Going green, especially when it comes to the car you drive, is an option more and more people are choosing to take. From better gas mileage to the environmental advantage, people are looking to save money while also making an effort to help protect the valuable planet on which we all live. If you have gone green or are thinking about going green, car insurance for a green vehicle is likely something you’ve thought about.

All vehicles that are driven on the road should have an insurance policy in order to keep drivers, the vehicle, and third parties financially covered in case of accidents, thefts, vandalism, or injuries. Car insurance doesn’t keep accidents from happening, but it does allow you to recover from such events as easily as possible. Having to replace your vehicle out of pocket can be financially devastating for some, not to mention the cost of another driver’s property damage or personal medical bills that could also result from a car accident.

 

Going Green

 

Green vehicles encompass the categories of electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle. Some vehicles can be entirely run on battery power and require no additional fuel, while others run on a mix of electric power and gas to get the most fuel efficiency. Over time, not having to pay as much for gasoline to power your vehicle can save you money. Additionally, driving a green car supports a lifestyle that values our environment and the impact we have on it through the technology we use every day.

Green vehicles can cost more to buy than a regular vehicle, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that your insurance rates will be higher than if you bought a normal car. Green vehicles are highly energy efficient, are quiet to drive, and can easily make your commute and daily errands easier. However, they are more expensive to replace since there are fewer of them out on the roads; parts to fix green or hybrid vehicles aren’t as readily available, which increases maintenance costs in general.

 

Insuring a Green Vehicles

 

Drivers of green vehicles are subject to the same factors as the drivers of regular cars. There are discounts out there, but they are not automatic. Insurance companies use the same rationale for insuring green vehicles as they do regular cars.

Factors that influence your insurance rates can include:

• Where you live
• Your driving history
• The make and model of your car
• How much you drive it
• How much it’s worth
• How many people drive it
• How likely it is to be stolen
• The amount of coverage you want

All these factors play a role in how much you’ll pay for your vehicle insurance.

Statistics show that drivers of green vehicles tend to drive less, which means they rack up fewer miles. Being on the road less means they aren’t as at risk of getting into an accident while driving. This ultimately decreases their probability of having to file an insurance claim for an accident.

Although the green or hybrid vehicle might cost more off the lot, since they are less risky with usage than most other regular vehicles, the cost of insurance remains generally the same as a regular vehicle. So, your car insurance for a green vehicle won’t be cost prohibitive and should be consistent with the price other people are paying for a regular car.

To get the most bang for your buck, look for an automobile insurance company that offers a green driver/vehicle discount on your total insurance rate. This may help you get a better price for your vehicle insurance. Not all companies do this, though, but there are still green discounts that you can find that could help lower your car insurance premiums.

 

To wrap things up, drivers of green and hybrid vehicles can and do save money on their car insurance premiums. However, this is not a standard, it is insurance company specific. You are still under the influence of the other factors that insurance companies consider when putting together policy packages and insurance rates. Simply driving a green vehicle doesn’t automatically mean your insurance payments will be lower. Remember to ask your company what benefits they offer for driving a green vehicle. Another good thing is that when driving a green car, you will save money by not spending as much on fuel.

To learn more about green vehicles and insuring them, contact our team at www.protectiveagency.com or call (877)739-9367. Our licensed insurance agents will be happy to answer any questions you have.