Insurance for Chinese EVs: what fleets should know

March 5, 2026

Recent headlines have suggested that some Chinese cars are difficult to insure in the UK. However, manufacturers and insurers say the issue is often linked to any new entrant brand, rather than something unique to Chinese vehicles.

When a new marque launches in the UK, insurers typically wait for real-world repair data, accident rates and parts availability information before fully pricing the risk. That can temporarily limit the number of providers willing to quote.

Skywell says it has been working closely with Thatcham Research ahead of the UK launch of the Skywell BE11, one of the models Auto Express highlighted as difficult to insure, to complete vehicle risk and insurance group assessments covering repairability, theft risk and parts availability.

David Clarke, general manager at Skywell, said: “Some insurers are less keen to take on the risk associated with a new brand, until they can see either a growing vehicle parc, or accident rate and repair statistics.”

In practice, cover is available. A recent comparison search returned quotes from providers including Admiral, Hastings Direct, Swinton, RAC, Santander, Budget, Elephant and Diamond, among others. The lowest quote obtained was £521.78 from Aviva.

Clarke noted that LV, Tesco and Direct Line are among insurers not currently listing the model, adding: “That will change over time I’m sure.”

For fleets considering newer brands, the key takeaway is: check insurance options early and speak with brokers if needed, particularly while insurers build up more data on new vehicles entering the UK market.