Zeekr, Jac, Deepal. You may think these names are foreign, but they’ll soon be sitting alongside Toyotas, Hyundais and Mazdas in traffic.
At least seven new Chinese car brands have been confirmed to launch in 2025 – or are already available – in Australia.
Following the success of MG, GWM and BYD, the Chinese automotive industry has clearly seen an opportunity to offer more competitively priced, value-packed, and high-tech new cars Down Under – whether powered by petrol, diesel or electricity.
But what’s the catch?
Aside from the sharp price tags, big screens and fancy lights, they could be more costly to insure.
Insurers determine premiums based on a range of risk-based factors – and a car brand that has little claims history and an infant local supply chain of parts could drive up prices for owners looking to protect their brand-new car.
In the United Kingdom, we have already seen some underwriters refuse cover for certain Chinese-made models due to an allegedly insufficient availability of parts, almost non-existent repair information, and a lack of knowledge of how the European repair market works.
The team at Compare the Market have also previously found full electric vehicles – which are the main focus for the upcoming Chinese brands – generally carry a higher comprehensive car insurance premium.
On average across 12 insurers studied, it’s anywhere between 7% to 97% more expensive to cover the top five best-selling full EV models compared to a similar petrol-powered model.
This is because the battery pack creates more complexity for repairers, many EV-specific parts need to be imported from overseas, and there’s a skills shortage with fewer qualified smash repairers for electric cars in Australia – which contributes to delays in repairs and inconvenience for owners.
And with the federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NEVS) due to go in effect next year, the supply and uptake of hybrid and electric vehicles will only continue to grow.
However, insuring an EV doesn’t need to be prohibitive. The car insurance experts found some providers offer cover that cost on par with petrol-powered models. There are simple ways to reduce your premium too, such as increasing your basic excess, paying annually instead of monthly, and restricting drivers’ ages.
That’s why it pays to compare – rather than staying loyal with a particular insurer – as you could find a better deal for the same or similar policy.
As we enter into 2025, expect the new car insurance premium average to drive up as more new brands ranging from Leapmotor to Xpeng join our roads alongside Teslas, Fords and Kias.
Increased repair and transport costs will continue to contribute to higher car insurance renewal notices for motorists, too.
But the power is in Australian consumers’ hands to shop around on insurance well before you sign the dotted line for a new car. Don’t park yourself into higher prices.
