (which can also provide maintenance benefits).
Government incentives, because driving an EV benefits the environment by reducing emissions.
Fewer moving parts and potential risks or repairs than gasoline or gas-powered vehicles.
Enhanced safety features, which may reduce your risk of getting into an accident and help keep insurance costs down.
 
With AARP® Auto Insurance from The Hartford,1 you can enjoy exclusive AARP member benefits and savings, plus customizable coverage options to make sure you get the electric vehicle insurance policy that fits your lifestyle and budget.
 
In fact, you can get a discount just by having a hybrid or electric car with certain safety features like anti-lock brakes or anti-theft devices.
Tip:
Hybrid vehicles often provide a balance between fully electric and gas-powered vehicles, which can be especially appealing to drivers aged 50 and older as they value both reliability and lower maintenance costs. 

Tips for Lowering Your EV or Gas Car Insurance Costs

The Hartford’s customers can take advantage of AARP member discounts and savings opportunities no matter what vehicle you drive, including:

Drive Your Price

Get rewarded for your safe driving with The Hartford’s TrueLane Program. Save up to 15% just for participating and earn a renewal discount of up to 40%, depending on your driving habits.^

5 Years Clean

The Hartford offers safe driver discounts if you maintain a clean driving record for five years. By driving responsibly, you can save up to 10% on your auto insurance policy.

Payment Discounts

You can save up to 10% just for paying your bill on time. Extra savings apply if you pay in full instead of monthly installments.
In addition to discounts, AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford provides offerings and benefits to help you stay safe on the road and save money, such as:
Disappearing Deductible, which reduces your collision deductible on your auto policy over time as long as you are a safe driver and maintain a clean driving record.
Accident Forgiveness, which excuses your first accident if you need to file a car insurance claim, as long as all drivers on your policy have a clean driving record and are accident-free for five straight years with The Hartford.
New Car Replacement Coverage, which helps pay to replace a totaled new car with a new car of the same make, model and equipment without subtracting anything for depreciation.§§
Lifetime Car Rrepair Assurance, which gives you access to our 1,600 authorized repair shops. If you use one of our recommendations, we’ll guarantee the workmanship on all repairs.
driver charges happily knowing are electric cars more expensive to insure

Get an Electric Vehicle Insurance Quote

For over 40 years, The Hartford has offered exclusive insurance perks and discounts, personalized policies and industry-leading customer service for AARP members. Whether you drive an electric, hybrid or gas-powered vehicle, our representatives are happy to help make sure your policy has exactly what you’re looking for.
 
Get an electric vehicle insurance quote online or call The Hartford at 888-546-9099 today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance for Electric Cars vs. Gas Cars

Typically, insurance will be higher for EVs than gas-powered vehicles, because they’re more expensive to fix or replace. This is true no matter where you live, but car insurance companies do take location into account when generating your premium. So, your location will play a significant role in your final price.
Electric cars can have higher car insurance costs, but they also provide long-term savings due to their fuel efficiency, lower need for potential repairs and safety features. Combined, these factors can have a positive impact on your car insurance cost in the long run.
 
 
^ Not available in all states, terms and conditions apply.
** Average savings amounts based on information reported by customers who switched to The Hartford from other carriers between 9/1/22 and 8/31/23. Your savings may vary. Average auto insurance savings is $577 and average home insurance savings is $236. Rate differences for AARP members and non-members vary by state and AARP membership tenure. Auto/Home discount is available only to policyholders who have both their auto and home (or condo or renters) insurance through the AARP Auto & Home Insurance program from The Hartford. The Hartford does not write new business in all areas, including the states of CA and FL.
 
§ Availability of RecoverCare benefit and benefit levels vary by state. The Hartford RecoverCare Advantage® is a registered mark of The Hartford.
 
§§ Terms and conditions apply.
 
Terms and conditions apply. Accident Forgiveness and the Disappearing Deductible are not available to CA policyholders.
 
‡‡ Terms and conditions apply. Availability varies by state.
 
‡‡‡ Based on one car and driver; individual rate/premium/savings will vary based on actual coverage selections and characteristics of vehicle(s)/driver(s).
 
Additional disclosures below.
Summaries of coverages and policy features are for informational purposes only. In the event of loss, the actual terms and conditions set forth in your policy will determine your coverage.
 
AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. Paid endorsement. The Hartford pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states.
 
The AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA, by Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company; in WA, by Hartford Casualty Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company and Twin City Fire Insurance Company. The AARP Home Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA by Property and Casualty Insurance Company of Hartford; in WA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company, Sentinel Insurance Company, Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest, and Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company. The Hartford does not write new Home business in all areas, including the states of CA and FL. Savings, benefits and coverages may vary and some applicants may not qualify. The Program is currently unavailable in Canada and U.S. Territories or possessions.
 
1 In Texas, the Auto Program is underwritten by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company through Hartford of the Southeast General Agency, Inc. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company. The Home Program is underwritten by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast.
 
* Customer reviews are collected and tabulated by The Hartford and not representative of all customers.