Insuring Eco Friendly Cars

Overall, insuring eco friendly cars is neither more nor less than insuring comparable gas only cars. Insurance rates are highly variable based on a number of factors. The price of the car, the driver’s age and sex, the location, driver’s driving history and even credit history all are factored into any given insurance rate. On average, nationwide green cars cost slightly more to insure than gas only cars. The amount saved in gas more than makes up for the slight difference. Only two car insurance companies currently offer a discount for hybrids: Farmers and Travelers. However both came in with higher rates than the three comparison companies. For example, Farmers quotes $143.70 per month for the leaf compared to 21st Century at $89 per month. And that is including Farmer’s hybrid discount.

Electric Cars

Electric cars are the greenest cars on the market today. These cars run totally on electricity stored in rechargeable batteries using common household electricity. Limited driving range and long charging times have kept these cars from becoming mainstream. But that is about to change.

Nissan LEAF

The Nissan LEAF can seat five adults and travel 100 miles before needing a recharge. It is also zippy for an electric car, going from 0 to 60 in 8 seconds and can reach speed of 90 mph. The LEAF has no transmission and does not need to shift gears as it accelerates, resulting in smooth and quiet ride. The LEAF also features a 5Star Safety Rating. The driver’s seat is adjustable six ways and the rear seats fold down for storage with easy access through the hatchback. Base price starts at $35,200. Insurance for the LEAF is comparable to traditional gas only cars. Esurance basic coverage estimate is $87.50 per month offering a safety device discount and promotional discounts for switching companies. 21st Century offers a rate of $89 per month with a safety device discount. Safeco Insurance is a bit higher at $94 per month offering a safety device discount.

Chevy VOLT

Although technically a hybrid, the Volt runs on pure electricity for the first 35 miles, only using gas to extend its range. This four-seat hatchback would make a great commuter car, rarely using gas to get you to and from work. The VOLT is just as zippy as the LEAF taking only 9 seconds to go from 0 to 60. Heated seat and steering wheel come standard. But this isn’t just a nice perk. The heated seats help keep the interior of the car war, saving on power. The VOLT also features keyless entry, a superior Bose sound system and daytime running lights. Base price is just under $40,000. Mpg ratings are 95 city/93highway. Estimates for insuring your volt are Esurance for $82 per month. Esurance offers a small discount for auto payments on all cars. Safeco is approximately $92 per month and 21st Century at $96 per month. All companies offered safety device discounts.

Honda Civic Hybrid

The Civic Hybrid’s mpg ratings of 40 city/45 highway may not be as impressive as the electric cars, but the price is substantially less. Base price for the Civic Hybrid is $16,500. The Civic is comfortable and stylish with impressive safety features. It comes with vehicle stability assist, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, and steering wheel mounted controls, to keep your hands where they belong driving the car. The Civic features Eco Assist which coaches the driver using green and blue bars to get the best gas mileage. Per month estimates for insuring the Civic Hybrid are Esurance at $67, Safeco at $70, and 21st Century at $69. Again all three companies offered discounts for the Civic’s safety devices.

Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is the bestselling hybrid. It gets a whopping 51 mpg city/48 highway, and performs as well as other hybrids going from 0 to 60 in less than 10 seconds. The Prius features keyless entry, rear fold down seats, daytime running lights, and heated outside mirrors. Unique to the Prius is the optional Solar Roof Package for added fuel savings. Base price starts at $24,760. Per month estimates for insuring the Prius are $67 with Esurance , 21st Century at $78, and Safeco at $81. The Prius also received a safety device discount from all three companies.

It is important to understand when comparing car insurance company rates, that all coverage is not equal, and cheapest is not always better. Make sure when you are comparing that the deductibles and coverage are the same for all companies. Customer service is also important. If you can’t get a claim processed, it doesn’t matter how good your rate is. Although very few companies are offering discounts for green cars, there are many discounts out there. Good driver, good student, accident free, safety device, and defensive driving are just a few. The above estimates were based on a female driver, 36 years of age, good credit, one no fault accident two years ago, and average driving distance 12,000 miles per year. These are estimates only.

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