Eco-friendly car insurance said to cost more
(28 March 2007)

Products marketed as eco-friendly car insurance can cost up to 44 per cent more than standard policies, it has been claimed.

Moneysupermarket has warned that motorists who are concerned about their impact on the environment may be "stung" by expensive premiums.

The group stated that although insurers who offer green policies promise to offset 20 per cent of the driver's carbon emissions, they also charge up to 21 per cent more for insuring the car.

Richard Mason, director of insurance at the price comparison group, said that as drivers are increasingly concerned about their environmental impact, many are tempted by eco-friendly car insurance.

He added: "But until insurers make green premiums more competitive, my advice is to shop around for the cheapest deal that meets your needs and give some of the money you save direct to eco-friendly causes."

In related news, a recent survey conducted by More Than found that 80 per cent of drivers are trying to minimise the use of their cars due to the rising price of petrol.

Some four in ten respondents said they would consider switching to a more environmentally-friendly vehicle in order to reduce the impact of their driving.