What insurance do you need for electric commercial vehicles?
For electric commercial vehicles you need at least third-party insurance, as with other vehicles. But due to the higher purchase value and special components, such as batteries, more comprehensive cover is often wise. The insurance premium is on average 10-20% higher than for comparable diesel vehicles, but this difference is getting smaller. Exactly which cover you need depends on the value of your vehicle and how you use it.
What basic insurance is compulsory for electric commercial vehicles?
All electric commercial vehicles are required to have a Third-party insurance (liability insurance). This legal insurance covers damage you cause to others with your vehicle, with a minimum coverage of €6.07 million per accident. Without valid third-party insurance, you are not allowed on the road.
However, third-party insurance only covers damage to third parties. It does not cover damage to your own electric commercial vehicle, theft or vandalism. This is an important point, as electric commercial vehicles often have a higher purchase value than comparable diesel vehicles.
For business use, you must also specify whether your vehicle is used for business purposes. This may affect your premium and cover. Don't forget to inform your insurer about the electric nature of your vehicle, as this carries specific risks and repair options.
Why do electric commercial vehicles need additional insurance?
Electric commercial vehicles have specific risks and higher replacement costs that third-party insurance does not cover. The battery alone can account for 30-40% of the total vehicle value. So, in case of damage or theft, you run a significant financial risk.
Repair costs are often higher as not all garages can repair electric vehicles. You have to rely on specialised workshops, which means longer waiting times and higher costs. Parts are also sometimes more expensive and harder to obtain than for conventional commercial vehicles.
Electric commercial vehicles are also more interesting to thieves because of their higher value and demand for batteries. Moreover, software updates and technical faults can cause specific problems that do not occur with diesel vehicles. More comprehensive insurance protects you against these specifically electrical risks.
What are the main coverage options for electric vans?
WA-plus, limited casco and full casco are the three main options for electric vans. WA-plus adds fire, theft and glass damage to the basic insurance. Limited casco also covers storm, hail and animal collisions. Fully comprehensive offers the most complete protection.
WA-plus is appropriate if your vehicle is older but you want protection against theft and fire. This is relevant for electric vehicles because of their attractiveness to thieves. Limited casco is a good fit for vehicles 3 to 7 years old, where you want protection against most risks, except self-inflicted damage.
Full-casualty is recommended for new or expensive electric commercial vehicles. This cover compensates almost all damages, including those caused by your own fault. Do pay attention to the excess and whether the insurance pays the actual value or a new-for-old value. For electric vehicles, new-for-old value coverage is especially valuable because of the rapid technological developments.
What does insurance for an electric commercial vehicle cost on average?
The insurance premium for electric commercial vehicles is on average 10-20% higher than for comparable diesel vehicles. For third-party-plus insurance, you pay around €800-1,200 per year, while full-casualty comes out at €1,200-2,000 per year, depending on the value of your vehicle.
Several factors influence your premium. The purchase value is the most important: more expensive vehicles cost more to insure. Your driving experience, age and claim-free years also count. The use of your company car (mileage, type of work) also plays a role in the premium calculation.
You can save costs by choosing a higher excess, storing your vehicle safely and taking advantage of any discounts. Some insurers give discounts on electric vehicles because of their eco-friendly nature. Always compare several providers and pay attention not only to price, but also to coverage and service.
How we help with electric commercial vehicles
At Van den Hurk, we understand that the move to electric business driving requires more than just choosing a vehicle. We offer a total solution that helps your business every step of the way, from advice to insurance.
Our support includes:
- Personal advice on which electric company car best suited to your business
- Help comparing coverages and finding the right policy
- Flexible leasing options that make the switch to electric financially attractive
- Customised equipment and accessories for your specific business needs
- Guidance on subsidies and tax benefits of electric commercial vehicles
With more than 60 years of experience in commercial vehicles, we combine proven expertise with knowledge of the latest electric technologies. Contact us for a no-obligation discussion about your electric commercial vehicle and its insurance. We will make sure you are properly insured on the road.
