Unfair? Hybrid Owners Get Insurance Discounts Why Not Alternative Fuel Vehicles?

Pennsylvania motorists who own a hybrid vehicle may be eligible for a discount on their auto insurance premiums, according to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department.

The Insurance Department has approved a filing from GEICO to offer a five- percent discount to policyholders who insure hybrid vehicles. GEICO is the third insurer in recent months to file this type of discount, after Farmers and Travelers.

"I'm delighted to see that more insurance companies now offer these types of incentives to their policyholders," acting Insurance Commissioner Randy Rohrbaugh said. "This is just one more way to reward Pennsylvanians who are making energy efficient decisions."

Rohrbaugh said hybrid vehicle insurance discounts are only one factor for policyholders to consider when choosing among auto insurance providers.

SupraNeverBack - 6/12/2007 2:25:06 PM

+2 Boost

I guess because hybrid drivers might very likely have lower accident risks. It makes sense.

Agent009 - 6/12/2007 2:39:14 PM

+1 Boost

I would like to see that, but then again most of the Hybrids sold are the Prius. But to blanket the entire genre is a broad stroke at best.

Will_ - 6/12/2007 2:30:19 PM

+2 Boost

Hybrids in general have lower horsepower ratings and therefore are naturally slower than other fuel-type vehicles, well, bar Lexus hybrids, right?

Agent009 - 6/12/2007 2:37:58 PM

0 Boost

Not really Lexus touts it as a performance advantage.

thole - 6/12/2007 3:41:43 PM

-2 Boost

lexus ppl drives slow anyway
most hybrid driving ppl hogs lane and try their best to maintains 'save gas' mode

thecar - 6/12/2007 3:45:28 PM

0 Boost

not many flex fuel vehicles yet ,
no data to support anything ,
wait for another 5 yrs for flex fuel vehicles

Anti_Bangle - 6/12/2007 2:39:32 PM

+1 Boost

Double standard. Enough said.

Willis - 6/12/2007 3:59:51 PM

+4 Boost

True. Our government favors gasoline powered vehicles over diesel, hence the rules are biased.

Watch me get deboosted!

Anti_Bangle - 6/13/2007 1:13:15 AM

+1 Boost

I just boosted you :)

Will_ - 6/12/2007 2:41:41 PM

+1 Boost

Well if we can't come up with the right explanation, I'm sure huu76 will be more than happy to come here soon enough and clear up your inquiry 009. ;)

Will_ - 6/12/2007 2:47:24 PM

+1 Boost

Interestingly enough, my auto insurance company (Farmers, also mentioned in this article) does extend this discount to other 'alternative fuel' cars. Maybe 'alternative fuel' vehicles are included in the term 'hybrid?' Just a thought.

Agent009 - 6/12/2007 4:06:58 PM

+1 Boost

Good point!

Htay7500 - 6/12/2007 6:27:46 PM

+2 Boost

flexfuel doesnt give tht benefit of going the farther mile. i heard its a bit problematic though.

Anti_Bangle - 6/13/2007 1:15:05 AM

+1 Boost

Agree, and this hybrid thing is a marketing hype by itself anyway.

2JZSoarer - 6/14/2007 12:55:32 AM

+1 Boost

It's only hype until a german automaker comes out with their own version,right???

XYZZ - 6/14/2007 7:28:27 AM

+1 Boost

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