Motor Assist calls for industry-wide EV-for-EV replacement vehicle guarantee
By encouraging the sector to adopt the policy, Motor Assist says it reflects the spirit of the existing like-for-like entitlement while encouraging EV (electric vehicles) uptake
Motor Assist has offered the EV-for-EV guarantee for three years so that drivers don’t have to step back into a petrol or diesel car following an incident
Two thirds (67%) of EV drivers would refuse an ICE car replacement if their EV was off the road due to an incident
Most EV drivers (84%) say that petrol and diesel car owners should be given the opportunity to try an electric courtesy car following an incident
The new standard would provide continuity for fleet drivers and insurer customers
Motor Assist is calling for the accident aftercare industry to implement an EV-for-EV guarantee, enabling drivers of electric vehicles to remain in an electric car if they require a temporary replacement.
The new standard proposed by the modular incident and claims management solution from AX would require insurers and accident management providers to supply an EV replacement while a customer’s electric car is off the road following a non-fault accident.
The proposal has the support of 88% of electric car drivers (rising to 94% amongst those aged 65 and over) who said they strongly or somewhat agree that they should be entitled to an equivalent electric vehicle.
In the UK, drivers are entitled to an equivalent replacement vehicle if they are involved in an accident that is not their fault, but this does not require accident aftercare companies or insurers to provide a vehicle with the same powertrain.
Introduced by AX and Motor Assist to help boost the sustainability credentials of its insurer, fleet and dealership partners while supporting the UK’s transition away from petrol and diesel vehicles, Motor Assist’s survey found that more than two thirds (67%) of EV drivers would be likely to refuse an ICE replacement car if their vehicle was off the road due to an accident that was not their fault.
An industry-wide guarantee will benefit drivers and the sector’s commercial partners, while demonstrating a commitment to sustainable mobility in the lead up to the ban on the sale of new ICE cars. Since the beginning of 2023, AX and Motor Assist have provided nearly three thousand electric vehicle loan cars to EV drivers who have been involved in an accident.
Despite reduced demand for EVs earlier this year, battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales were up 18.8% in July compared to the same month last year, resulting in an overall market share of 18.5% according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Trader (SMMT).
When asked why they think that electric car drivers should receive an electric vehicle as a replacement following an accident, 46% of respondents said that it wouldn’t seem fair to have to step back into a diesel or petrol car. Nearly half of respondents (45%) also said that they would not want to go back to petrol or diesel cars for environmental reasons.
Scott Hamilton-Cooper, Chief Commercial Officer at AX, said: "We were the first to introduce an EV-for-EV guarantee and after its successful implementation three years' ago, we have raised the bar again with EValuate, our EV for ICE test drive initiative.
“The feedback we've received and the research we have conducted shows that customers, both drivers and fleet managers, want this commitment to be more widespread.
“Anything that can help to positively impact the UK’s transition from fossil fuel powered cars to zero emission vehicles is a welcome step. Our industry can make a significant contribution to supporting sustainable mobility.
“As well as offering convenience and continuity, it reduces average CO2 emissions for our business while helping the fleets, insurers, and dealers we work with to minimise their environmental impact, too.”