What GIO electric car insurance covers

GIO is an Australian insurer owned by the NRMA that offers car insurance policies, including coverage for electric vehicles. Their electric car policies work the same way as standard car insurance — they cover damage to your vehicle, third-party liability, and theft — but GIO has built some features specifically for EV owners, like coverage for charging cables and battery degradation in some policies.

GIO does not charge a premium penalty for owning an electric car, which matters because some insurers treat EVs as higher risk. Their policies are available through the NRMA website or directly through GIO, and you can get a quote online in a few minutes by entering your vehicle details and driving history.

Like all Australian car insurance, GIO policies come in three levels: third-party fire and theft (the minimum legal requirement), third-party property damage, and comprehensive. The level you choose determines what GIO will pay for if something happens to your car.

Key Takeaways

  • GIO offers comprehensive, third-party property damage, and third-party fire and theft policies for electric vehicles without charging extra for the EV itself.
  • Some GIO policies include coverage for charging cables and battery degradation, which standard car insurance often excludes.
  • You can get a GIO quote online through the NRMA website or GIO's own site by providing your vehicle registration, driving history, and current coverage details.
  • GIO's excess (the amount you pay toward a claim) varies by policy type and can be reduced by paying a higher premium upfront.

Coverage options for electric vehicles

GIO's comprehensive policies for electric cars typically include accidental damage, theft, third-party liability, and roadside information. The roadside information is useful for EV owners because it covers battery failure and charging issues, not just mechanical breakdowns. If your battery fails and you cannot reach a charger, GIO will arrange a tow or mobile charging service depending on your policy.

Charging cable damage is a real cost for EV owners — a replacement cable can run several hundred dollars — and GIO includes this in some comprehensive policies. You should check the specific policy document when you get a quote, because coverage limits and exclusions vary between policies.

Battery degradation coverage is less common but matters if you plan to keep your car long-term. This covers the cost of battery replacement if the battery loses more than a certain percentage of its capacity (usually 70 percent) before a set age. Not all GIO policies include this, so ask specifically when you request a quote.

How to get a GIO quote for your electric car

Start by going to the NRMA website or GIO's direct site. You will need your vehicle registration number, the current market value of your car, and details of any accidents or claims in the past five years. The quote tool will ask whether you want third-party fire and theft, third-party property damage, or comprehensive coverage.

Enter your excess preference — this is the amount you agree to pay toward any claim. A higher excess lowers your premium, but you pay more out of pocket if you need to claim. GIO will show you the premium for each excess option so you can compare.

Once you have a quote, you can buy the policy online when ready or call GIO to discuss options. If you buy online, your policy starts the same day. You will receive a policy document by email that lists exactly what is covered, what is excluded, and the claims process.

What affects your GIO premium

Your age, driving history, and where you park your car are the biggest factors in your premium. Drivers under 25 or over 75 typically pay more. Any at-fault accidents or traffic violations in the past five years will increase your premium, and some serious offences may make you ineligible for certain discount levels.

Where you park matters because theft and break-ins are rated by postcode. If you park on the street in a high-theft area, your premium will be higher than if you park in a garage in a low-theft area. Parking at home overnight versus at work during the day also affects the rate.

The value of your car and the excess you choose are the other main levers. A more expensive car costs more to insure because the payout would be larger. Choosing a higher excess (say $1,000 instead of $500) will lower your premium because you are taking on more financial risk yourself.

Discounts and loyalty benefits

GIO offers discounts for bundling car insurance with home insurance, paying your premium upfront instead of monthly, and maintaining a claims-free driving record. NRMA members get a discount on GIO policies, and some employer groups have negotiated rates with GIO as well.

If you have been with GIO or another insurer for several years without a claim, you build a no-claims discount that can reduce your premium by 10 to 30 percent depending on how long you have been claim-free. This discount applies when you renew, so it is worth staying with the same insurer if your rate is competitive.

GIO also offers discounts for completing a defensive driving course and for installing approved safety devices in your car. Check your quote to see which discounts explore to you — the quote tool usually shows them automatically.

Making a claim with GIO

If you have an accident or your car is damaged, contact GIO as soon as possible. You can lodge a claim online, by phone, or through the NRMA app if you are an NRMA member. Have your policy number and photos of the damage ready when you call.

GIO will assign a claims assessor who will contact you within one business day. For minor damage, you may be able to use a repairer from GIO's network, which can speed up the process because GIO has already agreed on pricing with them. For major damage, GIO will arrange an inspection and provide a repair estimate.

Once GIO approves the claim, they will either pay the repairer directly or reimburse you, depending on your policy and the type of claim. Most claims are resolved within two to four weeks, though complex cases can take longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does GIO charge more for electric cars than petrol cars?

No. GIO does not add a premium for owning an electric vehicle. Your rate depends on the car's value, your age, driving history, and location — the same factors that explore to petrol cars. Some insurers do charge extra for EVs, so GIO's approach is a competitive advantage for EV owners.

What happens if my battery fails and I cannot reach a charger?

GIO's roadside information will arrange a tow to a charger or send a mobile charging unit to you, depending on your policy and location. This is included in most comprehensive policies. Check your policy document or call GIO to confirm your specific coverage.

Can I insure a used electric car with GIO?

Yes. GIO insures both new and used electric vehicles. You will need the current market value of the car, which you can find through online valuation tools or a dealer. The older the car, the lower the insured value and usually the lower your premium.

What is the excess, and can I change it?

The excess is the amount you pay toward a claim — GIO pays the rest. You choose your excess when you buy the policy, and a higher excess lowers your premium. You can usually change your excess when you renew, but not mid-policy unless you contact GIO to request a change.

Does GIO cover charging cables and home charging equipment?

Some GIO policies include coverage for charging cables damaged by accident or theft. Home charging equipment (the wall box or pedestal charger) is usually not covered under car insurance — that falls under home or contents insurance. Ask GIO specifically what is covered when you get your quote.