Proudly owning a Tesla is changing into a demanding proposition. In a brand new examine, over 40% of Tesla house owners report that their automobile has been vandalized, and a 3rd are contemplating eliminating the car throughout the subsequent 12 months.
The examine comes from Guardian Service, an organization that helps shoppers discover insurance policy. The corporate says it surveyed 508 Tesla house owners “to discover how vandalism, insurance coverage hikes, and focused hostility are reshaping the EV [electric vehicle] possession expertise in America.” Researchers collected the information this month, so the outcomes ought to replicate current political controversies surrounding Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Associated: America Hit Peak Tesla in February 2023
The injury price a mean of $1,900 to restore.
Threat Highest within the South
“The danger isn’t equal throughout the nation,” the researchers write. “Tesla house owners within the South have been the almost definitely to report vandalism, with 46% saying their car was deliberately broken. That’s greater than double the speed of these within the Midwest (11%) and considerably larger than the West (21%), or Northeast (22%).”
The youngest drivers reported probably the most vandalism – 61% of Technology Z Tesla house owners reported injury.
Forty-three % stated they’d seen “impolite gestures or unfavourable feedback from strangers whereas behind the wheel.” Sixty % stated they drive much less or keep away from sure areas out of worry.
Associated: Tips on how to Purchase Automotive Insurance coverage: All the pieces You Must Know
Simply 1 in 5 Regrets Buy
Regardless of the traits, simply 19% remorse shopping for a Tesla. But 30% say they wouldn’t purchase one other — a major change for an organization that has lengthy loved the very best buyer retention charge within the auto business.
Associated: Tesla Insurance coverage Prices Rising Quick
Vandalism issues could also be driving insurance coverage prices larger, Guardian says. Totally 61% report that their insurance coverage premiums have gone up this 12 months, with the typical improve equaling $340 per 12 months.
Insurance coverage prices for Tesla autos, nonetheless, have been larger than for many different EVs earlier than widespread protests started at firm amenities. Tesla makes use of a big battery built-in into the automobile’s construction, so even minor injury usually requires full battery alternative. Many different EV builders use modular batteries that may be repaired with out being changed.
