[tomatocracy]

Except that unfortunately all of the following can be (and I wouldn't be surprised if they are) true: (i) Tesla cars are safer than most, (ii) Tesla drivers are safer than most, (iii) Tesla accidents cost insurers more than average, more than offsetting (i) and (ii). (You could also possibly add (iv) Tesla drivers are more likely to be located in states/countries where running an insurer is more expensive).

The cost (to the insurer) of providing car insurance isn't about how "safe" a driver is, it's about a combination of (1) how likely they are to make a claim (including accidents which aren't their fault - locality plays a part here - and thefts etc), and (2) how much will the average claim costs their insurer (and repair costs factor in massively here).

[693471]

I imagine having the insurance under Tesla umbrella could make repairs cheaper in certain scenarios

[londons_explore]

If Tesla did quicker & cheaper repairs on cars insured by them, would that be illegal?

It would harm competing insurance companies significantly, and mean they can effectively corner the entire insurance market for their own cars.

[693471]

They get to source the parts at cost. I don't think that's illegal really. It's kind of like AppleCare, right?

[tomatocracy]

It might be possible for them to argue this on the basis of a volume discount.

[dagw]

Does Tesla own and run all their own repair shops or do they license and certify third party shops.

[693471]

I think both