WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2012
Going green seems to be the trend these days. To some, it is filling up a recycling bin. To others, it is using both sides of the paper, or going with paperless billing. Still others focus on alternative energy or saving gas mileage. For those who are looking to cut their auto insurance bills, going green might mean keeping a little extra green in the wallet too.
 The hybrid revolution started slow, but today it seems like everyone's talking about hybrid cars and ‘going green.' Hybrid-mania is not just about gas mileage. Of course, hybrid cars have tiny pump bills, but they can save drivers a bundle in other areas as well.
Hybrid engines use gasoline and electricity as fuel sources, making them more fuel efficient and ‘greener' than gas-only vehicles. This means they use less gas, and save owners hundreds of dollars at the pump each year. In addition to saving on gas, hybrid cars are often eligible for an auto insurance discount. For owners who purchase a hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle, they may enjoy a 10 percent discount in their auto insurance premium with a participating insurer.
Hybrids aren’t the only cars that save drivers money. There are a multitude of fuel efficient cars that are a great way to both help the environment and save money. Cars with good gas mileage burn less fuel, saving money at the pump and many of these are cheaper to insure. Check the U.S. Department of Energy's website FuelEconomy.gov to view your car's fuel efficiency rating and compare different makes and models side-by-side.
When shopping for a new car, drivers should take into account the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and whether one vehicle may save on their insurance premium more than another. Many drivers may be surprised to know how much they can save by choosing a small SUV over full-size, or choosing a hybrid model over the standard gas-guzzler.
In addition to the type of car you drive, there are multiple ways that drivers can save money on auto insurance by taking on a few “green” driving habits. For example, drivers who carpool, condense shopping trips and keep joyrides to a minimum will not only reduce emissions, but can also reduce their auto premiums. Drivers with low annual mileage may qualify as a "pleasure driver" according to the Consumer Federation of America. This classification could save you as much as 10-15 percent ($94 to $142 off the average premium) in auto insurance costs.
For drivers who go to the extreme and choose walking and/or biking over driving, they can save even more money by enrolling in a Pay-As-You-Drive auto insurance program. This could reduce their auto insurance costs by up to 54 percent.
Going green is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, and do your part for the environment. In return, the environment will put a little green back in your wallet.
By Matt Reynolds - Google+
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