Many Chinese car models remain difficult to insure in the UK, with some owners facing premiums far higher than comparable European vehicles, experts warn. Industry insiders point to a combination of unfamiliarity with the brands and concerns over replacement parts as key reasons for the coverage gap.
Gerry Bucke, general manager at Adrian Flux, explained that insurers rely heavily on data to determine premiums. “There are insurers right now who won’t cover many models, or they charge very high rates, because of concerns around sourcing and replacing parts,” he said. “The lack of familiarity with the brands means some won’t underwrite Chinese cars, which can be frustrating for drivers. We’d urge people to be patient but, more importantly, shop around.”
Major insurers have acknowledged the challenge. Ageas confirmed that many Chinese brands are still new to the market, but added that it is working to include additional models as sufficient data becomes available. Similarly, LV= General Insurance stated that it does not yet provide coverage for many popular Chinese vehicles while assessing the associated risks.
For drivers who do manage to obtain insurance, costs can be dramatically higher than for European alternatives. Carwow’s investigation revealed stark differences: while a Peugeot E-3008 can be insured for around £838 per year, the all-electric Chinese Skywell BE11 carries a premium of £2,203 despite being on sale for two years.
Some Chinese manufacturers are taking steps to reduce costs. Skywell partnered with Adrian Flux to launch a dedicated insurance program aimed at making its vehicles more accessible to UK drivers. Other comparisons showed that a VW Tiguan could be insured for just under £700, whereas premiums for the new Jaecoo 7 started at £858—£165 more per year.
Bucke stressed the importance of personalized insurance solutions. “We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all policies, especially for emerging brands. Speaking to someone who can understand the specifics of your vehicle and circumstances can help bring premiums down and avoid the sky-high costs some Chinese car owners currently face.”
