Tips for Choosing the Right Electric Car Insurance

Does an Electric Car Need Special Insurance?

In general, electric cars can still be protected with insurance structures similar to those available for conventional cars, namely Total Loss Only (TLO) and All Risk (Comprehensive) coverage. However, because their key components are different, particularly the battery and electric drivetrain, some insurance providers offer products designed to take these specific characteristics into account.
 

Understanding electric car insurance coverage is becoming increasingly relevant as the EV market continues to grow in Indonesia. According to GAIKINDO data, battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales reached 103,931 units in 2025, more than doubling from 43,188 units in 2024. In January–June 2025 alone, BEVs accounted for 9.77% of total four-wheeled vehicle sales, up from 4.99% in 2024.
 

If you are considering buying an electric car, the guide to the best electric cars in Indonesia and insurance tips can help you get a general overview before exploring the details of choosing insurance coverage.
 

As an EV owner, the decision you are making is not simply about choosing between TLO and All Risk coverage, as you would with a conventional car. You also need to make sure that the policy you choose adequately accounts for the technical characteristics of your vehicle, from how damage to electrical components is assessed to the availability of qualified repair shops.
 

It is important to understand that “special EV insurance” does not necessarily mean a type of coverage that is completely different from the TLO and All Risk options you already know. The difference lies in how insurance providers assess risks and determine coverage terms for EV-specific components, rather than in the basic structure of the coverage itself.

How Is Electric Car Insurance Different from Conventional Car Insurance?

The main difference lies in the value of the components that need to be taken into consideration. Electric car batteries generally account for a significant portion of the vehicle’s total value, so the way insurance providers calculate premiums and determine damage coverage may differ from that of conventional cars.
 

In addition, the network of repair shops capable of handling electric car repairs is still more limited than the network available for conventional vehicles. This can affect the claims process, particularly if your insurance provider has a specific list of partner repair shops.
 

Another less visible but relevant difference is the maturity of risk data. For conventional cars, insurance providers have decades of claims data to help them establish terms and conditions more precisely. For electric cars, particularly models that have only entered the Indonesian market in recent years, this type of data is still being accumulated. As a result, some policy terms may be more conservative or subject to more frequent reviews compared with more established conventional car insurance products.
 

The table below summarizes the general considerations when comparing electric car insurance with conventional car insurance. Use it as an initial reference before comparing specific insurance offers.

Disclaimer: Actual coverage, exclusions, and premium amounts are subject entirely to the terms and conditions of each insurance provider's policy. Always confirm the specific details before making a decision.

This table is most useful as a list of questions to ask potential insurance providers rather than as a definitive answer. Each row represents an area that you should explicitly confirm, given that variations between electric car insurance products in Indonesia are still relatively significant compared with the more mature conventional car insurance market. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing electric car insurance.

Things to Consider When Choosing Electric Car Insurance

The following considerations can help you when comparing electric car insurance policies.
 

Check whether the policy specifically covers the battery and what terms apply if the battery is damaged. Each insurance provider may have different terms and conditions, so it is important to read the policy carefully.
 

Make sure the insurance provider has a network of authorized or partner repair shops that are equipped to handle electric car repairs, so the claims process can run more smoothly. For other general considerations, the article on factors to consider when choosing car insurance remains a useful reference beyond EV-specific electrical considerations.

It is also worth asking how many partner repair shops in your area are actually equipped to handle electric cars, rather than simply looking at the provider’s total number of partner repair shops nationwide. This gives you a more accurate picture of how accessible repair services will be in your day-to-day experience.
 

Another consideration that is often overlooked is how the insurance provider determines the vehicle’s initial insured value. Electric car prices in Indonesia vary considerably across brands and models, and some models are relatively new to the market, meaning there may be limited historical claims data for insurers to use as a reference.
 

Also check whether the policy distinguishes between damage caused by traffic accidents and damage resulting from everyday use, such as the gradual wear and tear of electrical components. This distinction is important because normal wear and tear is generally excluded from damage coverage, just as it is for conventional cars. However, the definition of “normal wear and tear” for EV electrical components may not yet be fully standardized among insurance providers in Indonesia.

Is an Electric Car Battery Covered by Insurance?

Coverage for the battery component depends entirely on the terms and conditions of the policy you choose. Some policies may cover battery damage caused by an accident as part of the vehicle’s general damage coverage, while others may require additional coverage.
 

Because there can be significant variations between insurance providers, it is best to confirm battery coverage directly before choosing a policy. Do not assume that all components are automatically covered without conditions.
 

It is also better to request this explanation in writing, such as through an email or an official document from the insurance provider, rather than relying solely on a verbal explanation from an agent. Written documentation gives you a clear reference if there is ever a misunderstanding between you and the insurance provider regarding battery coverage.
 

Specific questions you may want to ask the insurance provider include whether battery damage caused by an accident is treated in the same way as damage to other vehicle components, and whether there are separate provisions for the natural decline in battery performance over time. The latter generally falls under the manufacturer’s warranty rather than damage insurance coverage.
 

You should also ask how battery damage is assessed, as inspecting this component may require specialized technical expertise that not all conventional insurance surveyors possess. Knowing whether your insurance provider works with parties that have this expertise can give you a clearer idea of how smoothly the battery claims process may proceed if you ever need to file one.

How Is the Claims Process Different for Electric Cars?

The claims process for electric cars is generally similar to that for conventional cars: report the incident, provide the required documents, and wait for an inspection before repairs begin. The difference lies in the repair stage, as not all repair shops have technicians or equipment suitable for handling EV electrical systems and batteries.
 

If your insurance provider has specialized partner repair shops for electric cars, the claims process may be faster because the technicians are already familiar with your vehicle’s components. Conversely, if you need to find a non-partner repair shop that can handle electric cars, repairs may take longer. Knowing the location of the nearest partner repair shop in advance, before an incident occurs, can therefore save valuable time when you actually need assistance.
 

The damage inspection process for an electric car may also involve additional checks of the electrical system and battery condition, beyond the body-damage inspection commonly performed for conventional cars. Being prepared for an inspection that may take slightly longer than a conventional car claim can help you manage your expectations from the outset.
 

Maintaining a consistent account of the incident from the initial report remains just as important for electric cars as it is for conventional vehicles. Because inspecting electrical components may involve more parties, including specialized technicians, consistency between the initial report and the technical findings helps speed up the claim approval process and minimize the need for repeated clarification.

Preparing Documents Before Filing a Claim

For electric cars, it is also a good idea to keep additional technical documentation, such as battery specifications from the vehicle manual and service records from an authorized dealer. This documentation can help speed up the verification process, especially if the claim involves electrical components that require more detailed inspection than conventional mechanical components.

Disclaimer: Required documents may vary depending on the insurance provider, type of claim, and policy terms and conditions. Always check the claim requirements applicable to your policy.

In addition to the documents above, regularly taking visual documentation of the vehicle’s condition can also provide useful supporting evidence. You can keep photos of the vehicle’s condition, including the battery area and charging port if they can be documented without disassembling the vehicle. This practice can be particularly useful for owners who frequently use public charging stations, as the vehicle’s condition before and after charging may provide supporting information if an incident occurs at the charging location.

Additional Considerations for New Electric Car Owners

If you are a first-time electric car owner, it is also worth asking how the vehicle manufacturer’s warranty interacts with your insurance policy, particularly for the battery, which often has a separate warranty from the vehicle’s overall warranty.
 

Asking the dealer and insurance provider about this separately, rather than assuming that the two parties are already coordinated, can help ensure that there are no gaps in coverage between the manufacturer’s warranty period and your insurance policy.
 

Understanding how the manufacturer’s warranty interacts with your insurance coverage from the outset can help you avoid confusion when filing a claim for damage related to the battery or the vehicle’s electrical system.
 

New electric car owners should also ask whether there are any premium adjustments during the first few years of ownership, as some insurance providers are still refining their risk assessment models for electric vehicles as they collect more claims data from their growing customer base.

Common Electric Car Ownership Scenarios

Looking at some common ownership scenarios can help you identify which considerations are most relevant to your situation, without treating them as definitive recommendations.

Disclaimer: The scenarios above are general examples intended to help you identify factors worth considering. The most suitable coverage and benefits depend on your needs, vehicle condition, and the terms and conditions of each insurance provider’s policy.

Regardless of which scenario most closely matches your situation, the same principle applies: understanding exactly what is and is not covered before an incident occurs is far better than learning about your coverage while dealing with vehicle damage or loss.

If you are switching from a conventional car to an electric car after using the same insurance policy for years, do not assume that your existing insurance provider automatically offers equally suitable terms for electric vehicles. Comparing quotes from the beginning, including those from providers you have not used before, remains a sensible step even if you have been a loyal customer for your previous vehicle.

Now, let’s look at how to choose the right electric car insurance so you can make an informed decision.

How to Choose the Right Electric Car Insurance

Compare several insurance quotes and pay particular attention to battery coverage, the network of partner repair shops, and the premiums offered. Do not hesitate to ask insurance providers directly about anything that is unclear before signing the policy.
 

For a broader understanding of the types of coverage available, you can also read about TLO and All Risk car insurance types, as the basic principles still apply to electric cars.
 

Oona provides Electric Car Insurance designed to take the specific needs of electric vehicles into consideration.
 

As a simple framework, start by explicitly confirming battery coverage, then check the network of partner repair shops available in your area. After that, compare premiums across different quotes while considering both factors together, rather than looking at the premium amount separately from the coverage offered.
 

The final step is to assess the provider’s readiness to handle the claim scenarios most relevant to you. Asking directly how they handle battery damage claims or how long repairs are typically expected to take at their partner repair shops can give you a more concrete understanding than simply reviewing general marketing materials.

Guide to Reading Your Policy Before Making a Decision

Before signing the policy, take the time to read the document thoroughly, paying particular attention to sections covering the battery and electrical systems. The policy exclusions are often among the most important sections to understand, as they explain the actual limits of your coverage in detail.
 

If there are technical terms you do not understand, especially those related to how the insurance provider defines battery or electrical system damage, ask the provider directly before the policy takes effect. Clarity from the outset is far more valuable than discovering a misunderstanding when a claim is already in progress.
 

Also pay attention to the section explaining the claims process for incidents that occur outside your home area, such as when traveling to another city. Partner repair shops capable of handling electric cars tend to be concentrated in certain major cities, so understanding your options if an incident occurs outside the reach of these partner repair shops is a particularly relevant consideration for electric car owners.

The Growing Electric Car Population and Its Impact on the Insurance Industry

As more electric cars take to Indonesia’s roads, the insurance industry is also continuing to adapt its products and services to accommodate the characteristics of these vehicles. The network of authorized repair shops for electric cars is expected to continue expanding, which could eventually help speed up the claims process.
 

As an electric car owner today, you are part of the early stages of this transition. This makes it important to proactively ask your insurance provider about service developments rather than assuming that services will automatically follow the standards established for conventional cars.
 

This development also means that current policies and coverage may continue to be adjusted in the coming years as more claims data becomes available and supporting infrastructure matures. Monitoring these developments, such as by communicating regularly with your insurance provider when renewing your policy, can help ensure that your coverage remains relevant as the industry evolves.

Keeping Your Electric Car Documentation

In addition to standard vehicle documents such as the STNK and BPKB, electric car owners should also keep battery-related documentation, such as the battery warranty card and service records from an authorized dealer. This documentation can help speed up the claims process if needed, particularly for damage involving electrical components.
 

Keeping digital copies of all these documents in addition to physical copies provides an extra layer of security if the physical documents are lost or damaged. It also makes the information easier to access whenever needed without having to search through physical documents.
 

It is also useful to save the contact number for an emergency assistance service specifically for electric vehicles, if your insurance provider offers one separately from its general emergency assistance service. Some insurance providers offer specialized towing services with personnel who understand how to handle electric vehicles safely, which may involve different procedures from those used for conventional cars.

Comparing Multiple Quotes Before Making a Decision

Because electric car insurance products are still relatively new to the Indonesian market, coverage and premium variations between providers can be significant. Taking the time to compare several quotes rather than immediately choosing the first provider you come across can help you find coverage that better suits your needs and budget.
 

Do not hesitate to ask insurance providers about their specific experience handling electric car claims, rather than just their experience with motor vehicles in general. This experience can affect how smoothly your claims process may proceed in the future.
 

The electric car owner community in Indonesia is also continuing to grow and can be a useful source of practical information about real-world experiences with specific insurance providers, beyond the official promotional materials they offer. Joining these communities, whether online or through community events, can help you gain a more realistic perspective before deciding which insurance provider to choose.
 

When comparing quotes, it is a good idea to prepare the same list of questions for every provider you contact, covering battery coverage, repair shop networks, and the handling of electrical-related claims. Asking the same questions of each provider makes your comparison fairer and easier to evaluate side by side than asking different questions of each one.

Understanding the Changing Value of Your Vehicle

Unlike conventional cars, whose resale values tend to decline according to relatively predictable patterns, electric cars are still relatively new in Indonesia, meaning their depreciation patterns have not yet been fully established by the market. This may affect how insurance providers determine your vehicle’s insured value from year to year.
 

Reviewing the insured value each time you renew your policy, rather than allowing the same figure to be renewed automatically, can help ensure that you are not paying excessive premiums for a vehicle whose actual value has changed.
 

Keeping clear records of your vehicle’s condition and service history can also help make adjustments to the insured value more objective, as you can provide evidence of your vehicle’s actual condition rather than relying solely on general estimates based on the vehicle’s age.

Charging Infrastructure and Its Impact on Risk

Beyond the vehicle itself, how and where you charge your electric car can also be an important consideration. Charging at home using an installation that does not meet the required standards may create additional risks, so some insurance providers may ask about your charging installation as part of their risk assessment process.
 

Using a charging installation installed by a certified technician and keeping proof of the installation can provide useful additional documentation if it is ever needed for a claim involving an electrical incident at home.
 

For owners who primarily use public charging stations, paying attention to the safety of the charging location, such as lighting and area surveillance, remains a sensible practice, just as it is when considering general parking security. This is not a specific insurance policy requirement, but rather a prudent habit that applies to any vehicle frequently parked in public spaces for extended periods.

Consulting an Insurance Provider Before Buying Your Vehicle

If you are still considering which electric car model to purchase, it may be worthwhile to contact several insurance providers beforehand to ask about estimated premiums and coverage for the models you are considering. This information can serve as an additional factor in your purchasing decision, alongside the vehicle price itself.
 

Asking about this before purchasing, rather than after you already own the vehicle, gives you room to consider alternative models if your initial choice turns out to be difficult to insure adequately in your area.
 

Some insurance providers may also be willing to provide an initial estimate based on the specifications of the model you are interested in, although these estimates are generally indicative and may change after a more comprehensive risk assessment is conducted during the actual policy application process.

Protect Your Electric Car Investment with the Right Insurance

Electric cars come with slightly different insurance considerations compared with conventional cars, particularly when it comes to battery coverage and repair shop networks. Understanding these factors from the outset can help you choose a policy that truly meets your vehicle’s needs.
 

Get a Free Quote for Electric Car Insurance from Oona and find coverage that suits your vehicle.