If you drive a Tesla, your insurance premium could rise by 30%

Some insurance companies in the United States, such as the American Automobile Association (AAA), plan to raise rates for owners of Tesla vehicles after the number of claims and repairs for the Model S and X has increased in recent months. However, a spokesperson for Tesla has stated that this claim “does not reflect reality”.

The insurer AAA believes that the price of insurance for Tesla models could rise by up to 30%, a claim based on the study carried out by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), an American organisation that studies the economic and human losses caused by accidents. The HLDI states that the Model S and X have been involved in 40% more claims than the average for vehicles in their class and that, moreover, the consequences of accidents involving these models entail higher costs than those of their rivals on the market.

A report from the US government noted that accident rates for Tesla models have fallen by 40% since Autopilot was first installed. Other insurance companies, such as State Farm and Geico, have not yet confirmed whether Tesla owners will see an increase in their premiums, but they have stated that the number of the brand’s vehicles involved in incidents are targets.

Tesla wasted no time in denying the accusations and has stated that the information is completely false. A spokesperson for the American brand has said that the comparisons with other similar models have not been realistic: “This analysis is flawed and does not reflect reality. The Model S and X have been compared with cars that are not in the same segment, including even a pickup truck Volvo”. The HLDI report compared the Model S and X with vehicles such as the Volvo XC70, the Mercedes E-Class, and the Maserati Ghibli.

AAA’s decision comes at a time when other insurance companies are considering reducing the premium for those owners whose Tesla include a driver assistance system. A US government report published in January noted that accident rates for Tesla models have fallen by 40% since Autopilot was first installed.