What Makes a Great Insurance Agent?

If you recently purchased a small hybrid car and find that your insurance premiums are higher than you expect, ask your insurance company if you can receive discounts on your policy. Although they use electrical power and fuel to operate, hybrid cars usually cost more to insure than regular vehicles. The unique features of hybrid cars can increase their owners' insurance expenses.

Features, such as a lightweight, carbon-fiber body, make your car more susceptible to damages than a vehicle made with a steel body and frame. The car also requires more expensive replacement parts, such as high voltage batteries, than regular vehicles. But if you're a responsible driver, you can reap the benefits of owning a fuel-efficient and environmentally-safe hybrid. Here are three ways to lower your monthly insurance premium when you own a hybrid car.

Go Green 

You've already taken the steps needed to protect the environment by buying your hybrid car and save on fuel costs. Now, you can go paperless and earn a discount on your insurance coverage. Green discounts, like going paperless, can help cut down on the use of trees to make paper.

With paperless communication, you receive your policy updates, monthly bills and other insurance information online. You can also receive third party information and newsletters through an email address for more savings. Sometimes, insurance companies offer discounts on premiums if you sign up for free newsletters, coupons and other perks they offer.

In addition to going paperless, ask your auto insurance provider about an economy car discount. Smaller vehicles can save more money on gas mileage each year because they burn less fuel than larger vehicles. Your hybrid's small size and hybrid fuel usage can qualify you for an economy car discount.

Use an Alternative Fuel Source and Drive Less

If your hybrid car uses an alternative fuel other than regular gasoline, mention it to your insurance company. The insurer may reward you a discount for being a environmentally-safe driver.

Vehicles that use some type of alternative fuels are better for the environment. These types of vehicles impact the environment less because they release little to no harmful emissions in to the air. Harmful emissions include volatile pollutants, carbon monoxide, sulfur compounds, and a number of other dangerous gases.

Here are four popular alternative fuels you should tell your insurer about:

• Propane
• Natural gas
• Biodiesel
• Ethanol

In addition, you may receive discounts if you only drive your car to work or school. Driving less reduces your vehicle's impact on the environment even more. It also reduces your chances of getting into costly vehicular accidents on the road.

Choose a Membership Plan From Your Insurance Company 

A good number of car insurance providers offer consumers discounts who become members of special groups. Joining a club benefits you because you actively participate in the services your insurance company offers clients. For example, signing up for an emergency road service plan is an easy way you can save money. If your car breaks down on the highway, you'll use your emergency road service plan instead of calling for an outside tow truck.

Choosing a car and air travel plan through the insurance company may be an option for you as well. These types of plans earn you frequent flyer miles, hotel room discounts and several other benefits. If you don't use your car when you travel out of the city or state, you lower your chances of causing or getting into auto accidents. 

These are just a few things you can discuss with the insurance company to lower your monthly premiums. Keep in mind that not all auto insurance providers offer these options. However, you should ask about them anyway.

Driving a hybrid vehicle is a great choice for you, but the monthly expenses may not be something you want or need. Contact your insurer today to see if there are discounts you can use right now. You can also visit http://www.collinginsurance.com/ to learn more.