Mitchell Reports Rise in Hybrid Collision Claims
June 1, 2026
Mitchell released its Q1 2026 Plugged-In: EV Collision Insights report, highlighting changes in electric vehicle and hybrid collision claims trends across the U.S. and Canada. The report found repairable collision claims for battery electric vehicles remained stable during the first quarter. At the same time, hybrid collision claims for mild hybrid electric vehicles reached record levels in both countries.
Hybrid Collision Claims Reach Record Levels
Mitchell reported that mild hybrid electric vehicle collision claims increased to 5.69% in the U.S. and 5.28% in Canada during Q1 2026. The company said those figures represented year-over-year increases of 25% and 33%, respectively.
Repairable collision claims for battery electric vehicles accounted for 3.33% of claims in the U.S. and 4.94% in Canada.
“Electrification isn’t slowing, it’s evolving,” said Ryan Mandell, Mitchell’s vice president of strategy and market intelligence. “Even as BEV sales soften, the number of hybrids on the road is growing, and that is clearly reflected in the rise of hybrid collision claims. For insurers, this affects the types of vehicles and risks they must manage. For repairers, it adds complexity by requiring additional tooling, labor operations and training to ensure a proper and safe repair.”
EV Adoption and Repair Trends
The report cited rising fuel costs and geopolitical instability in the Middle East as factors increasing consumer interest in electric vehicles, particularly hybrids. Mitchell said supply constraints, import tariffs and the expiration of federal tax incentives contributed to slower battery electric vehicle adoption rates.
Despite the slowdown, the company said battery electric vehicles are still expected to account for about 29% of new vehicle sales and slightly more than 10% of vehicles in operation by 2035.
Total Loss and Claims Severity Data
Mitchell reported that about 12% of battery electric vehicle collision claims resulted in total loss determinations. The rate for internal combustion engine vehicles less than six years old was 13%.
The report also found claims severity remained highest for electrified vehicles despite declines across all powertrain types.
In the U.S., average severity for repairable claims reached:
- $6,042 for battery electric vehicles;
- $5,352 for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles;
- $4,993 for mild hybrid electric vehicles;
- $4,902 for internal combustion engine vehicles.
Mitchell said claims severity in Canada followed a similar pattern.
Regional EV Claim Concentration
The report identified British Columbia, Quebec and California as the North American regions with the highest number of repairable battery electric vehicle claims. Mitchell said the geographic concentration reflects continued regional adoption patterns for electric vehicles.
The full Plugged-In: EV Collision Insights report is available through the Mitchell website.
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