Electric cars may be the future, but some Tesla owners say the road has been far bumpier than expected. From slashed tires to skyrocketing premiums, new data reveals the hidden risks of driving one of the country’s most talked-about vehicles. Guardian Service surveyed over 500 Tesla drivers to explore how vandalism, insurance hikes, and public perception are reshaping the EV ownership experience — especially for younger generations and those in certain U.S. regions.
Key Takeaways
- Over 2 in 5 Tesla owners (44%) report experiencing intentional damage to their vehicle, like keying or slashed tires, costing them an average of $1,900 in repairs.
- Tesla owners in the South (46%) are more than twice as likely to report vandalism compared to those in the Northeast (22%), West (21%), or Midwest (11%).
- Nearly 3 in 4 Tesla owners (72%) believe they’re more likely to be targeted for vandalism than other drivers.
- Over 3 in 5 Tesla owners (61%) say their insurance premiums have increased, by an average of $340 annually, and 53% expect another hike this year.
Vandalism Anxiety Is Real, and Costly
Even as Teslas gain popularity, many owners face an unexpected downside: being targeted on the road.
Reports of intentional damage are widespread, with nearly half of owners (44%) saying their vehicle has been keyed, slashed, or otherwise vandalized. For these owners, the average repair bill is nearly $1,900. The risk isn’t equal across the country: Tesla owners in the South were the most likely to report vandalism, with 46% saying their vehicle was intentionally damaged. That’s more than double the rate of those in the Midwest (11%) and significantly higher than the West (21%) or Northeast (22%).
Younger Tesla drivers seem to face the most hostility: 61% of Gen Z owners said their car had been vandalized — that’s nearly twice the rate of older generations. They also spent the most on repairs, averaging $2,113. Millennials and older drivers, by comparison, paid closer to $1,730.
Beyond physical damage, 43% of Tesla owners said they’ve received rude gestures or negative comments from strangers while behind the wheel. No wonder 66% feel anxious leaving their car unattended, and 60% say concerns over vandalism or insurance have led them to drive less or avoid certain areas entirely.
Some Owners Are Second-Guessing Their Tesla Purchase
The excitement of owning a Tesla may be wearing off for a surprising number of people.
Nearly a third (30%) of owners said they wouldn’t choose a Tesla again if given the chance. While most still enjoy their vehicles, regret appears to be growing — especially among younger generations.
Millennials were the most likely to report buyer’s remorse, with 22% saying they regretted their purchase. Gen Z drivers were close behind at 18%, followed by Gen X and baby boomers at 17% (combined). When looking ahead, 37% of Gen Z owners said they’re considering selling or trading in their Tesla in the next year. That’s more than any other generation.
A common theme among those reconsidering their purchase was public perception. More than 1 in 3 owners (37%) said they’ve avoided posting about their car on social media out of fear of backlash or judgment. Millennials (40%) were the most likely to say they’ve avoided posting about their Tesla on social media due to fear of backlash. Nearly as many Gen Zers said the same (37%), followed by baby boomers and Gen X (33% combined).
Insurance Surprises and Frustrations
For many Tesla drivers, insurance premiums have become a major source of frustration.
Sixty-one percent said their insurance rates increased after buying an EV, with the average hike coming in at $340 per year. Millennials reported the steepest jumps, averaging $360 annually. Insurance sticker shock caught many off guard: 61% of Tesla owners were surprised by how expensive their policy was when they first got an EV. Nearly 1 in 3 owners (30%) have since switched providers, and 24% are currently shopping around for better rates.
But high premiums aren’t the only concern. In early 2025, Tesla’s Cybertruck was recalled due to accelerator pedal issues that increased the risk of crashes. While the manufacturer covers recalls, they can still cause major disruptions in owners’ daily lives. For Tesla owners already paying more for insurance, it’s yet another reminder that the EV experience can come with more complications than expected.
Over a third of millennial Tesla owners (36%) believe their insurer doesn’t understand the unique risks of electric vehicle ownership. Gen Z drivers were the most likely to expect another rate increase this year, with 61% predicting a premium hike. Baby boomers/Gen X (52% combined) and millennials (50%) were less likely to expect this.
A Bumpy Road for Tesla Drivers
Electric vehicle ownership comes with undeniable perks, but Teslas, in particular, could come with some serious headaches. Tesla owners nationwide fear vandalism, rising insurance costs, and social stigma, affecting where they drive, who they trust, and how they feel about their cars. As the auto market races toward electrification, the road for Tesla owners is proving more turbulent, costly, and emotionally charged than they ever expected.
Methodology
We surveyed 508 Tesla drivers to explore how vandalism, insurance hikes, and targeted hostility are reshaping the EV ownership experience in America. The generational breakdown was Gen Z (28%), millennials (31%), and Gen X and baby boomers combined (31%). Survey data was collected in April 2025. Some percentages don’t total 100 due to rounding.
About Guardian Service
Guardian Service makes shopping for auto insurance easier, more affordable, and less stressful. With a customer-first approach, we help drivers protect what matters most while keeping the process simple and transparent.
Fair Use Statement
These findings can be shared for noncommercial purposes, provided proper attribution is given through a link.
