Insurance¶

Insuring an EV is mostly like insuring any car, with a few extra things to check. This page is general guidance, not advice on any particular policy.

EV insurance considerations¶

What's different about EV insurance?¶

Electric vehicles have unique characteristics that affect insurance:

• High replacement value - Battery packs are expensive if damaged
• Specialised repairs - Fewer repairers qualified to work on EVs
• Technology - Advanced electronics and driver assistance systems
• Battery coverage - How the policy treats battery damage
• Charging equipment - Coverage for home charger and cables

Key coverage points¶

Ensure your policy explicitly covers:

• Battery pack damage - Fire, accident, water damage
• Charging cable theft - Portable and installed chargers
• EV-specific parts - Motors, inverters, control systems
• Software and electronics - Infotainment and driver assistance systems
• Hire car - Whether a replacement car is included, and what kind

Agreed value vs market value¶

Agreed value (recommended)¶

What it means:

• You and the insurer agree on the vehicle's value upfront
• This amount is paid out if the car is written off
• Value is documented in your policy schedule

Advantages:

• No dispute about value in the event of total loss
• Particularly important for new or rare vehicles
• Protects against rapid depreciation or market fluctuations
• Essential for limited-edition or modified vehicles

For Zeekr owners:

• Highly recommended due to limited market comparables in Australia
• New brand means market value can be difficult to establish
• Protects your investment if resale market is still developing

Market value¶

What it means:

• Insurer determines value at the time of claim
• Based on comparable vehicles in the market
• Can fluctuate based on supply and demand

Considerations:

• May result in lower premiums initially
• Risk of lower payout than expected
• Challenging for rare vehicles like Zeekr with limited sales data

What to tell your insurer¶

Essential information¶

Be upfront and accurate about:

• Vehicle details - Make, model, variant and model year (for the 7X, say whether it's an MY25/MY26 or the updated 2027 MY27 car; see Which 7X do I have?)
• Purchase price - Actual amount paid (drive-away)
• Modifications - Aftermarket parts, wraps, tinting
• Annual kilometres - Realistic estimate of your driving
• Primary use - Commuting, business, personal
• Overnight parking - Garage, carport, street
• Additional drivers - Who else will drive the vehicle

Modifications to declare¶

Even minor modifications should be disclosed:

• Paint protection film (PPF)
• Ceramic coating
• Window tinting (especially if darker than legal limits)
• Aftermarket wheels or tyres
• Roof racks or accessories
• Performance modifications (rare for EVs, but declare if applicable)
• Wraps or paint changes

Important: Not declaring modifications can affect a claim. Check your policy wording.

Insurers with EV Experience in Australia¶

While most major insurers now cover EVs, some have more experience than others. Consider insurers who:

• Offer EV-specific policies or endorsements
• Have established networks of EV-qualified repairers
• Provide EV replacement vehicles
• Understand EV valuation and repair costs
• Offer coverage for home charging equipment

Questions to ask insurers¶

• Do you have specific EV coverage or is it standard car insurance?
• Is battery damage covered, and under what circumstances?
• Are charging cables and home chargers covered for theft/damage?
• Do you have repairers qualified to work on EVs in my area?
• What is the replacement vehicle option if mine is being repaired?
• How do you determine market value for rare or new-to-market EVs?
• Can I get agreed value coverage? What documentation do you need?
• Are there discounts for EV owners?

Tips for lower premiums¶

Security measures¶

• Secure parking - Garage or locked carport reduces risk
• Security devices - Tell your insurer about any dashcam or tracker. The 2027 7X (MY27) has a built-in DVR (dashcam) on every grade¹, and footage can help with a claim.

Driver profile¶

• Experienced drivers - Longer licence history, better rates
• Clean record - No claims or traffic offences in recent years
• Limited drivers - Restricting to named drivers can reduce premium
• Annual kilometres - Don't overestimate your driving

Policy structure¶

• Higher excess - Increases excess, lowers premium (but increases out-of-pocket if you claim)
• Multi-policy discount - Bundle car with home insurance
• Pay annually - Often cheaper than monthly instalments
• Security alarm - If you add aftermarket security

Common pitfalls to avoid¶

Underinsuring¶

• Don't choose market value just to save on premiums if agreed value is appropriate
• Ensure sum insured is sufficient to replace your vehicle
• Include all modifications in your sum insured

Not reading the policy¶

• Understand excess amounts (standard, age-based, inexperienced driver)
• Check coverage limits for specific items (e.g., charging cables may have a limit)
• Know what's excluded

Delayed reporting¶

• Report accidents or damage immediately
• Delays can complicate claims or lead to denial
• Even minor incidents should be reported

Assuming coverage¶

• Don't assume your old policy terms apply to a new EV
• Check if modifications void any warranties
• Confirm coverage before you take delivery of the car

After an accident¶

Immediate steps¶

1. Ensure safety - Move to safe location if possible
2. Call emergency services if anyone is injured
3. Document everything - Photos of damage, other vehicles, scene
4. Exchange details with other parties
5. Report to police if required (injury, hit-and-run, suspected DUI)
6. Contact your insurer as soon as possible

EV-specific considerations¶

• High voltage hazard - Tell first responders and the tow operator it's an EV
• Towing - Follow the towing instructions in your owner's manual. If you can't drive the car, Zeekr Roadside (1800 093 357, 24/7) can arrange a tow to the nearest authorised Zeekr retailer²
• Repairs - Ask for a repairer that's qualified on EVs. Zeekr lists an approved body and paint repairer, Zeekr Approved Body and Paint (Five Dock, NSW), on its locator³

Resources¶

• Insurance Council of Australia - www.insurancecouncil.com.au
• ZI Community - Share experiences

Community recommendations¶

ZI members share their insurance experiences and recommendations. Join our community channels to:

• Hear which insurers other owners have used
• Share your own experience

Compare several quotes and read the product disclosure statement before you commit.