Before buying an EV, check insurance alongside the purchase price, charging arrangements and running costs. “Electric vehicle” is not a single pricing category. The powertrain alone cannot tell you how much a particular model will cost to insure.
What do repair figures actually measure?
Mitchell’s Q2 2026 report, published August 20, 2026, recorded average Canadian repairable collision claim severity of C$6,645 for battery electric vehicles and C$5,411 for internal-combustion vehicles: a C$1,234 difference. Mitchell’s original report.
Those figures concern repairable collision claims in a particular quarter. They are not annual maintenance costs, mechanical failure rates or personal insurance quotes. A model’s share of claims is also different from its individual collision probability or share of new-vehicle sales.
Why does the model affect pricing?
Repair and replacement costs, theft risk and claims experience help shape premiums. Sensors, cameras and complex systems can add diagnostic, calibration and repair work. These issues can affect sophisticated gasoline vehicles too. FSRA on vehicle characteristics and repair costs.
Damage to batteries or high-voltage components needs assessment by qualified repairers using appropriate procedures. Do not assume every collision requires a complete battery replacement, only one type of part is possible, or insurance pays every expense. The cause, repair plan and policy coverage still matter.
CLEAR is not a higher-is-better safety score
Canadian Loss Experience Automobile Rating, or CLEAR, uses claims frequency, cost and theft experience to assess vehicle risk. IBC explains that a lower ranking indicates lower claims risk and may support a lower premium; a higher ranking indicates greater risk. It is not simply a safety-star rating or the only pricing factor. IBC’s CLEAR explanation.
Driver-assistance features may help prevent collisions, but repair costs matter too. More technology does not guarantee cheaper insurance.
Compare before committing to the car
- Quote the exact model year, trim and VIN before paying or signing where possible.
- Keep drivers, use, mileage, liability limits and deductibles consistent when comparing vehicles.
- Check whether you need Collision, Comprehensive, transportation replacement or depreciation protection, including their limits and conditions.
- Ask about suitable repair facilities and the limits on replacement transportation during delays.
- Budget for insurance, charging, financing, maintenance and depreciation together rather than relying on a guaranteed savings figure.
A-Z Insurance can compare quotes for your actual vehicle and driving circumstances. Call 905-707-2929 or email info@azinsure.ca. Industry averages provide context; your quote and policy determine your price and protection.