The insurance industry in Germany complains about high repair costs for electric cars. On average, these would be 30 to 35 percent higher than those of comparable vehicles with combustion engines.
This is what the general manager of the General Association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV), Jörg Asmussen, said about a study by the industry association. Switching to electric cars is the right way in view of climate change, said Asmussen. “We insurers want to accompany this change and help shape it positively, which is why we warn of this development at an early stage.” Reasons for the high costs The insurers blamed several reasons for the higher costs. Damaged batteries are an important factor, with replacement criteria, diagnostics and repair options “in need of improvement,” said Allianz expert Christoph Lauterwasser. There have been complaints in the industry for a long time that batteries – the most expensive part of an electric car – can often not be repaired or can hardly be repaired and therefore have to be replaced even if there is minor damage. In addition, there is uncertainty when dealing with damaged electric cars, which are sometimes thrown into extinguishing containers out of caution submerged and thus become a total loss. Workshops also set high hourly rates. “In view of the expected growth, there is a clear need for action,” says Lauterwasser. The insurers called on the automotive industry to better protect batteries from damage and also to provide meaningful data on the battery condition after an accident. In addition, towing companies and fire departments would have to be trained in how to deal with accident cars. The insurers also see the workshops as having an obligation. “If the costs of electromobility get out of hand, acceptance will also fall,” said GDV expert Heinz Gressel, “and we can’t risk that.”
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