How to choose the right insurance for electric commercial vehicles?
Insurance for electric commercial vehicles requires different cover than for traditional vehicles, due to the battery, charging equipment and higher purchase cost. At a minimum, you need comprehensive cover that covers battery and charging damage. Choose an insurer with expertise in electric vehicles and a good repair network for specialised parts.
What makes insuring electric commercial vehicles different from regular commercial vehicles?
Electric commercial vehicles have specific risks and components which traditional insurance policies often do not fully cover. The battery is the biggest difference: this is the most expensive part of your vehicle and has different risks than a regular engine.
The main differences are in the technical aspects. An electric commercial vehicle has complex electronics, an expensive battery and special charging equipment. These components require specialised repairs that are much more expensive than standard engine maintenance. Moreover, water damage or short circuits can render the entire battery unusable.
Repair costs are also different. Not every garage can repair electric vehicles, making you dependent on specialised workshops. This often means higher labour costs and longer waiting times for parts. Insurers take this into account in their premium calculations.
The replacement value remains high for longer in electric vehicles due to government subsidies and growing demand. This can be beneficial for your benefit, but also increases your premium because the insurer has to pay out a higher amount in case of total loss.
What insurance cover do you really need for an electric commercial vehicle?
For electric commercial vehicles, you need at least a all-risk insurance needed that fully covers battery damage, charging equipment and electrical systems. Third-party limited-casualty insurance does not provide sufficient protection for the specific risks of electric driving.
Battery cover is the most important part of your policy. Make sure this cover applies to:
- Damage caused by short circuits or electrical faults
- Water damage to battery and electronics
- Natural ageing and capacity loss after a certain time
- Damage during charging, both at home and at public charging stations
Charging equipment deserves special attention in your policy. This includes your home charger, cables and any damage to public charging stations that you need to cover. Some insurers offer this as a standard item, while others require a separate cover.
Also consider a replacement vehicle cover that includes electric cars. Not all rental companies have electric commercial vehicles available, so check if your insurer can guarantee this during repairs.
How much does insurance for electric commercial vehicles cost on average?
Insurance for electric commercial vehicles costs on average 10-20% more than for similar diesel vehicles. For an electric van, you will pay around €800-1,200 a year for comprehensive all-risk cover, depending on your no-claim discount and usage.
Several factors significantly affect your premium. The purchase value of your vehicle plays a big role: electric commercial vehicles are often more expensive to buy, which translates into higher premiums. Your annual mileage also counts, with many insurers offering favourable rates for electric driving because of the environmentally friendly aspect.
You can save costs by:
- Choose a higher deductible (€500-1,000 instead of €250)
- Storing your vehicle in a locked garage overnight
- Install additional security measures, such as GPS tracking
- Combine your insurance with other business insurance
Don't forget to factor in the savings. Electric commercial vehicles often have lower maintenance costs and you benefit from tax breaks that lower your overall mobility costs, despite the slightly higher insurance premium.
What should you look out for when comparing insurers for electric commercial vehicles?
Choose an insurer with proven expertise in electric vehicles and an extensive network of specialist repairers. Not all insurers understand the specific needs of electric driving equally well, which can cause problems in claims handling.
Pay attention to these important points with each insurer:
Repair network and expertise: Ask about the number of affiliated garages that can repair electric vehicles. A small network means longer waiting times and possibly higher costs. Also check if they have experience with your specific make and model.
Battery coverage details: Read the small print on battery cover. Some policies exclude certain causes of battery damage or apply a maximum compensation below the replacement cost. Ask specifically about coverage for capacity loss and battery management system failures.
Calculation of replacement value: Electric vehicles hold their value differently from diesel vehicles. Check if your insurer takes into account subsidies, tax breaks and the current market value of electric commercial vehicles in value calculations.
Service and accessibility: Electric vehicles may have specific emergencies, such as a flat battery or charging problems. Check if your insurer offers 24/7 breakdown cover suitable for electric vehicles, including transport to a charging point.
How Van den Hurk helps with electric commercial vehicles
We will fully guide you through the transition to electric business driving and help you make the right choices for insurance, financing and practicalities. With our 60 years of experience in commercial vehicles, we know exactly what to look out for with electric vehicles.
Our support includes:
- Advice on the best insurance cover for your specific situation and vehicle
- Flexible electric commercial vehicles-lease options that suit your business
- Practical guidance on charging solutions and range planning
- Transparent explanation of tax benefits and total mobility costs
- Personal contact with specialists who really understand electric driving
We take the time to understand your business situation and advise which electric utility vehicle is best suited to your operations. From small vans to larger transport solutions, we have extensive experience with different brands and applications.
Want to know which electric company car and insurance best suits your business? Contact us for personal, no-obligation advice. We will be happy to help you make the switch to sustainable business mobility.
