Car insurance options for green cars

The term `green cars` generally refers to vehicles with low carbon dioxide (CO2) emission levels. It may include vehicles that are specifically designed to deliver improved fuel economy and be environmentally friendly - such as hybrid cars, electric cars and alternative fuel vehicles such as biofuel-powered cars.

The average car emits about six tonnes of CO2 every year, along with other harmful emissions. Driving green cars can help reduce our environmental impact, limiting the effects of global warming and climate change.

What makes green cars unique?

There are several different types of green cars with different features including:

Alternative fuel cars
These vehicles run on fuels such as ethanol or bio-diesel as an alternative to petrol or diesel.

Electric cars
Charged by a socket at home they have zero emissions. However, they often have limited mileage range and low top speeds.

Fuel cell cars
These convert energy from chemical form into electrical energy, water and heat. In most cases the fuel used is hydrogen.

Hybrid cars
Hybrids have an on-board rechargeable energy storage system and a fuel powered source to gain propulsion. In slow moving traffic hybrids often run purely on electric power and then revert to petrol at higher speeds.

What hybrid cars are available in the UK?

The hybrid cars available in the UK are:

Honda Civic Hybrid
Emissions are just 109g/km with fuel consumption at 61.4mpg. The vehicle has a top speed of 115mph and fits into vehicle excise duty (VED) band B.

 Lexus GS-450h
The first mass-produced rear-wheel drive luxury hybrid car with CO2 emissions of 186g/km, and fuel consumption of 35.9mpg.

Lexus LS-600h
The first V8 powered full hybrid with CO2 emissions at 219g/km and fuel consumption at 30.4mpg.

. Lexus RX-400h
A hybrid sports utility vehicle with CO2 emissions at 192g/km and fuel consumption at 34.9mpg.

Toyota Prius
The world`s most famous hybrid car achieves 65.7mpg, has emissions at 104g/km and fits into VED band B.

Car insurance for green cars

Finding car insurance for your green car can be frustrating as increased repair costs often lead to higher premiums. However, there are now a number of specialists on the market that aim to offer competitive quotes coupled with unique policy features, including:

.Adrian Flux
Acknowledges that green car drivers often drive responsibly. Cover is available for hybrids, electrics, hydrogen cars and alternative fuel vehicles with protected no-claims discounts and agreed value cover available.

.More Th>n Green Wheels car insurance
With this scheme policyholders can save 10 per cent on premiums by agreeing to have a `green box` inserted into their car. This monitors your driving habits and helps you drive in a more eco-friendly manner. There is a further discount for hybrid car drivers.

The Green Insurance Company
Includes a discount for green cars and aims to offset 100 per cent of your car`s emissions.

Yes Insurance
Includes cashback for hybrid car drivers - part of which goes towards environmental schemes and the other part goes to you.

The key is to think about whether you want to take part in these environmental schemes or simply save money. Another option is to shop around for cheap car insurance with a comparison website and put the money you save towards a green scheme of your own choice.

How to drive green

To reduce your environmental impact plan your route, avoid congested areas, consider car sharing schemes, correctly inflate tires, remove roof racks and drive smoothly to avoid hard acceleration and braking and boost fuel consumption. However when you drive, ensure that you have suitable car insurance as you can`t predict the actions of others. For more information go to http://www.gocompare.com/car-insurance/