Eco-friendly car cover isn't often pocket-friendly

With new measures introduced by the Government to help motorists save fuel and cut their emissions, eco-friendly drivers might see hybrid cars as another step to make a difference for the environment. Research from price comparison site moneysupermarket.com reveals motorists could pay more for going green with their car insurance.

The findings showed premiums can be over 105 per cent more expensive than standard policies. Several insurers such as CIS, ibuyeco and Green Insurance offer green motor insurance and the latter two providers offset 100 per cent of a car's carbon emissions. However, motorists should be aware that clearing their carbon conscience will cost extra. For example, swiftcover quotes £342 for the environmentally-friendly Honda Civic hybrid car, but for the same cover CIS charges £389 while Green Insurance charges £701 - or 105 per cent more.

Peter Gerrard, head of insurance research at price comparison website moneysupermarket.com, said: "The fact that the Government is bringing in more measures to help people cut the emissions produced from their cars, as well as ensuring advice is given to new motorists as to how they can be more fuel efficient, can only be a good thing. For those drivers that want to go even further in their quest to help the environment and go green, I can only applaud them, but advise motorists not to assume eco-friendly car insurance is the best place to start.

"If you're not driving an eco-car but want to do your bit for the environment, CIS promises to offset 20 per cent of your carbon emissions by investment in reforestation and renewable energy sources and is, in many cases, competitive for car insurance. However, make sure you compare costs - insurance for a Ford Fiesta driver costs 37 per cent more than market-leading cover from Express Insurance.

"My advice is to shop around for the best value deal that meets your needs and give some of the money you save direct to eco-friendly causes. Not only will you have the peace of mind that your charity is receiving the money directly, but you will get value for money on your policy."