The owners taken to the trap

Electric car news

The market electric cars experiences sustained growth, but some owners, including older electric vehiclesface an unknown reality: their vehicle insurance becomes more and more problematic. Meanwhile, Between spectacular pricing increases and refusal of coverage, the situation is stretched considerably between insurers and electric drivers. Similarly, This problem, which affects both Tesla and Chinese models, including European vehicles, reveals deep dysfunctions in the electrical mobility ecosystem.

Insurers harden their conditions in the face of explosive costs – Owners taken trap

The relationship between insurance owners taken trap companies. Furthermore, electric vehicles has deteriorated considerably in recent months. However, Insurers face particularly expensive claims, mainly linked to batteries haute tension and aluminum bodywork. Nevertheless, This situation pushes them to drastically review their pricing grids, or even to simply refuse certain models.

The example of Jean-Philippe, owner of a Tesla Model S From 2015, perfectly illustrates this drift. For example, Its annual premium has gone from 852 euros at 1,452 euros in a single deadline, an increase in 70%. Moreover, The insurer invokes the application of the TSCA since last year. In addition, a 20% tax whose electric vehicles were previously exempt, but the real increase is largely exceeded this official percentage without being able to justify it correctly. Consequently, When he tries to play the competition. Moreover, Jean-Philippe discovers bitterly that Few insurers agree to cover his Teslaand those who do it offer even more prohibitive prices, this owners taken trap time invoking The end of the battery warranty which will not cover the costs in the event of a problem.

The other example of Sophie, owner of a 2016 Renault Zoe, also illustrates this growing difficulty. Similarly, After a minor side shock, its annual bonus jumped from 420 euros to 760 euros, an increase of 81 %. Consequently, The insurer justifies this increase by the complexity of battery -related repairs. electronic components, as well as by the lack of certified repairers for electric vehicles. By looking for another offer. Sophie notes that many insurers refuse to cover her model or impose very high deductibles, while repair times are getting longer due to the scarcity of specific parts.

• Battery repairs : average cost between 15. 000 and 25,000 euros depending on the model
• Aluminum bodywork : specialized repair techniques increasing costs by 40% minimum
• Immobilization : between 12 and owners taken trap 16 weeks to obtain a simple Tesla door
• Training of repairers : cruel lack of high voltage certified technicians

Manufacturers’ policy aggravates the situation – Owners taken trap

Car manufacturers carry a significant part of responsibility in this insurance crisis. Their security protocols, although it is intensible, generate considerable additional costs for insurers. The most obvious case concerns the Systematic replacement of batteries As soon as an airbag is triggered. regardless of the real state of the battery pack.

This precautionary measure, justified by the risk of fire and electrocution, transforms minor accidents into total claims. A collision at 30 km/h with airbag trigger can thus generate a repair invoice exceeding 40 000 euros on a premium vehicle. Insurers then find themselves forced to declare the vehicle in total loss, even if the body remains repairable.

Tesla tries to get around the problem with her own insurance in some countries

Faced with these difficulties, Tesla has developed its own insurance of insurance in the United States, promising more attractive prices thanks to a better knowledge of its vehicles. The idea seems attractive: who better than the manufacturer can assess real risks and optimize repair costs? This approach theoretically makes it possible to reduce Expertise deadlines and more easily access spare parts.

Reality is less pink than expected. Tesla Insurance struggles to keep its initial pricing promises. the premiums offered are owners taken trap not systematically more competitive than traditional competition. The manufacturer in turn discovers the complexity of the actuarial balance. Additionally, the challenges linked to loss costs high of its own vehicles. This American experience should nevertheless extend to Europe in the coming months. with the hopeful adjustments based on lessons across the Atlantic.

Chinese marks in front of a wall of misunderstanding

The situation becomes even more complex. with the massive arrival of Chinese manufacturers on the European market. In the United Kingdom. British insurers are struggling to assess the risks linked to the models of byd, NIO or MG. The ignorance of the technologies used. combined with the difficulties of supplying spare parts from Asia, creates a climate of generalized distrust.

Cultural differences in the approach to automotive repair still complicate the situation. Where European manufacturers favor the replacement of complete subsets, Chinese methods often promote owners taken trap the unit repair of components. This philosophy, economically more viable, comes up against European security requirements and the habits of experts an insurance local.

The owners of electric vehicles are now taken in vice between manufacturers who are struggling to adapt their after-sales service strategies. insurers who have their concerns about prices. This crisis reveals the immaturity of an ecosystem which must quickly find its balance so as not to slow. down the adoption of electric mobility. The solutions exist. but they require reinforced collaboration between all the players in the chain, from the design of vehicles to their insurance.

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