Car insurance checklist for EVs and hybrids

1. Before you get quotes

• Decide the cover type: comprehensive, third party fire and theft, or third party property only.
• Pick one excess amount and use it for every quote, so the prices are comparable.
• Agreed or market value: with agreed value you know the payout if the car is written off.
• List every driver, especially anyone under 25: young drivers often mean an extra excess.
• Have your details ready: where the car is parked overnight, yearly kilometres and any claims in the last few years.

2. EV and hybrid questions

• Is the high-voltage battery covered for accidental damage, and is a battery fire (thermal runaway) covered?
• Is the portable charging cable covered? Most comprehensive policies cover it as an accessory.
• Is the home wall charger covered? Some car policies cover chargers you own; others leave it to home insurance.
• Who does the repairs? Ask if they have EV-trained repairers near you and how long repairs usually take.
• Is there a hire car while yours is fixed, and for how many days? EV repairs can take longer.
• New car replacement: for how long after you buy it, if it's written off?

3. Before you pay

• Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for battery, charger and towing cover, and the exclusions.
• Check roadside assistance separately: does it tow EVs properly and cover running out of charge?
• Compare at least three insurers, including one comparison site and one insurer quoted directly.
• Set a reminder for renewal: premiums can rise each year, so compare again before you renew.

Notes