A recent study from Guardian Service reveals that 44% of Tesla owners in the U.S. have dealt with intentional damage to their vehicles. The survey gathered input from 508 Tesla owners, examining vandalism, rising insurance rates, and social pressure.
The age breakdown was 28% Gen Z, 31% Millennials, and 31% Gen X and Baby Boomers. It looked at how vandalism and costs affect owners, and how different age groups feel about their experience.
Key results
Intentional damage
44% of owners said their Tesla had been purposely damaged. This includes things like keyed paint and slashed tires. On average, these incidents cost $1,900 in repairs. The numbers vary by region:
- South: 46%
- Northeast: 22%
- West: 21%
- Midwest: 11%
Gen Z drivers were hit harder. 61% said their car was damaged, and their average repair cost was $2,113. For older drivers, the average was $1,730.
How owners react
Most owners, 72%, think Teslas are singled out more than other cars. Many say this changes how they drive and act:
- 43% say they’ve had rude gestures or comments while driving
- 66% feel uneasy about leaving their car alone
- 60% try to avoid certain areas or drive less often
- 37% stay off social media to avoid criticism about owning a Tesla
Millennials (40%) and Gen Z (37%) are more likely to do this than Gen X and Baby Boomers (33%).
Satisfaction with Tesla
These problems are hurting how people feel about owning a Tesla:
- 19% say they regret buying one
- Millennials regret their purchase the most at 22%, followed by Gen Z at 18%
- 34% say they may sell or trade in their Tesla within a year, with Gen Z leading at 37%
- 30% wouldn’t buy another Tesla
- Still, 66% would recommend Tesla to others
Breakdown by age group
| Generation | Regret Purchase | Planning to Sell | Would Not Buy Again |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gen Z | 18% | 37% | 18% |
| Millennials | 22% | Not reported | 22% |
| Gen X/Boomers | 17% | Not reported | 17% |
Insurance problems
Insurance is another big issue. 61% of Tesla owners say their premiums went up. On average, that increase is $340 a year. Millennials pay the most, with an average jump of $360.
- 61% say they didn’t expect insurance to cost this much
- 30% have already switched insurance companies
- 24% are looking for better deals
- 36% of Millennials say insurers don’t get EV risks, which they believe leads to higher rates
Future cost worries by generation
| Generation | Premium Increase | Average Increase | Expect Future Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gen Z | 61% | Not stated | 61% |
| Millennials | 61% | $360 | 50% |
| Gen X/Boomers | 61% | Not stated | 52% |
The report shows that the owners deal with targeted damage, higher insurance costs, and stress. Younger drivers and people in the South seem to face more trouble.
Even though 66% still recommend Tesla, the fact that 34% might sell and 30% won’t buy another one is something Tesla and the EV industry should take seriously. These challenges could affect how quickly more people choose electric cars.
You can check the Guardian Services’ full study here.
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