Car Insurance For Electric Vehicles Explained

20 November 2018

You’ve taken the leap into electric vehicles, leaving behind petrol fumes and high bills at the forecourt lured by the prospect of low running costs, no vehicle tax, and low emissions. Or maybe you’re just considering ditching fuel tanks for plugs and are doing the maths, calculating whether the savings you can rack up with an EV, from the government’s rebate to lower servicing charges, can offset the higher initial outlay.

While electric vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax and from charges in London’s congestion zone, and you can rack up discounts on parking permits from many councils, you can’t avoid some of the standard costs of owning a vehicle. A major, unavoidable expense is for car insurance, which is a legal requirement for any vehicle using or even parked on public roads in the UK. If you’ve never sought out or arranged insurance for an electric vehicle, you might be baffled about where to start.

Cost and Providers:

You may heard electric vehicles are significantly more expensive to insure and that you’ll need to see out a specialist provider. It’s true that the market for electric vehicles, and therefore for insurance for electric vehicles, is still in its infancy. As of the end of September 2018, there are just 178,000 plug-in vehicles (including fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids) registered in the UK, out of a total of 37.3m vehicles on our roads. But the number is rising quickly: there were 5,000 new registrations of plug-in vehicles each month of 2018, while in 2014 just 400 new plug-in vehicles were being driven off lots.

With the increasing uptake of EVs and hybrids, especially in the run up to the 2040 ban on petrol and diesel vehicles, the cost and complication of insuring them will fall. Electric vehicle insurance policies will become standard fare from mainstream insurers.

Today, the higher purchase price of EVs drives up insurance premiums for them, as insurers need to consider to cost of replacing your vehicle if it’s stolen or damaged beyond repair.

But even now you might find insuring an electric vehicle might be comparable to, or even cheaper, than insuring a petrol- or diesel-powered car, owing to the small size and less powerful engines on EVs and the discounts some insurers can give you for driving environmentally-friendly cars.

However, the process of obtaining insurance quotes and policies for an electric vehicle is different than that for EVs and a rundown will be helpful as you start your electrically-powered journey.

What Impacts Cost of Insurance for Electric Vehicles:

You’re probably familiar with the features of a standard vehicle that can inflate, or reduce, your monthly premiums for its insurance, including its car insurance group, the size of its engine, and purchase price. For insuring electric vehicles, there’s a new calculus, accounting for who owns the battery and the risk posed by (not kidding) power cables.

leased batteries:

Some EV manufacturers like Renault and Clio offer motorists the option of buying the vehicle outright but leasing its battery, with a monthly fee and mileage agreement. These arrangements spare you the steep cost of replacing batteries when they lose functionality after a few years. But if you’re leasing the battery, you’ll need to inform your insurer when obtaining quotes, as a leased battery will affect who needs to be paid if your electric vehicle is written off. Additionally, some policies may not cover leased batteries.

power cables and liability:

Much like your smartphone, your electric vehicle will need to be charged, just with a very big cord. If you’re charging in your driveway or garage, you won’t have to worry about the cord trailing large distances. But if you’re charging your vehicle while it’s parked on the street or at a public charging station, that cord could pose a tripping hazard. When obtaining an insurance policy for your electric vehicle, you should ensure it provides enough liability cover to protect you if a member of the public face-plants over your cable.

fires from at-home charging:

If your electric vehicle or cable fire while plugged in in your driveway or garage you might wonder which insurance policy will pay out: your home insurance policy or the one for your car. That ultimately depends on where the fire originates, but the risk of an electric fault within your vehicle causing a fire that then destroys you home can push up premiums for car insurance for EVs.

green discounts:

Some insurers will offer discounts of up to 5% on your annual premiums as a reward for you driving an environmentally-friendly car. Others will make charitable donations to green causes in your name from your premiums or plant a certain number of trees.

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The Latest Way of Transportation: Electric Motor Scooters

Transportation is forever changing. The world is ready for its first electric car, its first driverless car and now the electric motor scooters. The desire to ride two wheels has made the scooter become a legitimate mode of transport and is no longer looked at as a toy reserved for children and young adventurous adults. With their increased popularity, they will be fully embraced world over in no time. This is especially so with most countries looking to decongest cities from the many vehicles that clog up cities and leave them paralyzed due to traffic snarl-ups. They are convenient, easy to ride and fast. They save so much time that would have otherwise been spent stuck in traffic. They offer little pollution as they are not run on fuel but rather electricity. They are run on a rechargeable battery and are ideally charged the conventional way by plugging into a direct power source. There are many different types of scooters for adults. Some may opt for the traditional one without a seat but for adults looking for comfort, there are some newer comfortable models that have seats. In this article, we shall highlight why electric scooter is fast becoming an ideal mode of transport for many. Electric powered scooters have little to no noise as compared to their gas-powered counterparts. This is a good thing because the rider can hear danger coming when they are on the road. It is also easy to maintain because one does not have to worry about oiling, greasing and tuning that entails the maintenance of a gas-powered scooter. All that one has to take care of are the consumables like the brake pads and tires. To maintain an electric scooter one has to just ensure that the battery is charged. As mentioned earlier, using electricity to power scooters reduces pollution that is caused by fuel on either gas-powered scooters or even vehicles. The reduction of noise also reduces noise pollution and keeps the environment clean. In the world today where many manufacturers and people are environments conscious, this is a great advantage of the electric scooter. Some of the few adult scooters that have seats for comfort and have been reviewed are: Ojo Electric Scooter : Some of the features that make this one of the good models of scooters are: Strong aluminum chassis Both headlight and tail light Horn Both rear and front disc brakes Onboard charger with plug and retractable cord Waterproof dual speakers Gigabyke Groove : This scooter looks like a motorbike and if that is not appealing enough, then these features will definitely grow the appeal. Only 6 hours for the battery to be full LED headlights, turn signal and rearview mirrors UberScoot 1000W : This is the scooter with the longest range of all the scooters and is designed for long-distance commuters. It is easily foldable, making it easy to be transported It has both front and rear suspensions making the ride comfortable even on bumpy roads. After all, is said and done, there are more than enough reasons to make the electric scooter the regular mode of transport for the person looking for convenience and also looking to save time. Read More : Finding The Right Moving Company

Top 10 Signs You Might Need Auto Repair Services

Is your car having difficulty starting up? Is it chugging and blowing out smoke? Which kind of problem can you do yourself and which ones should alert you it's time to visit a mechanic ship? Knowing when to get your car checked by auto repair services can make it cheaper for you. After all, if you put it off, the damage might take a turn for the worse and make you spend more. Take note that automotive repair costs United States drivers $50 billion a year, so if you want to save as much money as possible, you need to care for your car properly. Here are ten signs your car needs a tune-up: 1. Check Engine Light is On: A check engine light isn't a cause for concern when it's lit--a flashing one is a major indicator of a problem. It could mean that there's something wrong within any components and systems monitored by your car's computer. However, as long as the light is on, you must have the engine checked sometime soon. If you want to know more about scheduled Subaru maintenance, you can read more here. Otherwise, when an engine-like symbol glows in your dash, you need to get the engine checked as soon as possible. It might be an issue with the emissions system, which can give serious damage to your catalytic converter. 2. Smoke Out of the Hood: Vehicles must never have any type of smoke coming out from under their hood. If you see this, it's a sure sign of overheating. This can give serious damage to your car's engine if you continue driving without addressing the issue. Look at the dash and make sure to check the temperature gauge on a regular basis. Make sure that it isn't giving way for whatever reason. It's important that you pull over when you're driving since it allows you to let it cool down and call an automotive repair service for assistance. Another reason is that you're leaking coolant liquids from the radiator, hose, or gasket. This is especially true when the white smoke comes from the car's engine compartment. 3. Transmission Issues: When you're driving, take note of the way your car operates in a normal situation. Ask yourself these questions: Is it difficult for the car to achieve speed? Does it surge or give off odd sounds when operating? If you answer yes to these questions, you need to get car repair services. Without professional service repairs, you could get into an accident while on the road. This creates a dangerous situation for you and your kids. There might be a recurring transmission problem with your vehicle. Taking it to an automotive repair shop fixes the problem with the use of the latest technologies available. It's necessary for you to do this as soon as you can to avoid spending more in the future. 4. Excessive Smoke and Noise from Exhaust: Pay attention to the sounds your car makes when you're driving. The type of noise you hear will dictate the kind of possible problem. For example, if you hear hissing sounds from the exhaust, it's possible that its manifold or pipe has a crack. Chugging noises can mean that the exhaust system has a blockage. Meanwhile, rattling sounds underneath your car can mean that the exhaust system is suffering from misalignment. These sounds are good indicators that it’s time to change the exhaust system you can visit goblackops.com.au as they provide high-performance systems at reliable prices. As for excessive smoke, one possible reason is that you have an oil leak, especially when a burning smell accompanies it. In cold winter months, you might notice that there's more white smoke when you first start your car. This isn't a cause for alarm because it's only water vapor coming out of the exhaust system--they'll disappear once the temperature of the engine increases. But when you're driving and see too much smoke from the exhaust, it's best to go to a repair shop first. The same is true if you check your car's bumper area and notice a black residue near the area of the exhaust pipe. 5. Gas Mileage Decreases: If your car experiences a sudden drop in its gas mileage, you need to schedule routine maintenance as soon as you can. This could mean that you'll need to fill up its gas tank more often. The reason why this is urgent is due to the fact that you want to save as much money as possible for the gas, especially now that a barrel of oil is at $70. One of the main reasons behind this might be a bad fuel injector or a dirty fuel filter. It might also mean that there's a problem with the spark plugs. Either way, it requires your utmost attention and the help of professionals. 6. Difficulty Starting Vehicle: When getting into trips, do you find it difficult to make your vehicle startup? If your answer is yes, then it might be a good time for you to visit a repair shop for a tune-up. You need to do this as soon as possible especially when you're having a difficult time turning over right when you're trying to make it start. Another possible reason is that you're trying to start it while the engine is hot from the outside weather. It's related to the car's fuel, especially since a hot engine makes it harder for fuel to circulate because of the blocking vapor. In a worst-case scenario, the car won't even start. Remember, even after you shut the engine, it will still get hot for a short while. During this time, water vapor will spread around, obstructing the engine from circulating fuel. 7. Excessive Leaks: Noises and leaks are two of the most common problems for 2017 car models. You need to take your car to the nearest mechanic if it has major leaks underneath. If you're checking for leaks, the most common location is toward the car's front, where you might see different-colored liquids. If the liquid is bright green, it's the coolant leaking. Otherwise, dark red or brown liquids can either be transmission oil, brake fluid, or engine oil. But if it's only plain water, don't worry--it's the normal result of the air conditioner running during warm summer months. 8. Signs of Rust: When you see rust on your car, you need to remove it fast regardless of whether you do it on your own or let professionals help you. When left alone, a single rust spot can grow fast and cause a structural problem if it reaches a certain size. Deal with it fast since most states will never pass inspections if they have rust holes in the body. It's especially needed if you bought a secondhand car. It doesn't matter if the spot is small or it's located in an unimportant part of the car body. You need to eliminate it as soon as you see it. To do this in an effective manner, you need to understand the most problematic areas in your car as well as the methods you need to address the problem. 9. Vehicle Shakes or Jumps : When you experience this, it's a sign of a performance issue. It might be a good time for you to take your car for a tune-up. Take it for a test drive on a shop or make an appointment so you don't end up stalling in a place you'd rather not be in. Always remember that a driving experience should be free from shaking or jumping. After all, the probable cause of this problem is within the car's engine. It might be due to clogged fuel lines or filters, as well as bad spark plugs. Again, you need to fix this problem as soon as possible since it hinders your vehicle's acceleration most of the time. It might even give out in the most unpleasant situations, like merging onto a highway while fast-going vehicles are behind you. You can prevent it by changing the oil regularly as well as replacing the belts at certain intervals. 10. Squealing When Turning: Experiencing this while driving is another good reason to visit an auto shop and get a tune-up for your car. It's possible that some of the important fluids your car needs are approaching dangerously low levels that need urgent refills. Another reason for the squeals is that the car might have a leak, meaning that replacing the liquids isn't a definite way to fix your problem. Aside from squealing, your vehicle might emit a jerking feeling when you're shifting. It's especially noticeable when you're shifting into drive. If this happens, you might need to get a new transmission filter and liquid to fix this problem. Failing to do this early, you might need to spend more money on a new transmission system. Discover More Auto Repair Tips Today: With these auto repair tips, you'll know when you have to bring your car in for a checkup. It's always safer to hire professionals when getting a tune-up or when it's time to replace old car parts. But don't stop here. There are more great car service tips for you to discover. Visit us today and read some of our other guides to ensure you drive safely, like this post about the safety of self-driving cars. Read Also : 5 Signs Your Car Needs A Tune-Up There Is A Pothole Problem In America – How To Protect Your Car From Damage? 5 Ways To Avoid The Rip Off While Buying A Used Car

How To Integrate An EV Fast Charger In Your Garage

Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly becoming more popular as the world shifts towards sustainable transportation. This surge in EV ownership brings new considerations, especially regarding charging solutions. While public charging stations are growing, the convenience of charging your EV in your garage cannot be overstated. This guide will walk you through integrating an EV fast charger in your home garage, ensuring that your vehicle is always ready to go when you are. What is EV Fast Charging? Fast charging for electric vehicles is a game-changer in the EV industry. Unlike standard chargers that can take several hours to charge an EV fully, fast chargers significantly reduce this time, enabling quick and efficient charging. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for those with busy lifestyles or for emergency charging situations. Types of EV Chargers There are three levels of EV chargers – Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Chargers. Level 1 chargers are your standard home outlets, while Level 2 chargers offer a faster charging speed. DC Fast Chargers, however, are the quickest, providing substantial charge in a fraction of the time. These are the chargers in which companies like Blink Charging UK specialize, offering a blend of speed and convenience. Assessing Your Garage for EV Fast Charger Installation Space Requirements The first step in installing an EV charger is assessing the space in your garage. You'll need a designated area accessible for your vehicle and compliant with local safety regulations. This space should also be near an electrical source and free from potential hazards. Electrical System Evaluation Before installation, it's crucial to evaluate your home's electrical system. It must be able to support a fast charger, which may require an upgrade or a professional assessment. Ensuring your system can handle the load is critical for safety and efficiency. Choosing the Right EV Fast Charger Features to Consider When selecting a fast charger, consider its power output, vehicle compatibility, and additional features like Wi-Fi connectivity or intelligent charging options. These features can enhance your charging experience, making it more efficient and user-friendly. Cost and Incentives Cost is a significant factor when installing an EV charger. However, various incentives and rebates can make the process more affordable. Researching local incentives can significantly reduce installation costs. The Installation Process DIY vs. Professional Installation While some may opt for a DIY installation, professional installation is generally recommended. It ensures that the charger is installed safely and compliantly, reducing the risk of electrical issues. Step-by-Step Installation Guide Although each installation will vary, the process generally involves mounting the charger, connecting it to the power source, and configuring intelligent features. It's a process best handled by professionals to ensure safety and functionality. Maximizing Your EV Fast Charger Experience Maintenance and Care Tips Regular maintenance of your EV charger is crucial. This includes routine checks and keeping the unit clean and free from obstructions. Regular maintenance ensures long-term efficiency and safety. Integrating with Smart Home Systems Many modern EV chargers can integrate with smart home systems, allowing remote monitoring and control. This integration can add convenience to your charging process, making it a seamless part of your daily routine. Transform Your Garage into a Power Station: Easy and Efficient EV Charging Solutions In conclusion, integrating an EV fast charger into your automotive garage is a forward-thinking move that aligns with the global shift toward sustainable transportation. It provides convenience and ensures that your vehicle is always ready for the road. While the process may seem daunting, following it can make it manageable and rewarding. Remember, the key is to choose the suitable charger and install it correctly. And for those looking for top-notch solutions, a company like Blink Charging can offer the perfect blend of efficiency and reliability. Embrace the future of driving by setting up your home EV charging station today! Read Also: The Evolution Of Braking Systems In Modern Vehicles: A Leap Towards Preventing Rear-End Collisions The Best Car Brands To Buy As An Investment Used Car Buying – How To Do It Right.

Car Insurance For Electric Vehicles Explained

Cost and Providers: