Electric Vehicle Collision Claims Surge Despite Cost Stabilization
Understanding the Surge in Electric Vehicle Collision Claims
In the dynamic world of automobile insurance and repair, new trends are continually emerging, highlighting the evolving landscape of electric vehicle (EV) claims. Recent data from Mitchell, an Enlyte company, provides an eye-opening overview of collision claims associated with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and the factors influencing these statistics.
Annual Trends in Collision Claims
The collision claims for BEVs experienced a notable surge in the past year, reflecting the growing adoption of electrified powertrains. In the United States, the claims frequency for repairable BEVs rose to 2.71%, marking a substantial year-over-year increase of 38%. Similarly, in Canada, the claims frequency reached 3.84%, an increase of 34%. Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) also saw their claims frequencies grow, with increases of approximately 7% in the U.S. and 24% in Canada.
Impact of Declining Vehicle Values
Ryan Mandell, Mitchell's director of claims performance, noted an uptick in total loss claims, attributing this trend to the overall decline in vehicle values coupled with a rise in catastrophic claims activity. The results indicate that not only are more BEVs being involved in claims, but the nature and extent of these claims are also changing significantly.
Claims Severity Insights
One of the intriguing aspects of the report is the analysis of claims severity. For repairable BEVs, the average claims severity stood at $6,236 in the U.S., showing a 3% decrease year-over-year. In Canada, this figure slightly increased to $7,241, representing a 2% increase. This trend points to a stabilization in the severity of claims, indicating that while more claims are being filed, the average cost of repairs for these vehicles is showing signs of leveling off.
Evaluating Repairable Parts Costs
The report further underscores the differences observed in parts utilization. There is still a limited aftermarket parts industry for BEVs, leading to a much higher dependence on original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. In 2024, a striking 88% of parts dollars allocated for repairing BEVs were spent on OEM products, showcasing the challenges faced by those sustaining electric vehicles on the road.
Calibration Needs Post-Collision
Another important factor that comes into play after a collision is calibration. Electric vehicles often consist of advanced technologies interwoven into their architecture, which increases the complexity during repairs. This required attention to recalibrating systems after repairs, with BEVs having the highest average calibration needs at 1.61 per estimate. This was followed closely by PHEVs at 1.58, showcasing the specific challenges encountered by repair technicians in handling electrified vehicles.
Exploring the Future of Collision Repair
As the EV market continues to expand, it's essential to understand the implications not only for drivers but also for the entire automotive repair ecosystem. Mitchell International provides valuable insights into these trends, which ultimately serve to inform policy changes and insurance practices in a rapidly evolving market. With advancements in technology and changes in consumer behavior, the automotive industry can expect to see even more transformations in the near future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the increase in collision claims for electric vehicles?
The rise in collision claims for electric vehicles can be attributed to a significant increase in the number of electrified vehicles on the road and broader issues such as declining vehicle values.
How does claims severity compare between electric and ICE vehicles?
Average claims severity for BEVs is stabilizing, showing some decreases, while internal combustion engine vehicles generally have lower claims severity averages.
Why are OEM parts preferred for electric vehicle repairs?
Due to a limited aftermarket for electric vehicle parts, repairs heavily rely on OEM parts, resulting in a higher percentage utilized for BEVs compared to conventional vehicles.
What role does calibration play in EV repairs?
Calibration is crucial post-repair for electric vehicles due to their intricate electronic systems. This ensures all components function correctly after an accident.
What does the future hold for the electric vehicle repair industry?
As electric vehicles become more prevalent, the repair industry will adapt, expanding aftermarket parts availability and investing in specialized training for technicians to handle these vehicles.
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