Electric Classic Car Insurance

What is electric car insurance?

If something unexpected happens to your classic electric vehicle, an insurance policy can help you get back on the road with minimum fuss.

At Lancaster Insurance Services, we’re passionate about vintage motors and understand what a big investment your electric vehicle is, which is why we offer protection tailored to your vehicle.

What’s covered with electric car insurance?

Our electrified classic car insurance plans are comprehensive, giving you the highest level of protection against accident, fire, and theft.

With electric car cover from Lancaster Insurance Services, your battery will also be protected when damaged because of an insured event.

How does classic electric car coverage differ from regular car?

Classic electric vehicle insurance in the UK is the same as regular car insurance in that you are covered against damage, fire, and theft.

You can also usually choose from similar optional extras like:

• Breakdown cover

• Courtesy car cover

• Legal protection

The main difference is that some electric car cover policies are tailored specifically to protect the battery and charging equipment, too.

You will need to check your specific policy wording to understand what is and isn’t covered.

How much does electric car insurance cost in the UK?

Just like with classic car insurance, there is no specific price for electric vintage vehicle plans. The quotes you get for coverage depend on a variety of factors, including:

• The make and model of your classic motor

• Your vehicle’s age

• Your driving history

• Your age

• Where you will park your car

• Where you live

• If you add it to a pre-existing multi-car insurance policy

• Any optional extras you add

For a quick quote for your electric classic motor, contact the Lancaster Insurance Services team on 01480 484826 or request a call back.

Is electric car insurance more expensive than classic car cover?

As electric cars are still a relatively new concept, there isn’t as much data available on them regarding accidents, repairs and maintenance as there is with petrol or diesel models.

As insurers learn more about the costs involved in repairs, the cost of coverage should decrease.

What is electric car insurance excess?

When you take out electric vehicle insurance in the UK on your classic car, you’ll see the terms ‘compulsory excess’ and ‘voluntary excess’. What’s the difference?

• Compulsory excess is a fixed amount set by your insurance provider which you need to pay when you make a claim.

• Voluntary excess is an amount that you agree to pay on top of your compulsory figure when making a claim.

So, if you have a compulsory amount of £200 and a voluntary figure of £100, your total excess is £300. This means that if you must make a claim for £1,000, you will pay out £300 and your insurance provider will cover the rest.

If your vintage vehicle currently runs on petrol or diesel and you’re not sure whether to make the switch or not, consider these potential benefits:

• Reduce your carbon footprint – electric cars produce zero emissions so they’re kinder to the environment.

• Cost less to power – despite the increase in energy costs recently, electric vehicles still cost less to run than petrol or diesel cars per mile.

• No congestion charge – electric car drivers can avoid paying congestion charges in big cities. The rules vary across the country, so check whether you need to apply for the exemption before driving there.

• Cheaper parking – local councils in certain parts of the UK offer cheaper or subsidised spots for electric cars, and some are even free.

• Very reliable – compared to their petrol and diesel counterparts, electric cars have fewer moving parts, which means they’re less likely to have maintenance issues.

• Much quieter – if you’d prefer to glide along in relative peace and quiet, an electric car could be for you.

Is there a government grant for electric cars?

If you’re converting your classic car into an electric model, there won’t be any financial assistance available from the government. But if you’re buying brand new, you might be eligible for a grant.

You won’t be given the cash – it will simply be deducted by the seller and included in the purchase price.

The maximum grant currently available for cars is £2,500, and it only includes models that cost less than £35,000 new.

Can I use multi car insurance for electric cars?

Yes, if you already own one or more vehicles and would like to include them all on a multi vehicle insurance policy, you can add an electric car.

This is a great way to potentially save on your premiums while still giving your vintage vehicle the protection it deserves.

Can I insure two electric cars at once?

There are two ways you can cover two electric vehicles at the same time. You can take out a multi car insurance policy or two separate insurance plans.

If you choose to insure them both on the same policy, you might be able to save on your premiums.

Can I get temporary insurance for an electric car?

You can insure an electric car from as little as one day, if necessary, which might be useful if you need to drive it for someone else for a brief period.

Give our dedicated team a call on 01480 484826 and we can tailor a policy to your circumstances.

What is the difference between an electric car and a hybrid vehicle?

An electric car is powered solely by electrical sources, whereas a hybrid vehicle uses electric power as well as traditional petrol or diesel.

Both electric and hybrid cars can be charged at home or at a charging station. Some hybrid cars are also able to charge your battery while you’re driving on petrol or diesel

Got a hybrid conversion you need to insure? Give our team a call so we can find the right cover for your motor.

How much does charging an electric car cost?

The price you pay to charge your electric car at home will be determined by your home energy tariff and the size of your electric battery.

You will also need to invest in a wallbox charger in order to charge your EV safely at home, which can cost around £800.

Some energy suppliers have created dedicated EV tariffs which allow you to charge your vehicle for a cheaper rate overnight.

If you want to charge your motor when out and about, prices also vary. Some charging stations cost nothing to use but are usually quite slow. Others require you to pay. Rapid charging points often cost more so check before you hook up.

Download a dedicated app like Zap Map to show you where the nearest charging stations are located.

What if my electric car runs out of charge?

If your classic car runs out of charge when you’re away from home, you will need to contact a breakdown service to get it recovered. Check the wording in your specific policy regarding breakdowns to see what’s offered.

When you take out an electric car insurance policy with Lancaster Insurance Services, ask if breakdown cover is included. If not, you may wish to add it to your plan to avoid running into any issues.

Can I put additional drivers on my electric car insurance policy?

You can add additional drivers to your policy at any time, who are known as named drivers. Check with the Lancaster Insurance Services team if this will affect the price of your premium.

Just make sure that the person who will drive the car the most is named as the ‘main’ driver. If not, you could be committing a type of insurance fraud called Fronting.

How to get insurance for electric classic cars

It’s easy to get an insurance quote through Lancaster Insurance Services. Simply fill out your details online, call 01480 484826, or request a call back when it’s most convenient.

Make sure you have the following information to hand before getting in touch:

• Personal details (full name, address, date of birth, a phone number, and an email address)

• Employment status

• Driving licence number

• Driving history (whether you have a no claims discount or convictions and claims you’ve made)

• Vehicle details (registration plate and mileage)

Once we have all the information necessary, we’ll be able to put together a personalised quote to fit your individual circumstances and classic car.