Rise of the ‘Chelsea tractors’

As world leaders prepare to debate climate change and the reduction of CO2 emissions at the G8 summit, insuresupermarket.com warns motorists that not only do 4x4 vehicles produce higher levels of CO2 than the average family saloon car but they could also be pushing up your car insurance premiums by nearly 20%.

Richard Mason, director of price comparison website insuresupermarket.com comments: "For many families, 4x4s are fast becoming the preferred alternative to traditional family saloon cars - in 2004, we saw the number of 4x4s on the road increase by over 12%. However, we would urge drivers to consider not only the potential environmental affects but the financial as well. On top of higher petrol costs you could be looking at an increase of 20% on your insurance premiums."

"Equally, some insurers are noticing a trend in claims patterns reflecting the increasing threat from environmentalists keen to do damage to 4x4s which could again impact on your premiums still further. However, it you’re still set on buying a 4x4, searching the whole market could help to lower these premiums by as much as 40%."

Richard Mason adds: "It’s encouraging to see, however, signs that car manufacturers are beginning to sit up and take notice of the increasing demand for lower CO2 emissions. The Lexus RX400h, newly launched to the market, has made substantial improvements in fuel economy and has very low carbon dioxide emissions — plus, if you’re prepared to go this one step further to help the environment, eco-friendly cars need not cost you any more in insurance than the average family saloon. The average insurance premium for a Toyota Prius, for example, could be as little as £377 compared to £382 for a Ford Mondeo saloon."

Top tips:

Being scrupulous about shopping around and asking for the right cover, however, is all important so insuresupermarket.com looks at different ways to cut your motor insurance premiums:-Adding an older driver can cut premiums by 12-15%
Reducing mileage (by car sharing or telling your insurer if you only use the car at weekends) - can save 15%
Think before making a claim — it could add 23% to your premiums
Offer to pay a higher excess
Protecting your no claims bonus adds between 6%-17% to your premium
Some insurers give lower premiums to married rather than co-habiting couples - as much as 30%
Average premiums for ‘cooler’ brands of car are between 20-25% more expensive than other brands of similar performance
Premiums can cost over TWICE as much with a women only insurer