Does insurance cover EV battery replacement
Does Car Insurance Cover Battery Replacement?
No usually, no. Car insurance does not cover battery replacement for a dead battery. However, insurance might help pay for batteries damaged in accidents, or stolen batteries, depending on your policy and the situation.
Whether you drive an old truck, a sports car, a hybrid or an electric vehicle (EV), in the realms of auto insurance, batteries are considered consumable items. Your auto will consume gas, wear down tires and windshield wipers, and need regular oil changes. It will also wear down your battery over time. These consumable auto products are not usually covered by insurance.
Now, there are several situations when auto insurance might come into play regarding your car battery. Today, the experienced team at Einsurance.com is here to explain them. But as a rule, car insurance does not cover dead batteries.
Keep reading to learn the answer to your most common questions, like:
Lets begin with a look at batteries damaged in accidents, and whether insurance will pay to replace them.
Will Insurance Cover Battery Replacement After an Accident?
Possibly, yes. There are several situations that could arise, well examine them below.
If Someone Else Causes an Accident, and they Have Insurance, Your Damaged Battery Should be Covered
Most states require drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance for accidents like this. Imagine youre driving through an intersection on the way to work. You have a green light and the right of way. Another driver runs a red light and crashes into the front of your vehicle. Your front end is seriously damaged, and the battery is leaking.
In this instance, the other drivers liability coverage will pay for things like:
- Auto body repairs
- A replacement battery
- Medical costs of your injuries
- And some medical costs of your passengers
At moments like these its important to address your personal health first, then exchange insurance information with the other driver. Law enforcement should be alerted right away, too. Assuming youre not injured, take photos of the damage, and the other drivers license plates right away.
Then, call a tow company to take your vehicle to an auto mechanic you prefer (or let your insurance company suggest one.) You wont need to pay a deductible for these repairs, since they were caused by someone else.
If You Cause an Accident, Your Liability Coverage Will Pay for Damages to Others
Now, lets imagine youre the errant driver. You accidentally run a red light and crash into another vehicle during your morning commute. No one gets hurt, but both autos are damaged.
In this case, your liability coverage will pay for the other drivers damaged battery, as well as their auto repairs.
Note that liability coverage will only pay up to the policy limits. So, if you have $15,000 property damage coverage, any repairs beyond that amount will be your responsibility. If the other vehicle is a Tesla with a $20,000 battery, you may find yourself on the hook to pay the balance out of pocket (unless the other driver has uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage.)
If You Crash into a Wall, Full Coverage Insurance Will Cover Battery Replacement
Now imagine losing control of your vehicle on an icy highway. You crash into a concrete wall, but no other vehicles are involved, and no one is hurt. Your vehicle is severely damaged, and the battery is leaking.
In this situation, a full coverage auto insurance policy will replace your damaged battery and repair your vehicle.
However, if you only have minimum liability coverage required by your state, you will pay for repairs yourself.
Are Stolen Car Batteries Covered by Insurance?
This is another complicated topic. In theory, most types of theft are covered by full coverage auto insurance. That includes:
- Theft of the whole vehicle
- Theft of your belongings stored a vehicle (laptops, cell phones, clothing and purses are among the items stolen most often)
- Theft of some parts of a vehicle, like wheels, batteries and catalytic converters
If someone steals your whole car, parts of it, or your belongings, full coverage auto insurance will help you cover the loss after a deductible is paid.
But battery theft is never covered by a minimum liability policy. Those policies only exist to protect others from damage you cause.
Remember, your full coverage policy also requires you to pay a deductible before it helps to pay for losses like theft. That means youll have some amount of financial responsibility.
Most modern auto policies have deductibles ranging from $250 to $1,000, but yours may be higher or lower. A new battery for a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) may cost anywhere from $50 to $250. If the price of a new battery is lower than your deductible for a traditional gas or diesel engine this is probably the case then insurance wont be helpful.
And even if the costs are similar for instance, a replacement battery is $269, and your deductible is $250 youd be smart to take on this cost entirely by yourself rather than try to save $19. Thats because insurance companies pay close attention to your claims history and may increase your rates.
Insurers Pay Close Attention to Your Claims History
Insurance companies keep very detailed records about the claims they pay, and they share these records with other insurers. Too many claims can cause your insurance prices to skyrocket. So, if a traditional car battery is stolen out of your vehicle, your best bet is to handle this cost yourself.
But what if your more expensive hybrid battery is stolen? And what about EV batteries?
Does Insurance Cover Hybrid Battery Replacement?
Unfortunately, hybrid batteries are fairly easy to steal if you have some mechanical skills and physical strength. Theyre also sold easily online (our research suggests you can buy one on Craigslist for about $1,000.)
If you have a full coverage policy, it will cover the theft of your hybrid battery and any related damage. Again, a liability-only policy will not come into play. But insurance will not replace a battery thats worn out from use, because its a consumable item, like tires.
According to Hondauniverse.com, a new hybrid battery can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000. You should expect to replace them every 100,000 to 150,000 miles, assuming the vehicle is maintained properly.
Most new hybrids will come with a battery warranty. As of 2023, the industry standard is eight years or 100,000 miles. So, if you have a new hybrid, check your warranty documents to see if you qualify for a replacement.
Higher quality used hybrids, sold by dealers with titles like certified pre-owned, may also have a limited warranty on the battery. So be sure to look into that before spending thousands of dollars on a battery.
Will my Insurance Cover EV Battery Replacement?
Depending on your ride, a new battery for your EV might cost up to $20,000. They are extremely heavy, however, so theyre not easy to steal. Its probably easier to steal the whole vehicle.
If your entire vehicle is stolen, your full coverage insurance policy will pay the value of the vehicle, either to you or to your lienholder.
But your EV battery is running out of life, a standard auto insurance policy will not pay to replace it. Battery replacement is a significant cost that EV owners need to plan for.
Does Roadside Assistance Cover Car Battery Replacement?
This is a conversation you should have with your insurance agent, or your third-party roadside service provider.
Anecdotally, our insurance agents have heard stories about tow trucks or roadside assistance providers bringing new batteries to customers in need, after a jump start fails. But youll need to read your contract carefully to see what is / is not covered.
Usually, a roadside aid endorsement added to your auto policy will cover points like:
- Lockouts
- Jump starts
- Local towing
- Flat tires
- Tire blowouts
- And other emergency situations that might happen
If your car battery dies completely, your roadside assistance provider may tow your traditional ICE vehicle to a local garage, or department store parking lot, where a new battery can be bought and installed. If you drive a hybrid or EV, they can tow you to a shop that specializes in these types of vehicles. But the high costs of EV or hybrid battery replacements will fall to you.
Ultimately, no matter what kind of vehicle you drive, its best to stay on top of automobile maintenance. And keep some cash put aside for emergencies like these, they do always seem to happen at the worst time.
Should I Call in a Claim for Battery Replacement?
It depends on your policy, the vehicle you drive, and the cost of your battery. If you drive a gas or diesel vehicle, calling in a claim to your insurance company for a $100 or $200 car battery will likely be a waste of time. Youll need to pay a deductible first, which is more than the cost of a new battery.
If you drive a hybrid and the battery is stolen, your full coverage auto policy will probably pay for a new battery after you pay a deductible. If your deductible is $1,000, and your new battery is $1,000, youre better off leaving insurance out of it. Otherwise, you can create a claims history which may cost you more in the long run.
EV batteries are difficult to steal because they weigh 1,000 lbs. or so. Theyll only be covered by insurance after a covered loss (usually an accident.) After an accident you should definitely call your insurer.
Be Aware of Your Car Battery
About Batteries for Internal Combustion Engines
Most new vehicles have gauges in the dashboard or more complicated apps to help you stay aware of your battery status. But these things can malfunction, so its vital to stay abreast of auto battery health. Have it checked when you get your oil changed and be aware of signs that your battery might be failing.
Per AutoZone.com, these could include:
- A very slow start, the car seems to have difficulty starting or turning over
- You have headlights and interior lighting, but the car wont start
- An odd smell coming from your battery, it might smell sulphury, or like rotten eggs
- The battery is very old
- The vehicle starts and then dies immediately
- Your check engine light is on or flashing on and off
If youre dealing with any of these issues, theres a good chance you need a new battery. The good news is that any decent mechanic shop can help you check it out, and a replacement battery is a relatively small cost in an ICE vehicle.
Battery Information for Hybrids and EVs
You may need a new battery for your EV or hybrid auto if:
- Youre experiencing charging issues
- Fluctuations in the state of charge, the battery seems fully charged, then low, then full again
- For hybrids, fuel economy is decreasing
- Check engine lights or check battery lights in the dash are on or blinking
- You hear unusual noises
At Einsurance.com: We Know Insurance is Complicated and Were Here to Help
Most auto insurance topics are complex. And the advent of new technology like EVs and hybrid vehicles can make them even more complicated. We understand.
Thats why we offer completely unbiased articles on insurance for the average consumer. Our mission is to match you with the right auto insurance for your needs, whether you need full coverage, new car insurance, cheap auto insurance, insurance for teens, or something else.
But even if you dont need new insurance, we love to answer your most common questions about it.
We invite you to use our helpful insurance quoting tools to get quotes from insurers actively seeking your business right now. And feel free to peruse our blog for more helpful resources for consumers.
Hybrid & EV Battery Warranty Guide: What You Need to Know
https://www.findthebestcarprice.com/author-ftbcp
Geoff Cudd
I am a serial entrepreneur and a consumer advocate. When Im not helping car buyers, I love working on ventures that have a positive impact.
I run acause marketing agencyand serve on the board ofVayu Global Healthwhere we are disrupting the medical industry and preventing the needless deaths of mothers and babies during childbirth.
Manufacturers provide bumper-to-bumper coverage for their new vehicles, but this does not include hybrid or EV parts.
Fortunately, manufacturers also provide distinct hybrid and EV coverage for those unique parts, including the batteries.
How do these electric and hybrid vehicle warranties work?
Best for Extra Benefits
- Administers its own policies, from quote to claim
- Advantage Plan includes vehicle maintenance
Best Coverage Options
- Save a minimum of $1,000 for the same coverage as a dealer warranty
- Coverage plans protect the newest technology features
Learn more about the stats and trends of the car warranty industry >>
What Is a Hybrid & EV Warranty?
Manufacturers provide factory or extended warranties on their new cars. However, many also include Hybrid and EV warranties, which cover unique components that hybrid and EV vehicles have.
Most often, a Hybrid/EV warranty will cover all of the same components as the factory warranty with additional coverage for the unique parts.
What Is Covered in a Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Warranty?
HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) warranties cover the parts unique to these kinds of vehicles. For example, they may cover:
- HV Battery
- Battery Control Module
- Hybrid Control Module
- Powertrain Coverage
- Emissions Coverage
What Is Not Covered in a Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Warranty?
The list of items not covered is similar to the exclusions listed in most extended warranty plans. These warranties will not cover:
Non-Standard Charging- Damage from Installation of Non-Approved Parts
- Battery from Opening the Battery Coolant Reservoir
- Maintenance Failure
- Accident Damage
- Damage from Weather
- Vehicle Vandalism
- Normal Wear and Tear
- Vehicle Interior
How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last?
Electric car batteries are known for being long-lasting. Oftentimes, they can last up to 10 years.
Of course, you should still ensure the vehicle has a high-quality battery from a reputable brand. The top three electric car battery makers are:
- Contemporary Amperex Technology Co.- Supplies Honda, Stellantis, BMW, Dongfeng, Tesla, Volkswagen Group, Volvo Car Group.
- LG Energy Solution - Supplies General Motors, Tesla, Volvo, VW, Stellantis
- Panasonic - Supplies Tesla and Toyota
How Much Does Replacing an EV Battery Cost?
Its a good thing that electric car batteries last so long because they are quite expensive to replace. The average cost for replacing an EV battery is $5,500!
EV batteries are some of the most expensive parts of an EV. If you have to replace it out of warranty, then you can expect to spend thousands of dollars.
Related: Check out AutoZone's battery warranty for non-hybrid and electric options
Federal Regulation for Electric Car Battery Warranty
There are still many EV tax credits and rebates available, and one bonus you get with an EV purchase is the federal regulation for EV car battery warranties.
The federal regulation requires that manufacturers cover the EV battery for at least eight years under the factory warranty. This serves as a huge incentive for purchasing EVs, as it gives car buyers the peace of mind that they wont be accountable for such an expensive part for at least the first 8 years of vehicle ownership.
California Zero Emission Vehicle Program
In addition to EV tax credits & rebates, theres also Californias Zero Emission Vehicle Program. The states goal is to reduce emissions long-term and to do this, they require manufacturers to provide a certain number of battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The state provides credits to the auto manufacturers for the qualified vehicles they produce.
Hybrid Battery vs. All-Electric Battery
Many warranties include hybrid and EV batteries, but there are some differences to note between the two.
For one, in a hybrid, both the gas engine and electric battery work together. Therefore, hybrids do not require as much energy from the battery, so the batteries are often (up to 10 times) smaller than EV batteries. For example, the total energy capacity of the Ford F-150 hybrid is 1.5 kWh, and the Ford Escape PHEV is 14.4 kWh. Compare that to the 99.0 kWh capacity of the Mustand Mach-e Extended Range.
Both types of batteries are expensive to replace. However, hybrid battery replacement costs can vary drastically, from $1,000 to $6,000. EV batteries also cost thousands to replace, though the total cost may reach as high as $20,000.
Additionally, EV batteries tend to last roughly a decade, whereas hybrid batteries may be able to last the entire vehicles lifetime. Still, both types will degrade over time and run the risk of failure.
What Is Percentage Guarantee for Electric Car Warranty?
Car manufacturers also offer a percentage guarantee for their EV car batteries. All rechargeable batteries degrade over time. The Percentage Guarantee ensures that the battery wont degrade past a set percentage of the original capacity during the warranty period. If the battery does degrade past the percentage in the guarantee, then the manufacturer will replace it.
Imagine that a given manufacturer offers an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on the battery with a Percentage Guarantee of 75%. If the battery capacity slips below 75% of the original capacity during the initial warranty, then you will get it replaced for free. In this example, if the original battery capacity is 300 miles, then the warranty ensures you get at least 225 miles from a full charge for 8-years/100,000 miles.
Note that there is not a universal standard for the Percentage Guarantee. You must carefully review the warranty to find out what percentage yours offers.
Should I Get an Electric & Hybrid Battery Warranty?
New electric and hybrid vehicles include a factory warranty for EV/Hybrid parts (like the battery). You should always check with the dealership to determine what the factory warranty covers.
If you purchase a used EV from the dealership, inquire if it is still in warranty. Beyond that, you should speak with the dealership about any extended options they may offer for EVs and hybrids.
Ultimately, you wont need to get an EV or hybrid battery warranty most of the time because the original warranty lasts for many years. However, if the factory warranty is coming to an end, you should consider extended options given the high cost of replacing the battery.
Best EV & Hybrid Battery Warranties
Who Has the Best Hybrid Battery Warranty?
CarEdge [Review] offers extended warranty coverage for electric and hybrid batteries. They have coverage plans that will cover the latest technology in your vehicle.
Endurance [Review], another top third-party warranty provider, does not offer warranty coverage for EVs (yet). Instead, they provide Endurance Advantage, which covers routine maintenance and includes extra benefits. It can help EV/Hybrid owners manage maintenance costs.
Right now, EV and Hybrid battery warranties arent as common for third-party providers. They are relatively new, and many are just beginning to add these options. Be sure to inquire with multiple third-party providers about the EV/Hybrid coverage they provide and to see if your vehicle qualifies. Check out our best picks for third-party warranty providers here >>
Best for Extra Benefits
- Administers its own policies, from quote to claim
- Advantage Plan includes vehicle maintenance
Best Coverage Options
- Save a minimum of $1,000 for the same coverage as a dealer warranty
- Coverage plans protect the newest technology features
Which Models Have the Longest EV & Hybrid Battery Warranty?
- Tesla Model S and X: 8-years/150,000 miles
- Tesla Model 3: 8-years/ 100,000 miles
- Audi e-Tron: 8-years/ 100,000 miles
- Mercedes-Benz EQC: 5-years, unlimited mileage for the 12-volt battery
- Nissan Leaf: 8-years/100,000 miles
- VW ID.4: 8-years/100,000 miles
- Ford Mach-e: 8-years/ 100,000 miles
Electric & Hybrid Car Battery Warranty by Manufacturer
- Nissan: 8-years/100,000 miles, with 75% percentage guarantee
- Chevrolet: 8-years/100,000 miles, with 60% percentage guarantee
- Tesla: 8-years and 100,000-150,000 miles (depending on model), with 70% percentage guarantee
- Toyota: 10-years/150,000 miles, no percentage guarantee stated
- Honda: 8-years/100,000 miles, no percentage guarantee stated
- Ford: 8-years/100,000 miles, no percentage guarantee stated
- GM: 8-years/100,000 miles, no percentage guarantee stated
- Hyundai: 10-years/100,000 miles
- Kia: 10-years/100,000 miles
- BMW: 8-years/ 80,000 miles
- Volkswagen: 8-years/100,000 miles
