Tesla car insurance

While Tesla is set apart as an all-electric car manufacturer, car insurance for a Tesla works much the same as it does for any other car. Find out the car insurance coverages you might need for your Tesla, how to get the best price on your policy, and more.

4 min to read

How much does car insurance for a Tesla cost?

Car insurance rates for Teslas are determined by factors unique to you, like your specific model, how you plan to use your Tesla, where you park it overnight, your driving record, and more. In general, insurance for electric vehicles may cost more due to the higher cost to repair or replace them. With Tesla being a premium electric vehicle manufacturer, insuring one may cost even more than the same coverage for a more affordable option, like an electric Nissan.

But there are plenty of other car insurance rate factors. For example, cars with better safety ratings may be in fewer accidents and qualify for more insurance discounts. And there are electric vehicle tax incentives and gas savings to factor into the overall cost of owning a Tesla — Tesla even says that the cost of ownership per mile over five years is less for a Tesla Model 3 Base than it is for a Toyota Corolla.

Get a car insurance quote today for an estimate that reflects your unique situation.

Pro tip:

Your car's characteristics can affect your rate differently based on the coverages you select. For instance, the cost to repair or replace your Tesla may affect your rate more if you carry comprehensive and collision coverages, since those cover damages to your vehicle.

How can I lower my Tesla car insurance rate?

You may be able to get a cheaper car insurance rate for your Tesla by shopping around for auto insurance. Progressive auto insurance customers earn an average of seven discounts. Check out all our car insurance discounts to find out the ways you can save.

Learn more about how to lower your car insurance rate.

What type of car insurance do you need for your Tesla?

You'll need at least the minimum required car insurance for your state, which likely includes liability insurance. Your state might also require the following coverages:

Consider adding optional comprehensive and collision to cover your Tesla if it's in an accident or if you experience an event that's outside your control. These coverages are typically required by the lender if you have a loan or lease on the car.

Learn more about the types of car insurance coverage.

What are the most popular Tesla models?

Motor Intelligence estimates that the Tesla Model Y compact SUV was the sixth best-selling vehicle in the U.S for 2022, according to NBC. As Tesla's best-seller, the Model Y even beat out popular cars like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Honda CR-V. Tesla's own 2022 vehicle delivery report shows it produced and delivered significantly more of its affordable models, the 3 (sedan) and Y (SUV), than its higher priced S (sedan) and X (SUV).

Tesla models include:

Sedans: Model 3, Model S
SUVs and crossovers: Model Y, Model X
Truck: Cybertruck

Tesla's 2022-23 Model 3 and Model Y made IIHS-HLDI's Top Safety Picks. Consider one of these top-rated options if you're buying a new car or shopping for a used car.

Fast facts about Tesla cars

Tesla Motors was incorporated in 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tappening as Tesla Motors. The company is named after Nikola Tesla, the inventor of the alternating current and the Tesla coil, which could transmit electricity wirelessly.
Tesla isn't only the leader among electric car manufacturers — as of 2023, it's also the world's largest automaker.
Tesla released its driver assistance technology in 2014. Contrary to popular believe, Teslas aren't considered self-driving cars. As of 2023, Tesla's Autopilot is considered a Level 2 on SAE's driving automation scale that contains Levels 0–5.