Green Motoring

Hybrid car drivers can now benefit from a significant discount off their motor insurance in a move by RSA Ireland designed to reward environmentally-friendly driving. The leading insurer launched its eco friendly car insurance offering back in December 2006 for with reduced premiums for customers with hybrid vehicles.

The launch followed research by the RSA Group revealing that:

  • seven out of ten drivers would consider switching to a hybrid car if they were cheaper to run than normal cars
  • 58 per cent would consider switching if they could benefit from cheaper motor insurance.
  • 65 per cent believe that we will all have to change our vehicles to more environmentally-friendly models sooner or later

With serious concern being expressed about the future of oil as a driver of our energy needs and with fluctuating fuel prices already impacting on our pockets, any move to cut the cost of motoring will be welcomed by cost-conscious drivers.

But it's not just fiscal reasons that motivate people to go green. RSA research established that four in ten motorists would consider switching for the environmental benefits and almost half (48 per cent) are seriously concerned about the impact that full petrol cars have on the environment. Despite this, only one in five of those questioned by RSA know the amount of carbon dioxide that their current car emits.

Patrick Nally, Head of Marketing & PR at RSA Ireland, says:"Green motoring is going to be a massive growth area for the car industry as petrol prices continue to rise and real concerns over environmental issues grow. We want to reward drivers who are taking steps to do their bit for the environment. In addition, as part of our own corporate and social responsibility programme, we are committed to supporting customers who practice responsible motoring".

The number of hybrid cars registered in Ireland is on the increase and 1 billion hybrid vehicles are predicted to be on the world's roads by 2020. According to the RSA research, 50 per cent of drivers would be interested in test-driving a hybrid car, and 65 per cent believe that we will all have to change our vehicles to more environmentally-friendly models sooner or later.

For more information, please contact your local professional broker.