A guide to green car insurance

There are many ways to assist the environment from a motoring perspective – from buying green cars to the way you drive. However, did you know that you could also take out a green car insurance policy?

This guide to green car insurance will explain exactly what green car insurance is and who it’s right for.

What is green car insurance?

Broadly, green car insurance will refer to one of two things:

• Exclusive green car insurance companies

There are several car insurance providers that have launched exclusively targeting the ‘green market’ – meaning drivers who want an insurance product that’s as environmentally friendly as possible.

In the majority of cases, these insurers offer ‘carbon offsetting’ schemes. With some insurers this means that a percentage of the price of the insurance will go to carbon offsetting projects. In other cases, green car insurance companies will offset 100% of your vehicle’s emissions.

Carbon offsetting schemes can take varying forms depending on the provider. It could involve planting trees, supporting recycling schemes or other green projects.

Some green car insurance companies will offer a percentage of their profits to green causes and may offer additional green incentives such as using recycled car parts where possible for repairs and recycling your car if it is written-off.

• Conventional car insurance companies with green schemes

Some conventional car insurers will offer green schemes. This can mean paying an additional premium to contribute to carbon offsetting projects such as planting trees or it could mean that your provider will offer recycled parts for repairs.

Several car insurance companies are now offering reduced premiums to drivers of green cars too. The general consensus from insurers is that green car drivers are generally more responsible and therefore present less risk to the insurer.

• Where can you find green car insurance?

If you’re happy with your existing car insurance policy your first stop should be to contact your provider directly and see if it offers any environmental incentives.

Otherwise, shop around for car insurance online. By visiting several insurers’ websites you should be able to gain a perspective of the deals that are out there and which is right for you. Don’t forget to ensure that any green car insurance policy still offers the level of cover you require.

• Is green car insurance right for you?

If you want to do your bit for the environment then of course, green car insurance is ideal. However, these policies can be more expensive.

Consequently, there is a strong argument for shopping around for the cheapest car insurance policy you can find that provides the level of cover you need – perhaps using one of the cluster of online comparison tools. Once you’ve found the cheapest policy you can use the money you save to invest into an environmental project of your own choice.

Of course, this does require self-discipline with your cash and a commitment to do the right thing by the environment.

Green Car Insurance companies include ibuyeco, The Green Car Insurance Company, ETA car insurance, Yes Insurance and The Co-operative car insurance among others.

• What about breakdown cover?

Breaking down – none of us want that to happen, however, the truth is that if you drive then you could breakdown at any time. Luck has it that it will occur at the most inconvenient moment, and you will have to shell out a lot of money just to get home. If you have breakdown cover, that process is made a lot easier, cheaper and quicker. To find a level of breakdown cover thats right for you, visit PetrolPrices.com, who have compared over 50 policies from the leading breakdown cover providers, all in one place.

Author: Lee Sibbald, March 14, 2008

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