Why can a Chinese car be harder to insure?
Insurers set premiums and acceptance rules based on claims data. For brands that have only been on Dutch roads for a short time, they have little of that data. Practical questions also play a part: how quickly are parts available, which repair shops can work on the car, and what does a new battery cost? The less an insurer knows, the more cautious it is. That can mean it refuses a model, only offers third-party cover or asks for a higher premium.
This applies not only to Chinese brands but to all new brands and models. For the large Chinese brands that have been sold for longer, the situation has improved considerably.
Our test: 16 models in the premium calculator
In October 2026, we entered 16 licence plates of Chinese and other new brands into the premium calculator on our EV page. Each time we used the same profile: private use, 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres a year, 5 claim-free years, a driving licence for over 8 years and comprehensive cover. We looked at how many insurers gave a quote.
| Make and model | Comprehensive |
|---|---|
| BYD Atto 3, BYD Seal, MG ZS, NIO Firefly, XPENG G6, Zeekr 001, Polestar 2, Leapmotor T03, Omoda 5 EV, Aiways U5 | 5 to 8 insurers per model |
| Jaecoo 7 (plug-in hybrid) | 5 insurers |
| Changan Deepal S07, Voyah Free, VinFast VF8, KGM Torres EVX | 4 insurers per model |
| Changan UNI-K (petrol) | No comprehensive cover; third-party with 4 insurers |
This is a snapshot. Acceptance and premiums depend on your own situation, such as your age, postcode, claim-free years and annual mileage, and insurers change their policies regularly. The results show how likely it is that you can insure a model, not the premium you will pay.
What if you cannot get comprehensive cover?
If only third-party cover (WA) is available for your car, you meet the legal requirement, but you pay for damage to your own car yourself. For a new or expensive car, that is a big risk. What you can do:
- Check before you buy. Enter the licence plate of the car you want to buy in the calculator. Then you know in advance whether comprehensive cover is possible and what it costs.
- Consider limited comprehensive cover. Sometimes limited cover (beperkt casco) is available. It covers theft, fire, storm and window damage, among other things, but not damage from a collision you cause yourself.
- Register for our EV solution. We are working with an insurer on a solution for electric cars of every brand, including newer brands from China. Register your interest and we will contact you as soon as it is available.
What to look for in the policy
If you can choose between several insurers, look beyond the premium. For a Chinese or other electric car, pay particular attention to:
- The battery. Is damage to the battery covered, including damage to the underside of the car or a short circuit?
- Repairs. Does the insurer work with repair shops that are allowed to repair your make? That determines how quickly you are back on the road.
- New-value or purchase-value scheme. For how long do you receive the new value or purchase price if the car is written off?
- The charging cable. Is a loose charging cable in the car covered? A fixed charging point at your home is usually not covered by your car insurance.
- Excess. A higher excess lowers the premium, but you pay small claims yourself.
Not sure whether to choose third-party, limited or comprehensive cover? Read third-party, limited or comprehensive: which do you choose?
Business or private insurance?
If the car is registered in the name of your company, you need commercial car insurance. If you drive privately, even if you sometimes use the car for work, a private policy is often enough. Read more in business driving on a private car insurance policy. In the calculator, you choose private or business use yourself.
How to calculate your premium
- Enter your licence plateOn our EV page, enter the licence plate. The calculator automatically retrieves the make, model and version.
- Fill in your detailsChoose the cover, the excess and your annual mileage, and enter your claim-free years.
- Compare and take outYou see the premiums of the insurers that accept your car and can take out a policy online straight away. The calculator is in Dutch; we are happy to help you in English or Chinese.
Are you a car dealer who wants to give buyers insurance with their car? On the EV page you can create a link with the licence plate already filled in.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get comprehensive insurance for a BYD?
Yes. In our test in October 2026, the BYD Atto 3 and BYD Seal received comprehensive quotes from 5 to 8 insurers. Your own premium depends on your situation; calculate it with your licence plate.
Is a Chinese car more expensive to insure?
Not necessarily. The premium depends mainly on the value, power and weight of the car and on your own situation. For less common models, fewer insurers accept the car, so you have less choice.
Why can I only get third-party cover for my car?
Some insurers do not accept new or less common models for comprehensive cover because they have little claims data or are uncertain about parts and repairs. In that case, register for our solution for electric cars of every brand.
Can I also insure a Chinese car as a business?
Yes. In the calculator, choose business use. If you have several cars, fleet insurance is often cheaper.
Read also
This page is general information, not personal advice. Terms and premiums differ by insurer and situation.