Hybrid Car Insurance

Hybrid cars are becoming the trendy option when it comes to being green and saving the environment. After all, a hybrid vehicle offers great gas mileage and gives off fewer carbon dioxide emissions when compared to its conventional counterparts.

Saving money at the gas pump and reducing air pollution is great, but what about car insurance rates? Find out how driving a hybrid could have an affect on your car insurance.

Then, enter your zip code above for FREE car insurance quotes from companies in your area today!

What is a hybrid?

The modern hybrid has been around since the 90's, but it wasn't until the past decade that the concept gained popularity and was consequently transformed into mass produced vehicle.

As gas prices hit an all-time high in 2008, automakers focused their efforts on more fuel-efficient vehicles. Hybrids combine both the benefits of gas and electricity vehicles, making it a more efficient option in multiple ways.

There must be three key functions present in order for a vehicle to be considered a hybrid:

• Regenerative Braking – captures the energy lost from braking and is able to convert that into usable energy to recharge the battery
• Idle-Off – turns off your car's conventional engine after the vehicle is stopped for so long, saving fuel
• Power Assist – reduces the demands of the hybrid’s gasoline engine, which in turn can be downsized to be more efficiently operated

The hybrid does not use less power than a conventional vehicle.

A hybrid car will at least meet — or in some cases exceed — the system's total power in a conventional vehicle. As the years progress, companies have come up with more model choices, technological advances, and competitive pricing.

Does car insurance cost more or less for hybrids?

The bottom line is hybrids typically cost a little more to insure than your standard vehicle, especially if you have collision or comprehensive tacked onto your policy.

There's a reason behind the more expensive rates, however. It's not just because it's a trendy popular car.

They have more technology than your average car. This technology can make the parts more expensive and harder to fix.

Also, hybrids tend to be smaller cars, which are more prone to wrecks. Research also shows that many of those who choose more fuel efficient cars have longer daily commutes, which means they have a greater chance of getting into an accident.

What kind of car insurance is available for hybrids?

First, you need to evaluate your lifestyle because there is coverage you may need and coverage you may not need. Then, you need to find out your state's minimum requirements for insurance. From there, you can customize your insurance policy to meet your specific needs.

A basic insurance policy includes the following types of coverage:

• Bodily Injury Liability - protects against those injured in the other party's vehicle if you are at fault. This coverage is usually a required coverage in most states. It is also one of the most important car insurance coverage as the injured party could be sued for a substantial amount of money.
• Medical Expense Benefits – protects those injured in your vehicle, regardless of who is at fault. This coverage pays for medical expenses and funeral costs.
• Property Damage Liability – protects against damage that you cause to someone else's car or property in an accident where you are at fault.
• Collision – pays for damages caused to your vehicle as a result of a car accident or flipping over.
• Comprehensive – pays for damages caused to your vehicle as a result of an accident other than a collision with another car. For instance, theft, fire, flood, and falling objects are included in this coverage.
• Uninsured and Underinsured - compensates you for an accident caused by someone who has no insurance or has left the scene (hit-and-run). Underinsured motorist coverage compensates you when an at-fault driver doesn't have enough insurance coverage to pay for your total loss.

How can I save the most on my hybrid auto insurance?

Although insuring a hybrid may be more expensive than insuring your average vehicle, that doesn't mean that you can't get some great discounts on your insurance premium.

Many insurance companies out there offer up to a 10 percent discount if you are a hybrid driver.

It is important to note that this discount may not always be applied to the entire rate but only portions of your coverage. It is always best to talk with your agent and find out the specifics of the discount.

Some states even offer a rebate as an incentive for buying hybrid vehicles.

Here are some other ways to lower your car insurance rate:

• Keep a good credit history.
• Limit the amount of miles you drive.
• Group your homeowner's insurance with your auto policy.
• Choose a higher deductible.

Always be sure to shop around for hybrid car insurance. Comparing multiple quotes for insurance will give you the best rates possible. Our auto insurance price comparison tool makes getting multiple quotes all at once quick and easy.

Hybrid vehicles are certainly a great choice when it comes to saving money on gas and being eco-friendly. Even though they cost a little more to insure, there are ways to get your rates down. Don't rule out hybrids for that reason only. Compare rates today and enjoy the benefits of your hybrid vehicle!

Enter your zip code below now to receive FREE car insurance quotes today!