What You Need to Know When Considering an EV

Justin Sonon • August 14, 2025

Things to consider before going electric

electric vehicle charging
What You Need to Know Before Considering an Electric Vehicle

Electric vehicles (EVs) have surged in popularity over the past decade, thanks to advances in technology, growing environmental awareness, and expanding charging networks. Whether you’re motivated by lower emissions, reduced fuel costs, or the thrill of new automotive tech, buying an EV is a big decision. Here’s what you should know before making the switch.

1. Understanding Range and Charging Needs 

Range: EVs vary widely in how far they can go on a single charge, from about 150 miles for some entry-level models to over 400 miles for premium options. Consider your daily driving habits and whether you take frequent long trips.
Charging at Home: Most EV owners charge at home overnight using a Level 2 charger (240V), which often requires professional installation.
Public Charging: Public charging networks are growing rapidly, but availability still depends on your area. Apps like PlugShare can help you locate charging stations.

2. Charging Time and Speed 

Level 1 (120V): Uses a standard household outlet. Slow, often 24+ hours for a full charge.
Level 2 (240V): Common for home and workplace charging. Full charge in 4–10 hours.
DC Fast Charging: Available at public stations; can provide 80% charge in 20–40 minutes. Not all EVs support the fastest charging speeds.

3. Cost Considerations

Upfront Price: EVs often have a higher sticker price than gas-powered cars, though this gap is narrowing.
Tax Incentives & Rebates: Federal tax credits (up to $7,500) and state or local incentives can reduce the cost significantly.
Fuel Savings: Charging an EV is generally cheaper than filling a gas tank, especially if you charge at home during off-peak hours.
Maintenance Savings: EVs have fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and reduced brake wear thanks to regenerative braking.

4. Battery Life and Warranty 

EV batteries are designed to last for many years, often 8–15 years depending on usage and climate. Most manufacturers offer battery warranties of 8 years or 100,000 miles (sometimes more), covering significant capacity loss.

5. Environmental Impact 

While EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, battery production does have an environmental footprint. However, over the vehicle’s lifetime, EVs generally have a lower overall carbon footprint than gas vehicles, especially in regions with cleaner electricity grids.

6. Resale Value 

The resale market for EVs is still evolving. Factors such as battery health, brand reputation, and upcoming technology improvements can affect resale value more than for traditional vehicles.

7. Lifestyle Fit 

If you regularly take long road trips, you’ll need to plan routes around charging stations.
Apartment dwellers without home charging access should ensure reliable public or workplace charging options.
Consider your local climate — extremely cold or hot weather can temporarily reduce battery range.

Switching to an electric vehicle can bring cost savings, convenience, and environmental benefits, but it’s important to evaluate your driving habits, charging access, and budget before making the leap. By understanding range, charging, costs, and lifestyle factors, you can make an informed choice that fits your needs — and maybe even makes driving more enjoyable.  Contact us for a free estimate on insurance rates for EVs.

Recent posts

September 18, 2025
Will Your Auto or Home Insurance Cover Your Mobile Device or Computer? Our phones and laptops aren’t just gadgets anymore, they’re lifelines. From handling business on the go to streaming that must-watch series at night, they’re practically extensions of ourselves. But what happens when the unexpected occurs? A drop, a theft, a spilled cup of coffee, will your auto or home insurance policy swoop in to save the day? Let’s break it down. Home Insurance & Your Tech Good news! Most homeowners and renters insurance policies can cover personal electronics like smartphones, tablets, and computers, at least up to policy limits. Theft or Fire : If your laptop is stolen from your home or damaged in a covered event like a house fire, your policy may reimburse you. Vandalism & Certain Storms : Same deal here. If your tech is damaged by something your policy specifically lists as covered, you’re in luck. But here’s the potential issue: coverage is usually subject to your deductible. If you have a $1,000 deductible and your device is worth $800, you might be out of pocket. 💡 Pro Tip: Ask your agent about scheduled personal property coverage or a rider, these can give your devices extra protection (and sometimes lower deductibles). Auto Insurance & Your Devices This one surprises people. If your phone or laptop is stolen from your car, your auto policy generally doesn’t cover it. Instead, it would fall back to your homeowners or renters insurance. However, your auto insurance can play a role if your car itself is damaged and your devices are harmed in the process. Example: a covered accident shatters your windshield and your laptop sitting in the passenger seat gets smashed. Some policies may extend limited coverage for items damaged inside the vehicle. Still, it’s not the main player here, think of your car insurance as handling the car first and foremost. What’s Not Typically Covered Accidental Damage (a.k.a. Clumsy Drops) : Most standard home or renters insurance won’t pay out if you drop your phone in the pool. Wear & Tear : If your laptop battery dies from age, that’s on you. Manufacturer Defects : That’s what warranties or protection plans are for. How to Make Sure You’re Protected Inventory Your Devices : Keep a running list (and receipts if you have them). Check Your Policy Limits : Electronics often have sub-limits that cap coverage. Consider Add-Ons : Riders or endorsements can provide stronger coverage for today’s high-ticket devices. Device Protection Beyond Your Plan While you’re safeguarding your tech, why not protect how you carry it? If you’re in the market for premium, durable, stylish leather accessories, check out our office favorites and get our exclusive 10% discount - Andar – Handcrafted Wallets & Tech Accessories These items don’t replace insurance, but they make sure your phone or computer travels in style and gets treated like the valuable gear it is. The Sonon Insurance Takeaway Insurance is about more than protecting the big stuff like your car or home, it’s also about safeguarding the tools that keep your everyday life running smoothly. If you rely on your devices (and who doesn’t?), make sure your coverage fits your lifestyle. At Sonon Insurance, we’ll walk you through what’s covered, what’s not, and how to fill in the gaps so your laptop or phone doesn’t leave you stranded in the digital stone age. ✅ Affiliate Disclosure & Legal Stuff We want to be transparent: some of the product links in this post are affiliate links—meaning Sonon Insurance may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This comes at no extra cost to you, and we only promote products we genuinely believe will provide value. We’re not responsible for warranties, returns, or damage once the product is in your hands—any such policies come from the product brand itself.
By Justin Sonon September 10, 2025
Gap Insurance: Dealer Add-On vs. Auto Insurance Policy — Which Is the Smarter Choice? Buying a new car is exciting, but it also comes with financial risks. The moment you drive off the lot, your vehicle starts to depreciate in value. If your car is ever totaled or stolen, your standard auto insurance typically pays out the actual cash value, not the balance left on your loan or lease. That’s where Gap Insurance comes in. Short for Guaranteed Asset Protection, it covers the “gap” between what your vehicle is worth and what you still owe your lender. Why You’ll Hear About Gap Insurance at the Dealership When you’re finalizing your purchase, the finance manager often offers Gap Insurance as an add-on. Convenience : You can roll it right into your financing paperwork. Cost : This convenience comes at a price. Dealers typically charge $400– $900 as a one-time fee, and because it’s financed, you’ll also pay interest on it. Commitment : Once it’s bundled into your loan, you’re locked into that cost even if your balance drops faster than expected. For example: if you buy a $30,000 SUV and total it a year later when it’s worth only $24,000, but you still owe $28,000, the dealer’s Gap Insurance would cover the $4,000 difference. Useful—but not always cost-effective. Gap Insurance Through Your Auto Insurance Policy What many car buyers don’t realize is that they can add Gap Insurance directly to their auto insurance policy. Lower Cost : Most carriers charge just $20–$40 per year for the same protection. Flexibility : You can add or remove the coverage as your loan balance changes. Same Protection : It covers the same difference between your loan and your vehicle’s actual cash value. In the SUV example above, adding Gap Insurance through your policy would provide the same $4,000 protection—but at a fraction of the cost. Which Option Is Best? If you like convenience and don’t mind paying more, the dealership option works. If you want long-term savings, adding Gap Insurance to your auto policy is almost always the smarter financial choice. At Sonon Insurance , you can explore whether adding Gap Insurance to your auto policy makes more sense for your wallet. Because protecting your vehicle, and your finances, shouldn’t cost more than it has to.