Cheapest Electric Cars to Insure: What to Look For
Which electric cars cost the least to insure — and the features that put an EV in a cheaper insurance group. A practical guide to picking a low-premium EV before you buy.
There is no permanent league table — models and prices change — but the features that make an EV cheap to insure are consistent. If you know what to look for, you can pick a low-premium electric car before you ever get a quote.
What puts an EV in a cheaper insurance group
- Lower value. Cheaper to replace = cheaper to insure.
- Modest power. Less performance correlates with fewer and less severe claims.
- Affordable, common parts. Widely available parts mean cheaper repairs.
- Strong safety ratings. Better crash protection can lower risk.
- Easy repairs. Models many shops can service reduce labour costs.
These are the mirror image of the cost drivers in why EV insurance is expensive.
The pattern to expect
| EV type | Insurance tendency |
|---|---|
| Small city EV | Lowest |
| Mainstream family EV | Moderate |
| Large SUV EV | Higher |
| Performance EV | Highest |
A smaller, sensible EV almost always beats a powerful one on premium — and a used example is cheaper again, as we cover in new vs used EV insurance.
How to shortlist a low-premium EV
- List two or three candidate models in your budget.
- Get a quote on each for your postcode and profile before buying.
- Weigh insurance against total running cost — energy and servicing matter too; see EV vs gas insurance.
Bottom line
The cheapest EV to insure is usually a modest, mainstream model with affordable parts — not the fastest one. Quote your shortlist first, then apply discounts to push the winner’s price down further.
Frequently asked questions
What makes an electric car cheap to insure?+–
Lower value, modest power, common and affordable parts, good safety ratings, and widely available repairs all push an EV into a cheaper insurance group. Small city EVs usually cost less to insure than large performance models.
Are small EVs always cheaper to insure than big ones?+–
Generally yes, because they cost less to replace and repair and have less power. But always quote the specific model — insurance groups do not follow size perfectly.
Should I choose an EV based on insurance alone?+–
No. Insurance is one cost among energy, servicing, and depreciation. Use it as one factor, and always compare full running costs before deciding.