While these particular cars have risen in popularity in the UK in recent years, a new survey has found that one part of car ownership may be trickier in the short term
Some British drivers are struggling to get insurance (stock)(Image: Getty)
In recent years Chinese cars have skyrocketed in popularity in the UK with the likes of Jaecoo, BYD, Omodo, and MG hoovering up British buyers. A large part of why these cars are so popular is because, in some cases, they are cheaper than their European rivals or they can go further, or simply because they look a lot like them; see the Jaecoo 7 dubbed the ‘Temu Range Rover’.
However, reports suggest that while UK buyers are more willing than ever to purchase Chinese cars, British insurers remain hesitant to cover them, with some providers more cautious than others.
A survey conducted by car sales website Carwow found that around half of British buyers seeking insurance quotes were declined.
The site decided to take four Chinese cars, the Skywell BE11, BYD Seal U, the hybrid version of the Jaecoo 7, and the XPeng G6 and asked five different insurers for quotes for a 27-year-old man based in Hampshire.
In response only one insurance company, Aviva, offered cover to all four cares whilst Hastings only offered coverage for the BYD, Axa refused to insure any of them, Direct Line declined two of the cars, and Admiral declined one.
It was reported that Carwow’s Ian Reid said this could be a major barrier to people considering a Chinese electric car. He said: “For some motorists, this could make some models impossible to insure at all.”
Meanwhile, others have been trying to work out why Chinese cars, many of which are electric, are struggling when it comes to insurance.
One expert suggests it could be to do with the fact that electric cars are generally more expensive to insure because they’re pricier to repair if they’ve been involved in an accident.
Defaqto’s Stephen Kennedy told the Guardian: “It’s a bit of a chicken and egg situation. If they haven’t sold policies for these types of vehicles, they don’t have the data to be able to work out how much they should be charging.”
Whilst Chinese cars may prove difficult for some to insure, their affordability has contributed to an increased uptake of electric cars in the UK, a trend also boosted by the Middle East crisis and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large chunk of the world’s oil passes.
Recent data published by the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) showed that the two millionth electric car had been registered in the UK. However, SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said this was still far behind what was needed ahead of the Labour government’s ZEV Mandate.
He said: “Two million electric car registrations is a considerable milestone to celebrate, although natural demand is still well below the level demanded by the mandate.”
