Electric cars carry a quiet kind of confidence on the road. They glide past gas stations, plug in like a phone at night, and bring their own set of quirks that shape how drivers think about protection. The twist comes when you start sorting through insurance options. A battery that costs more than a small kitchen remodel can make anyone pause. How would you feel if a single repair bill hinged on one hidden part?
Some drivers treat their EV like a pet project they fuss over. Others see it as a trusty partner that gets them from place to place without complaint. Where do you land between those two? And have you tried comparing policies and found yourself wondering why the same car can get such different quotes?
These small puzzles form the starting point. Once you know what shapes the cost and what coverage actually helps, the whole topic becomes far less confusing. To dig deeper into the pieces that matter most, you can follow the article below.
What Is Electric Car Insurance?
Electric car insurance is simply a motor-insurance plan built to meet both legal requirements and the special needs of electric cars. In India every car including EVs must carry at least a third-party policy under Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. But EV insurance goes beyond that. Because electric cars use costly batteries, electric motors, and other specialized components, a tailored EV policy helps protect against risks conventional policies might overlook.
A good EV plan covers damage to your own vehicle due to accidents, fire, theft or natural disasters. It also offers the usual third-party liability cover in case the vehicle causes injury or damage to others.
On top of that, many insurers offer EV-specific add-ons. These may include battery protection, charger and charging-equipment cover, roadside help tailored for EV breakdowns, and replacement of damaged high-cost EV components.
Best Electric Car Insurance Providers in India (2025)
Here’s a snapshot of some of the leading insurers offering EV-friendly car insurance in India today. The table below compares them on key aspects: claim settlement performance, EV-specific coverage, battery-related claim handling, and availability of add-ons.
Add-ons like zero depreciation, roadside help, EV-specific protection.
HDFC ERGO General Insurance
Customised EV plans addressing EV risks.
Offers battery/EV-component covers as add-on.
Extras like charger coverage, roadside assistance, zero-dep where eligible.
Liberty General Insurance
Offers EV-specific policies (battery, charger, motor) especially for premium EVs.
Explicit battery protection add-on; coverage for charger & charging-equipment related damage.
EV roadside support, charger cover, zero depreciation, and tailored EV repairs.
Note: Claim settlement records and reliability are based on recent market analyses and public reports.
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Looking for a place to compare all of these factors in one go? SMC Insurance brings premiums, add-ons, and claim stats together so you can decide with clarity.
Features and Benefits of Buying Electric Car Insurance
A good electric car insurance plan protects more than just the basics. It reaches into the parts that matter most in an EV.
1
Protection for the Battery
The battery is the heart of an electric car and also the most expensive part to repair or replace. EV insurance helps you handle damage caused by accidents, fire, short circuits, and other unexpected issues. This single benefit can save a huge amount during tough moments.
2
Cover for Chargers and Cables
Home chargers, portable chargers and charging cables can get damaged during use or while the car is parked. A good EV policy offers cover for these. It makes daily charging less stressful because you know the essentials are protected.
3
Specialised Repair Support
Electric cars need trained technicians and specific tools. Many insurers tie up with workshops that understand EV systems, batteries, motors and electronics. This means repairs are done the right way without long delays.
4
Roadside Help for EV Troubles
Running out of charge on the road is a common worry for new EV owners. EV-friendly insurance plans usually offer roadside help that includes towing to the nearest charging point or service centre. It keeps small mishaps from becoming day-long setbacks.
5
Add-ons Tailored for EVs
You can strengthen your policy with extras like zero-depreciation cover, battery protection, return-to-invoice, and coverage for accessories. These add-ons give you more control over how well your car is protected.
6
Lower Long-term Costs
Electric cars may cost more upfront, but the right insurance keeps long-term expenses in check. Repairs related to batteries, motors or electronics can be expensive. An EV policy cushions these costs and helps maintain the car’s value for longer.
7
Legal Compliance
Like all vehicles in India, EVs need at least third-party insurance. An electric car insurance plan ensures you meet legal requirements while also protecting your own car.
Note: Coverage for battery, charger, and accessories is not default under every EV insurance policy or comprehensive policy. Often these come as optional add-ons, and may carry extra premium.
Why Is Electric Car Insurance Important?
Here’s why traditional car insurance is not enough:
Electric car adoption in India is rising fast. Insurance demand for EVs reportedly surged from around 0.5 % in FY23 to 14 % by 2025. With this rise, battery costs, repair-complexity and spare-parts availability remain key concerns. EV-specific insurance addresses them head-on, shielding owners from steep battery replacements, fire risks, and long repair delays.
EVs rely on lithium-ion batteries, electric motors, onboard chargers, and sensitive electronics. These parts are expensive, and tech for repair is not yet widespread across India.Because of this, EV insurance premiums tend to be higher than for regular cars. The higher price of the vehicle and costly components push up the “Insured Declared Value (IDV)”, which insurers use to calculate premiums.
How Does Electric Car Insurance Work?
Electric car insurance works much like regular motor insurance but with a stronger focus on the EV’s unique parts. When you buy a policy, you choose between a basic third-party plan or a comprehensive one. Third-party handles legal liabilities. Comprehensive adds protection for your own car, including the battery, motor and other internal systems.
Once the policy is active, you’re covered for events like accidents, fire, theft, natural disasters and certain electrical issues. If something happens, you file a claim with the insurer. They inspect the damage, check your policy terms and then settle the claim according to the coverage you selected.
Battery-related issues are handled a little differently. Insurers may ask for diagnostic reports from authorised EV workshops because the battery is expensive and sensitive. The process ensures the damage is genuine and falls under the policy’s scope. The same applies to chargers and EV components.
Many insurers also offer cashless repairs at partner garages. So if you visit a network workshop, the insurer pays the bill directly while you cover only what’s not part of your policy.
And since EVs rely heavily on software and electronics, insurance also adapts to faults caused by short circuits or electronic failures, if covered.
Difference Between Electric Car Insurance vs Regular Car Insurance
Electric cars and fuel-powered cars behave differently on the road, and the same applies to their insurance needs. A regular motor policy isn’t built to handle the unique parts of an EV. That’s why insurers design separate plans that focus on batteries, motors, chargers and high-voltage systems. The table below breaks down how the two types of insurance differ across key aspects that matter to owners:
Aspect
Electric Car Insurance
Regular Car Insurance
Premium
Often higher because EVs have costly batteries and electronics.
Usually lower since parts are cheaper and more widely available.
Risks Covered
Covers EV-specific risks like battery failure, charger damage and wiring issues, depending on the plan.
Covers standard engine, fuel system and mechanical risks only.
Battery Cover
Included in comprehensive EV plans or available as an add-on since the battery is the most valuable part.
Not included. Conventional policies do not cover EV batteries.
Fire Risk Coverage
Covers fires caused by thermal runaway, short circuits or external events.
Covers fire due to fuel or engine-related reasons but does not address EV-specific heat issues.
Charging-related Risks
Protects home chargers, portable chargers, charging cables and damage during charging.
Does not cover charging equipment because fuel cars don’t use it.
Motor Damage
Covers electric motors and related electronics. Repairs can be expensive so the policy adjusts for that.
Covers engine and mechanical parts but not electric components.
Add-ons
Offers EV-focused add-ons like battery protection, charger cover, zero depreciation and roadside help for charge failure.
Standard add-ons like zero depreciation or engine protect, but nothing tailored for EV hardware.
Repair Cost Handling
Higher claim costs due to specialised parts and trained technicians. Policies are designed to absorb these expenses.
Lower repair costs since mechanics, tools and parts are easily available.
Insurer Availability
Growing but still fewer insurers compared to regular car insurance. Many now offer EV-specific plans as adoption rises.
Widely available from almost all insurers with many variants and add-ons.
Types of Electric Car Insurance in India
Electric car owners in India can choose between a few policy formats. Each one serves a different purpose, so the right pick depends on how much protection you want.
Third Party Liability Insurance This is the minimum cover required by law. It pays for injuries, property damage or death caused to a third party if your electric car is involved in an accident. It does not protect your own vehicle, but it keeps you legally compliant.
Own Damage Insurance This type focuses on your car. It covers damage caused by accidents, fire, theft, natural disasters and certain electrical faults. It is useful for EVs because it absorbs the high repair cost of components like the battery and electric motor. But remember that battery/charger cover is often provided as an add-on.
Comprehensive Electric Car Insurance This combines third party and own damage cover. Most EV owners choose this because it protects against a wide range of risks. It also allows you to add EV-specific protections like battery cover, charger cover and roadside help (mostly as an add-on).
Bundled Insurance for New Cars For new EVs, insurers may offer bundled plans with three years of third party cover and one year of own damage cover. It saves time and keeps everything in one place, especially during the early years of ownership when repair needs may be unpredictable.
What is Covered and Not Covered Under Electric Car Insurance?
A clear understanding of inclusions and exclusions helps you avoid surprises during claims. Here is a simple breakdown.
What is Covered?
Accidental Damage If your EV is damaged in an accident, the policy pays for repairs. This includes bodywork, the motor and most high-voltage parts depending on the plan.
Battery Damage Many EV policies cover battery repairs (mostly as an add-on) or replacement caused by accidents, fire, short circuits or natural disasters. Since the battery is costly, this feature is valuable.
Fire and Explosion Damage caused by fires is covered. This includes EV-specific issues like overheating or short circuits if the plan supports it.
Theft If your electric car is stolen, the insurer pays the insured declared value based on your policy.
Natural Disasters Floods, cyclones, earthquakes and storms are included under standard own damage cover.
Third Party Liability The insurer pays for third party injuries, death or property damage.
Charging Equipment Damage Home chargers, portable chargers and charging cables are protected if they are damaged due to reasons covered under the plan.
What is Not Covered?
Wear and Tear Gradual loss of battery capacity or general wear is not included.
Damage from Illegal Use Incidents involving driving without a licence or under the influence of alcohol are excluded.
Electrical or Mechanical Breakdown Breakdowns that are not linked to a covered event are usually not included unless you add specific riders.
Damage from Negligence If the car is used carelessly or repaired at unauthorized workshops, claims may get rejected.
Charging Errors Outside Coverage Damage caused by unsafe charging practices or unapproved chargers may fall outside the policy.
Note: The inclusions and exclusions mentioned may or may not be offered depending on the insurer. Hence, always check the policy’s fine print
Add-ons Recommended for Electric Cars
Add-ons allow you to shape your policy around the unique needs of an EV. And because electric cars rely on sensitive components, these extras often make a big difference.
➔ Battery Protection Cover
This is one of the most important add-ons for EV owners. It helps pay for battery replacement or repairs when the damage is caused by incidents allowed under the policy. With battery costs being so high, this add-on offers strong financial protection.
➔ Charger and Cable Protection
This covers damage to home chargers, wall boxes, portable chargers and charging cables. Since these items are essential for daily use, it helps to keep them insured.
➔ Zero Depreciation Cover
When you file a claim, depreciation can reduce your payout. Zero depreciation removes this cut for eligible parts, giving you a higher claim amount.
➔ Roadside Assistance for EVs
Running out of charge or facing electrical issues can leave you stranded. This add-on provides towing to a charging station, battery jump help where possible and support during unexpected breakdowns.
➔ Return to Invoice
If the car is stolen or declared a total loss, this cover pays the invoice value rather than the depreciated value. It helps you recover most of the money you invested.
➔ Consumables Cover
Electric cars also use items like nuts, bolts, oils and fluids that may not be covered under standard insurance. This add-on pays for those items during repairs.
➔ Key and Lock Protection
EV smart keys are expensive and complex. This add-on pays for key replacement or lock reprogramming when needed.
How Much Does Electric Car Insurance Cost in India?
Electric car insurance in India usually costs more than insurance for petrol or diesel cars. There isn’t a fixed price because every EV model carries a different battery size, motor output and repair cost. Still, most EV owners notice that premiums sit slightly higher than traditional cars in the same segment.
The cost depends on whether you choose only third-party insurance or a comprehensive plan. Since most EV owners go for comprehensive cover, the premium reflects the value of the car, the battery and the add-ons selected. And as the EV market grows, insurers are slowly fine-tuning prices to make the plans more accessible.
Why Electric Car Insurance Is More Expensive Than Petrol/Diesel Cars
A few reasons explain the higher cost:
High Battery Value
The battery is the most expensive part of an EV. If it gets damaged in an accident or short circuit, the repair or replacement cost is heavy. Insurers factor this risk into the premium.
Specialised Components
Electric motors, high-voltage cables, controllers and onboard chargers need trained technicians and tools for repair. This increases workshop costs, which again pushes premiums upward.
Limited Availability of Spare Parts
EV parts aren’t yet as widely available as petrol or diesel car parts. When availability is lower, repair costs rise.
Higher IDV (Insured Declared Value)
EVs often carry a higher IDV because the technology inside them is costly. A higher IDV naturally leads to a higher premium.
Electric Car Insurance Premium Calculator
If you want an estimate without going through the full purchase process, online premium calculators help. You enter:
Car model
Variant and battery capacity
Registration year
City
Add-ons you want
Previous NCB (if any)
The calculator uses these details to show an approximate premium.
Indian insurers determine comprehensive motor-insurance premiums through underwriting rules that follow IRDAI-approved rating principles. While IRDAI does not publish EV-specific comprehensive premiums, it clearly defines the factors that influence own-damage (OD) pricing across all private cars.
By using those factors (and combining them with publicly known EV characteristics) you can estimate a realistic premium range, without relying on insurer data.
Buying electric car insurance online is far simpler than most people expect. The process is quick, and you can compare plans without any pressure. Start by gathering a few basic details like your car model, registration year and the city where the car is used. These inputs help the platform pull up the right set of premium quotes.
Next, choose whether you want only third-party cover or a comprehensive plan. Most EV owners prefer comprehensive insurance because it protects the car, the battery and the charging equipment. You can also explore add-ons at this stage. Options like battery protection, charger cover, zero depreciation and roadside assistance make a big difference to an EV’s overall safety net.
After reviewing the plans and their prices, pick the one that fits your needs. Fill in your personal information, confirm your car details and make the payment online. Your insurance policy is emailed to you instantly. The whole process usually takes only a few minutes.
How To Buy Electric Car Insurance Online from SMC Insurance?
Buying through SMC Insurance adds clarity to the experience because you get choices from multiple insurers in one place. You don’t have to jump between different websites.
On the homepage, click on the insurance category “Car Insurance”.
You can then enter your registered vehicle number and click on “View Quotes". You also have the option to check quotes by giving the car number.
The upcoming prompts will ask you for your vehicle details like brand, model, fuel type, variant and respective RTO.
Once given, you can check the policy start and end date, confirm NCB details and view quotes from various insurers.
On submission, SMC will display a list of available plans or quotes from partner insurers. You can view plan details like coverage, benefits, inclusions/exclusions, add-ons (if available), insured declared value (for vehicles), etc.
Compare the available options and consider things like third-party vs comprehensive, add-ons (e.g. zero-depreciation, roadside assistance) as per your needs.
Once you select the plan you want, click the button labeled “Buy Now”
Fill out your personal details as required (owner name, address, contact, driving licence/RTO info or health info depending on policy). Ensure all details are accurate.
Make the payment via the online gateway supported by the website. After payment confirmation you will receive your policy document or certificate electronically (through email or website account).
Once everything is processed, your insurance policy becomes active. Keep a digital or printed copy of your policy/certificate for future reference.
Throughout the buying process, you have the option to contact the SMC Team for any kind of support you need.
Buy/Renew Car Insurance & Compare Plans Instantly
How To File an EV Car Insurance Claim?
Filing a claim for an electric vehicle follows the same broad steps as a regular car, with a little more focus on diagnosis for battery or motor issues.
Inform the Insurer Right Away Whether it’s an accident, fire, theft or damage to the charger, raise a claim as soon as possible. Most insurers offer app-based claim reporting.
Do Not Move the Vehicle Unless Necessary For accidents or short circuits, it’s safer to keep the car as it is until the insurer or towing team arrives.
Share Required Details Provide your policy number, location and a short description of what happened.
Get the Vehicle Inspected The insurer may send a surveyor or ask you to visit a network workshop, especially if the issue involves the battery or electronics.
Repair at an Authorised Workshop Electric cars need specialised handling. Insurers prefer repairs at approved EV workshops for accuracy and safety.
Claim Approval and Settlement Once the inspection is done, the insurer processes the claim. In a cashless garage, the insurer pays directly while you cover deductibles or exclusions.
For Theft Claims You’ll need to file a police report and submit copies to the insurer. Once verification is complete, the insurer settles the claim based on the policy’s IDV.
Documents Required for EV Car Insurance Claim
Insurers ask for a simple list of documents to settle EV claims smoothly. Keeping them ready saves time.
Policy document
Registration Certificate (RC) of the car
Driving licence of the person who was driving
Claim form (filled and signed)
FIR in case of theft, major accidents or third-party injuries
Any additional documents requested by the insurer based on the incident
Submitting the right documents early helps speed up the verification process, especially for EV components that need technical checks.
How to Renew Electric Car Insurance Online?
Renewing electric car insurance online feels almost as simple as buying it. Most of the work is already done because your details are saved from the previous policy. All you need to do is enter your registration number, confirm the car details and check whether you want to continue with the same cover or make changes.
If your EV is a year older, you may want to add a few extra protections like battery cover or zero depreciation. Or you might decide to switch insurers for a better premium or better EV-specific features. Online renewals make comparison easy, so you see updated prices before you commit.
Once you choose the plan, fill in your personal details, review the premium and pay online. The renewed policy lands in your inbox right away. If you have a valid No Claim Bonus, it is applied automatically during renewal unless you made a claim in the previous year.
Common Repair & Claim Scenarios for EVs
Electric cars bring their own patterns when it comes to repairs and claims. Some situations show up more often than others.
Battery Damage After an Accident The battery pack sits under the floor or at the centre of the car. A side or underbody impact can affect the casing or internal cells. Claims usually involve detailed inspection, but insurers handle them if the policy covers battery protection.
Charger or Cable Damage Home chargers sometimes get damaged during storms, voltage fluctuations or accidental drops. Charging cables also wear out. These claims are common, especially in urban homes where parking is tight.
Note: Such claims are only covered if the policy includes charger/accessory protection.
Water Ingress Flooding is a known issue in many cities. Water entering the battery or electrical systems can cause big repairs. EV insurance usually covers this under natural disaster protection.
Short Circuit or Electrical Failure A sudden spike can damage controllers, wiring or the motor. If the cause matches the policy terms, insurers process these claims with diagnostic reports from authorised EV workshops.
Accidental Body Damage Even though it is not EV-specific, dents and bumper repairs are common claims. Cashless repairs at network garages make this process easier.
Tips to Reduce Electric Car Insurance Premium
Electric car insurance can feel pricey, but there are simple ways to manage the cost without compromising safety.
Choose Only Relevant Add-ons
Pick the add-ons that matter most, like battery protection and charger cover. You don’t need every rider available.
Build and Protect Your No Claim Bonus
A claim-free year lowers your premium at renewal. If the damage is minor, you can choose to pay from your pocket to preserve your NCB.
Compare Plans Before Renewal
Prices and features keep changing. Comparing insurers every year helps you find the best deal for your EV model.
Install Security Features
Tracking devices or anti-theft systems lower the risk for the insurer, which may help reduce the premium.
Avoid Unnecessary Modifications
Modifications increase risk and can push premiums up. Keep changes limited to essential accessories or manufacturer-approved upgrades.
Pick a Higher Voluntary Deductible
If you’re confident about your driving, choosing a higher deductible can slightly lower your premium.
Note: Security devices lower premium only if ARAI-approved. Generic GPS trackers or basic alarms do not always qualify.
Electric Car Insurance for Used EVs
The market for used EVs is growing fast, and insurance works much the same way as it does for new ones. The main differences come from the car’s age and battery condition.
Used EVs usually have lower IDV because the value has already depreciated. This often leads to a lower premium. But insurers pay close attention to battery health, previous claims and the service history. A clean record makes the process smooth.
When buying insurance for a used EV, it’s smart to check whether the policy offers strong battery protection, because older batteries may show more wear. Also look for charger cover, roadside assistance and zero depreciation if available for your model.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this platform is intended for general awareness and educational purposes. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, some details may change with policy updates, regulatory revisions, or insurer-specific modifications. Readers should verify current terms and conditions directly with relevant insurers or through professional consultation before making any decision.
All views and analyses presented are based on publicly available data, internal research, and other sources considered reliable at the time of writing. These do not constitute professional advice, recommendations, or guarantees of any product’s performance. Readers are encouraged to assess the information independently and seek qualified guidance suited to their individual requirements. Customers are advised to review official sales brochures, policy documents, and disclosures before proceeding with any purchase or commitment.
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Electric cars need the same legally mandatory third-party insurance as any other vehicle. However, many insurers offer EV-focused add-ons (such as battery and charger protection) that strengthen coverage for electric-specific components.
Usually not. Comprehensive insurance for EVs can cost more because batteries, power electronics and repairs tend to be more expensive than for petrol or diesel cars.
Only when the policy includes battery protection. This add-on generally covers battery damage from events like accidents, fire, short circuits or flooding. Natural ageing or loss of capacity is not covered.
Often yes. Higher vehicle value, costly batteries and specialised repair needs increase the premium for comprehensive EV coverage. Third-party premiums, however, follow IRDAI’s fixed rate structure based on battery capacity.
Damage from fire is covered under the standard own-damage section of a comprehensive policy, as long as the fire results from an insured event. EV add-ons may extend protection to electrical or thermal-related fires.
Yes, if you choose a charger and accessory protection add-on. This typically covers home charging units, portable chargers and charging cables.
No, reduced range or gradual loss of battery capacity is considered normal wear and tear and is not covered by insurance. Only sudden, accidental or fire-related battery damage is eligible for claims under a relevant add-on.
Yes, damage to your EV is covered if it arises from an insured cause such as accident, fire or short circuit. Damage to the charging station itself is covered only if your vehicle is responsible and third-party liability applies.
Every year. Renewal ensures continuous protection and keeps the vehicle legally compliant. Multi-year third-party cover may apply for new cars.
Yes, flooding, storms and water ingress are covered under own-damage protection. This includes harm to electrical systems if the damage results from a natural disaster.
Yes, since EV components are valuable, zero-depreciation helps you receive a higher payout during repairs by removing depreciation on eligible parts. Availability depends on the car’s age.
Tyres are covered when damaged in an accident. Regular wear is not included. Owners can opt for a tyre protection add-on if they want broader coverage.
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