
New energy vehicles need insurance. Auto insurance is divided into two types: Compulsory traffic insurance and commercial insurance. Compulsory traffic insurance must be purchased, while commercial insurance is voluntary for car owners. It includes vehicle damage insurance, third-party liability insurance, passenger liability insurance, and comprehensive theft insurance, along with their corresponding additional coverages. Points to note when purchasing insurance for new energy vehicles: There are significant differences between new energy electric vehicles and fuel-powered vehicles, so the choice of insurance for electric vehicles should also differ. Compulsory traffic insurance must be 100% purchased, as it is a mandatory requirement by national regulations. Every car owner must purchase this type of insurance; it is compulsory.

As a new energy vehicle owner for several years, I’m well aware that insurance is mandatory—driving without it would be unsettling. The law requires compulsory traffic insurance (交强险), and paying it on time annually is essential; otherwise, traffic police may impose fines, deduct points, or even impound the vehicle in severe cases. For new energy vehicles, especially brands like Tesla or BYD, the high repair costs for battery packs and motors mean even minor accidents can lead to hefty bills. When I recently bumped my car’s front end, fortunately, my vehicle damage insurance covered most of the costs. Beyond compulsory insurance, commercial policies like third-party liability and theft coverage are also crucial—they can save significant out-of-pocket expenses in case of accidents or theft. I regularly compare insurance providers to choose EV-friendly packages and prioritize charging safety to avoid battery short circuits and additional risks. In short, insuring an EV is no different from a fuel-powered car—skipping it is gambling with your and others’ safety.

I think it's common sense to insure a new energy vehicle because risks are everywhere. There are always unexpected incidents on the road, such as skidding in the rain or charging malfunctions. If an accident occurs without insurance, you'd have to cover all the losses yourself, which is unaffordable for most people. Legally, all motor vehicles must have compulsory traffic insurance, which covers third-party liability and provides some cushion in case of major incidents, but the coverage is usually insufficient for the high cost of new energy vehicle parts. I once witnessed a neighbor driving without insurance—a minor scrape ended up costing tens of thousands in repair fees, leaving them full of regret. That's why I recommend getting a comprehensive insurance package from the start, choosing a reliable insurer, and reviewing it regularly. Don't risk your savings to save a few hundred yuan on premiums. Insurance is a safety net that affects everyone on the road.

After switching to an electric vehicle, I always emphasize the necessity of insurance. Compulsory traffic insurance is mandated by law; without it, you can't get your license plate or drive on the road. New energy vehicles, such as hybrids or pure electric cars, have unique structures, and repairs for batteries and control systems can be costly. Commercial insurance like vehicle damage insurance can protect against unforeseen events. When choosing insurance, I focus on comparing policy terms. Some companies offer discounts for electric vehicles, saving money while providing peace of mind.


