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Green Car Insurance

There is no doubt that owning and running a car is a necessity for many people today, but in doing so it contributes to global warming. It is estimated that personal car travel produces 13% of the UK's total greenhouse gas emissions, not to mention contributing to air pollution and congestion. However, there is an array of ways to help offset the carbon emissions made by your car usage through taking out a green car insurance policy.

So what’s available?

A growing trend of more eco-conscious motorists has driven the demand for green car insurance, and although it still remains a niche market it’s still one of the ways to lower your carbon footprint.

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Driving a more environmentally friendly car is also another way for motorists to gain discounts on their insurance, while some insurance providers have schemes to offset as much as 20% of the CO2 emissions for the lifetime of a car insurance policy.

For every policy bought through online broker Climatesure, a percentage of the price goes to the company Climate Care, which operates carbon-offsetting projects. The financial contribution reflects the emissions created by the policyholder. So if you drive a green hybrid car, Climatesure will pay less than if you drive a gas-guzzling 4x4. However, premiums are higher for less green cars.

More Th>n offers eco-car insurance, with a 15% discount for alternative fuel vehicles such as LPG, dual-fuel and electric models.

Ibuyeco offers 100% carbon neutral car insurance. The carbon dioxide produced by individuals or businesses is offset through the funding, often for renewable energy, energy efficiency and/or forestry projects.

Telematics’ eco-insurance policy uses a GPS telematics device installed in your car to monitor not only how often the car is used but also if it is driven in an environmentally friendly way. The device measures the number of short journeys taken, excessive speed, over-revving and over-acceleration and sends tips to the driver to cut unnecessary fuel usage.

Ten top tips for greener driving

According to YesInsurance, British drivers’ bad driving techniques wastes £375 of fuel a year, but by making a few simple changes you can cut the cost of your driving for both your wallet, and our environment.

• Don’t carry more than you need – remove roof racks and spoilers as they increase drag and up fuel usage.
• Keep your tyres inflated to the correct pressure – this reduces fuel consumption.
• Avoid overfilling your tank with fuel.
• Plan your trips carefully – avoid driving at peak times, take the shortest route possible. Drivers getting lost waste an estimated 350,000 tonnes of fuel every year!
• Avoid unnecessary trips – why not walk or cycle instead.
• Why not organise lift share with your colleagues to work each day?
• Drive sensibly – keep your speed down. Driving at 70mph wastes 25% more fuel than at 50mph.
• Air conditioning ups fuel consumption by around 10%, as do open windows at speeds over 50mph.
• Don’t break unnecessarily – continually tapping your breaks wastes fuel.
• Buy green batteries – and dispose of your old ones sensibly.

If green car insurance is for you, it is always worth checking the website of the insurance provider to see what contribution they will make to any green initiatives.