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Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular on our roadways as more drivers make the switch from gas-powered alternatives. Some states, such as California, have gone as far as putting forth legislation that seeks to limit the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035. Much like an engine in a gas car, electric car batteries power an EV and propel it forward. But before you decide to purchase an EV, you may ask yourself, how long do electric car batteries last?
In the blog:
The Basics of Electric Vehicle Batteries
As their name suggests, electric vehicles use electricity to accelerate. Unlike their gas-powered counterparts, no large engines or exhaust systems exist within an EV. Instead, EVs rely on large battery packs to store energy. Although EVs can use different types of batteries, such as lead-acid or nickel-cadmium batteries, most fully electric vehicles use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These types of batteries are preferred as they are more energy-dense than others.
An EV’s battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours or kWh. Simply put, the more kWh your battery has, the longer you can drive on a single charge. Although not entirely the same, you can think of an EV’s battery capacity rating as a traditional car’s gas tank size. To “refuel” or recharge an electric vehicle, you must plug the car into an electrical power source. However, despite being rechargeable, EV batteries won’t last forever.
How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last?
EV batteries don’t last forever and begin to lose charging capacity over time. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, today’s EV batteries can last 12 to 15 years in moderate climates or 8 to 12 years in extreme climates. However, most EV manufacturers provide (required) warranties for their batteries, which takes the guesswork out of determining how long your battery should last.
Most manufacturers’ warranties align with federal law that mandates carmakers to provide EV battery warranty coverage for at least 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, some manufacturers, such as Hyundai, go above the requirement and have warranties that last 10 years or 100,000 miles.
EV battery warranties cover the complete failure of a battery pack and protect against severe degradation over time. During each charge cycle, EV batteries lose a percentage of their total charging capacity. These small percentages can negatively impact the overall driving range as time passes. To keep in line with most warranties, EV batteries must maintain around 70 percent of their charge capacity during the warranty’s term.
How to Maximize Your Electric Car’s Battery Life
Although electric car batteries won’t last forever, there are ways EV owners can ensure they get the most out of their car’s battery. Here are just a few tips to help prevent an early replacement.
1. Keep Your Car’s Systems Regularly Updated
To prevent early breakdowns, EVs have internal computer systems that help regulate the temperature and performance of battery packs. Since EVs are more like computers than standard gas engines, you must always ensure your EV has the latest updates installed. Plus, it may be a condition of your manufacturer’s warranty. Some EV warranties may deny replacement coverage if your car hasn’t installed the latest updates.
2. Charge at Home Whenever Possible
There are three different ways you can charge an EV:
Level 1 Charging – These stations plug directly into your home’s standard outlets and do not require professional installation. Level 1 charging provides around 5 miles per hour of charge.
Level 2 Charging – Require a 240-volt outlet on a dedicated circuit that may need to be professionally installed. Level 2 charging provides around 25 miles per hour of charge.
DC Fast Charging – The fastest charging rate available, which provides 250 miles per charging hour. DC fast chargers cannot be installed at home due to requiring a 480-volt connection to DC power.
To maximize your EV battery’s life, it is recommended to use level 1 or level 2 charging stations whenever possible. Although DC fast charging is great for extended trips, excessive use can cause your battery to overheat and lose its charging capacity.
3. Don’t Fully Charge or Fully Drain
Most EV manufacturers recommend drivers charge their battery packs to 80% to 90% capacity for daily use. Routinely charging to 100% or letting your battery completely discharge can negatively impact its health. However, you don’t need to stress over this too much because EVs have battery management systems that can prevent overcharging. Still, always refer to your owner’s manual to learn what charging levels your manufacturer recommends.
Does Insurance Cover an EV Battery?
Are Electric Vehicles More Expensive to Insure?
Insuring an electric vehicle is the same process as insuring a gas vehicle. However, you can expect to see a difference in cost. Although entry-level EVs have declined in price since their inception, they can still be more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts due to their extensive electrical systems and parts. Plus, you’ll need to visit a specialized technician to repair an EV following an accident, meaning higher labor costs. These factors could lead to an increased payout for insurance companies following a claim, which makes insuring an EV more expensive.
Find Coverage That Works for You
Are you considering trading in your car for an EV? If so, it’s important to speak with an insurance specialist to understand how your insurance rate may change. Although your insurance may increase, there are other benefits of owning an EV that could outweigh the change.
No matter where you are in the EV market, our team of insurance specialists can assist you with comparing auto insurance quotes from multiple providers. At AIS, we have over 55 years of experience helping our customers successfully navigate the insurance marketplace. To learn more about how AIS can help, give us a call at (888) 772-4247 or start a free quote online.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources and is offered for educational purposes. Furthermore, it should not replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
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There are multiple reasons why drivers choose to switch car insurance companies. Whether it’s for lower rates, adding more coverage, or for a recent car purchase, switching insurance providers can help you maintain a favorable combination of coverage and price. If you’re hoping to switch car insurance providers but haven’t done so in the past, the process may seem difficult—thankfully, it isn’t. However, before switching providers, there are a few key steps to ensure you don’t have a lapse in coverage.
Key Takeaways:
Consider switching auto insurance providers after a major life change, such as getting married or purchasing a new car, to help you take advantage of potential savings.
Comparing car insurance quotes from multiple providers annually can help you find (and keep) the best rates available.
Avoid any gaps in coverage when switching insurance providers. Always ensure your new policy is 100% active before canceling your current policy.
When to Change Car Insurance Companies
Changing auto insurance companies is possible anytime, even if you paid for a full year of coverage. Although you don’t have to wait for renewal to cancel a policy, remember that some companies may charge an early cancellation fee before you receive any refunds for previously paid premiums. Here are just a few life events that may signal it’s time for a switch:
You recently moved to a new city or state: Insurance providers use local data to determine your premium, so you may be able to save if you move to a smaller city. If you move to a new state, you’ll likely need to update your insurance to meet any state-required liability limits.
Adding a new driver or vehicle to your policy: If you’re adding a teen driver to a family policy or listing an additional vehicle, consider shopping around for car insurance quotes. Providers rely on multiple factors when setting rates, so it’s possible to find a carrier that offers lower rates for new drivers or vehicles.
Your premium has increased: If your premium has increased during renewal, it may be a good time to research quotes to find a better deal.
How to Switch Car Insurance Companies
1. Check for Potential Cancellation Penalties
Before you switch car insurance providers, it’s important to be aware of any potential penalties you may face for canceling, especially if you’re canceling during the middle of a coverage period. Although you can cancel anytime, some companies may charge a small fee or penalty for terminating a policy early.
To avoid surprises, contact your current provider and ask about the cancellation process. If you will be charged a fee, compare that to any potential savings you may have with a new insurance provider. If the savings exceed the fees, it may be worth it to switch mid-policy. However, if the fees outweigh the savings, you may want to wait until your next renewal to make the change.
2. Compare Car Insurance Quotes from Multiple Providers
Once you’ve decided that switching car insurance companies is a wise decision, your next step is to compare auto insurance quotes from multiple providers. This step is crucial because it will ensure you get the best rate possible. Even if you decide not to switch, we recommend comparing quotes periodically to avoid overpaying for coverage. Insurance agents can often run quotes from many providers at once, saving you the work of contacting each company separately.
It’s essential that you compare quotes using the same coverage types and limits with each provider so that you get an even comparison. Thankfully, getting a quote online is a simple process, but you will need the following information:
Your vehicle’s year, make, and model.
Vehicle identification number (VIN).
Driver license numbers for all drivers that will be listed on the new policy.
Garage address where the vehicle will be parked.
If you live in a state that can use your credit score to set your rate, you may also need to provide your social security number.
When speaking to a potential insurance agency or company, don’t forget to ask about any discounts you may be eligible for.
3. Do Your Research
If you find a better rate through a different insurance provider, research the company before finalizing the switch. Although a highly important factor, car insurance is more than just your premium. A good insurance company should have a solid track record of good reviews for how they handle their claims. You don’t want to agree to a new policy only to find out later you don’t get the same benefits your previous insurer provided, such as an online claim feature or 24/7 customer service.
4. Avoid Canceling Too Soon
One of the biggest mistakes customers make when they switch car insurance providers is canceling their current policy too soon. Even if it’s just for a day, having a lapse in coverage could cause major financial and legal challenges if you cause an accident while uninsured. If caught driving without insurance, you could face hefty fines or even have your license suspended. Additionally, having a lapse in coverage could cause higher rates with a new insurer.
Be sure to tell your new insurance provider that you are switching from a different provider. Your new insurer should be able to help you avoid any gaps in coverage by having your new coverage start well before your old policy’s expiration.
5. Contact Your Current Insurance Provider to Confirm the Cancellation
Once you have a new provider and have confirmed your new coverage start date is before your current policy expires, contact your current insurer. In most cases, it is your responsibility to contact your insurer if you wish to cancel. Do not assume your policy will end just because you stop paying your insurance premium.
For a smooth process, you should have all your official documentation and proof of your new insurance policy in hand before you cancel your current coverage. Each company will handle cancellations differently, so the process may vary depending on your provider. Some companies may require you to sign an authorization form or provide a cancellation notice in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Switching Car Insurance Providers
Can I Switch Car Insurance Companies if I am Financing or Leasing a Car?
Yes, it is possible to switch car insurance companies even if you are financing or leasing a car. However, you must let your new insurance provider know who your lender or lessor is.
If you do not let your new insurance provider know about your switch, your lender may assume you have a lapse in coverage when they receive the cancellation notice from your previous insurer. Most lenders require collision and comprehensive coverage as a term of your loan or lease, so keeping them aware of any changes will protect your contract.
How Often Should I Compare Auto Insurance Quotes?
Getting an auto insurance quote from a provider has no negative impacts. A quote is simply an estimate and does not bind you to a purchase or affect your current coverage. We recommend comparing auto insurance quotes each time your policy is up for renewal to ensure you have the best rate possible. However, staying with the same company also has its benefits, such as loyalty and multi-policy discounts. Before you switch car insurance providers, evenly compare all aspects of your policy, not just your rate.
Can I Switch Car Insurance Providers After an Accident?
Yes, you can switch providers even after an accident, but it won’t make the accident/claim disappear. If you cancel a policy while you have an open claim, your new provider may increase rates once your claim closes. Additionally, some providers may have underwriting guidelines that prevent them from accepting new customers with open claims.
Still Have Questions? AIS Can Help
At AIS, we have over 55 years of experience helping our customers navigate the car insurance marketplace to help them find coverage they can rely on. Our insurance specialists will assist you with comparing quotes from our network of trusted insurance providers and will answer any questions you may have regarding the change. To speak with a specialist, call (888) 772-4247 or start a free quote online.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources and is offered for educational purposes. Furthermore, it should not replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
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The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has faced numerous legal challenges, but has been upheld three times by the Supreme Court. Over the years, the headlines surrounding the possibility of the ACA (aka Obamacare) being overturned have often focused on people with pre-existing conditions who buy their own health insurance. (This is certainly a valid concern, as those individuals would undoubtedly be worse off without the ACA.)
But the impact of the ACA goes well beyond securing access to healthcare for people with pre-existing conditions. Who are these Americans, whose lives are better off, thanks to the ACA? See if you can find yourself – or your loved ones – in this list:
More than 14 million Americans (91% of all Marketplace/exchange enrollees) who are receiving premium subsidies in the exchanges that make their coverage affordable. The average full-price premium is $605/month in 2023, but the average subsidy amount ($527/month) covers the majority of the average premium.
More than 7.5 million people who are receiving cost-sharing reductions that make medical care more affordable and accessible.
People who are (or want to be) self-employed and wouldn’t have been able to qualify for and/or afford a privately purchased health insurance plan without the ACA’s guaranteed-issue provisions and premium subsidies.
People with pre-existing conditions who gain access to an employer-sponsored plan after being uninsured for 63+ days. HIPAA guaranteed that they could enroll in the employer-sponsored plan, but there were waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. The ACA eliminated those waiting periods.
People who lose access to an employer’s plan and no longer have to rely on COBRA (or mini-COBRA/state continuation) for health coverage.
People who gain access to an employer’s plan and have a waiting period of no more than 90 days before their coverage takes effect. Pre-ACA, employers could determine their own waiting periods, which were sometimes longer than three months.
Full-time (30+ hours/week) workers at large businesses who are offered real health insurance instead of “mini-med” plans, thanks to the employer mandate. (Employers can choose not to comply, but they face a penalty in that case.)
People with serious conditions often exhausted their coverage under pre-ACA plan because of annual or lifetime benefits caps.
People with serious medical conditions who would otherwise have exhausted their coverage in the private market, including employer-sponsored plans. Pre-ACA, annual and lifetime benefit caps were the norm. And it could be shockingly easy to hit those maximums if you had a premature baby or a serious medical condition.
Coal miners with black lung disease, and their survivors. The ACA made benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act of 1972 available to more people.
Medicare beneficiaries who use Part D prescription coverage and who would have ended up in the donut hole. before. (The ACA closed the donut hole as of 2020.)
Medicare beneficiaries who receive free preventive care.
American taxpayers and Medicare beneficiaries who benefit from ACA cost controls that have extended the solvency of the Medicare Hospital Insurance trust fund and improved Medicare’s long-term financial outlook.
Seniors who are able to remain in their homes as they age, thanks to the ACA’s expansion of Medicaid funding for in-home long-term care services and supports.
Nursing home residents – and people with loved ones living in nursing homes – who benefit from federal funding for background checks on employees who interact with patients.
The 12 million low-income Americans who are elderly and/or disabled, covered simultaneously by both Medicare and Medicaid, and who benefit from the improvements the ACA made for the dual-eligible population.
College students who are no longer offered skimpy health plans.
Women (and their partners) who have access to contraception at no cost – including birth control methods such as IUDs, implants, and tubal ligations that are highly effective but would have prohibitively high up-front costs if they weren’t covered by insurance.
Pregnant women who have access to free routine prenatal care.
Expectant parents – male and female – who can enroll in a health plan in the individual market. (Pre-ACA, expectant parents’ applications were rejected in nearly every state.)
People who buy their own health insurance and would like to have a child. Pre-ACA, individual health insurance rarely covered maternity care.
Breastfeeding mothers who have access to breast pumps and breastfeeding counseling as part of their insurance benefits. The ACA also guarantees that breastfeeding mothers who work for large employers have access to adequate breaks and a private, non-bathroom area for pumping milk.
Anyone who is better off in a world where people in need of mental health care can access it – because their health insurance covers it and they aren’t rejected altogether when they apply for a new health plan.
People with substance abuse disorders who can obtain treatment that would be unaffordable without health insurance coverage.
The 21 million people who have gained access to Medicaid thanks to the ACA’s expansion of coverage to low-income adults.
Low-income families and individuals who no longer have to meet asset tests in order to qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, with eligibility now based on the ACA’s modified adjusted gross income instead (some populations, including the elderly and disabled, are still subject to asset tests for Medicaid eligibility).
People in some rural areas of the country where hospitals have been able to remain open thanks to Medicaid expansion.
Young adults who are able to remain on their parents’ health insurance as they work to start their careers.
Young adults who were in foster care until age 18, and who are allowed to continue their Medicaid coverage until age 26, regardless of income.
Early retirees who can enroll in self-purchased health insurance for the pre-Medicare years, without worrying about pre-existing conditions.
ACA’s marketplace plans must cover a list of vaccinations for children from birth to age 18.
Children who have access to free vaccines and well-child care.
Adults who have access to a wide range of preventive health services at no cost.
Families whose health plan covers their kids’ dental care.
People in New York and Minnesota who earn a little too much for Medicaid but are eligible for coverage under Basic Health Programs (Oregon plans to debut a Basic Health Program in mid-2024).
People who find themselves needing to appeal their health plan’s decision on a prior authorization request or claim.
Medicare Advantage enrollees whose health plan is required to spend at least 85% of revenue on members’ medical claims and quality improvements.
Individuals and employers whose insurers are required to spend at least 80% or 85% of premiums on members’ medical claims and quality improvements.
People age 65 and older, including recent immigrants, who are able to enroll in ACA-compliant health plans if they’re not eligible for premium-free Medicare (pre-ACA, individual market insurers generally would not enroll people over age 64).
Women, who no longer pay more for health insurance than men.
Older people (including those age 65+ who aren’t eligible for premium-free Medicare), whose premiums are no more than three times as much as the premiums for a 21-year-old.
People who buy their own health insurance and no longer have to worry that the policy could get rescinded because they forgot to mention something on the application. (This was usually due to an omission in the medical history section, and those questions are no longer asked – thanks, also, to the ACA.)
Everyone who benefits from the more robust premium review processes that states have as a result of the ACA.
Everyone who benefits from the ACA’s risk adjustment program, which levels the playing field and helps to prevent plan designs that would be unappealing to individuals and groups with high-cost medical conditions.
People with individual and small-group coverage that includes all of the essential health benefits.
People who pay full price for individual health insurance in Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Wisconsin, who are paying lower premiums thanks to reinsurance programs that were implemented under Section 1332 of the ACA.
Native Americans and Alaska Natives, who can enroll year-round in plans sold through the exchanges, and who are eligible for plans with zero cost-sharing if their income doesn’t exceed 300% of the poverty level. (That’s $90,000 for a family of four enrolling in 2024 coverage.)
Native Americans and Alaska Natives who receive care via Indian Health Services – as the ACA permanently reauthorized the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.
People who are protected from discrimination in healthcare based on race, national origin, sex, age, or disability, thanks to Section 1557 of the ACA. (The details of how these protections work are determined by HHS, so there have been some changes over time. HHS initiallyissued rulemaking in 2016, but it wasrolled back in 2020. However, HHS proposed new rules in 2022 that would largely revert to the stronger anti-discrimination protections that were implemented in 2016.)
People who are able to make more informed food choices thanks to nutritional and calorie information on restaurant menus. This stems from Section 4205 of the ACA, and was implemented in 2018.
People who shop for coverage in the health insurance exchange and find the new star rating system for health plans to be helpful during the plan selection process.
People who could benefit from new biosimilar drugs becoming available. Section 7002 of the ACA created the pathway under which biosimilar drugs are approved by the FDA.
Louise Norris is an individual health insurance broker who has been writing about health insurance and health reform since 2006. She has written dozens of opinions and educational pieces about the Affordable Care Act for healthinsurance.org. Her state health exchange updates are regularly cited by media who cover health reform and by other health insurance experts.
