Insurance Discounts for HYBRID Vehicles.......not smart!

[bigcritter]

I just learned from the Farmer's Insurance website that they offer a 10-13% discount in Washington state for drivers of hybrid vehicles! The smart fortwo is far more ecologically friendly, takes up far less space on the highway & in parking lots than ANY hybrid, and gets better gas mileage than ANY hybrid, with the possible exception of the Prius, and even THAT'S debatable!! So I think all of us who are insured with Farmers need to let them know that, in all fairness, the smart fortwo should be added to that list!! Even if it's not an "alternative fuel" vehicle, it outshines the majority of the ones that are!! What'd'ya think???

[stevenvillatoro]

Originally Posted by bigcritter

Even if it's not an "alternative fuel" vehicle, it outshines the majority of the ones that are!! What'd'ya think???

You are correct... imagine that a big Lexus hybrid (GS, LS) could qualify for discounts or benefits that the smart could not.

Technological advances and their adoption by drivers should be considered and rewarded indiscriminantly, rather than selectively favoring one technology over another.

It's the RESULT that should matter, not the method.

[SmartCard]

Originally Posted by bigcritter

What'd'ya think???

I think that its strange that an insurance company would give a discount for this in the first place! Has nothing to do with the insurability of the vehicle. Unless they are compensating for the fact that hybrids cost more ...hence would cost more to insure on the basis of value?
In that case, a discount for smart wouldn't be waranted.

[stevenvillatoro]

Originally Posted by SmartCard

I think that its strange that an insurance company would give a discount for this in the first place! Has nothing to do with the insurability of the vehicle. Unless they are compensating for the fact that hybrids cost more ...hence would cost more to insure on the basis of value?
In that case, a discount for smart wouldn't be waranted.

To determine liability rates, an insurance company relies on many types of data, not just vehicle value. Historically, two-seater cars have been generally rated more expensive than other models, because of their drivers' accident profile (young singles? racers?). Presumably, hybrid owners might be expected to be more conservative and less exposed to accident risks. Just a thought.

[SmartCard]

yes, but value does factor in never the less- why do you think your premiums drop when the car ages?

[Dunerunner]

Then I can't wait for my smart to get older because it is costing me $200 more per year than it did to insure my 2001 beetle turbo GLX! Same coverage!!

[stevenvillatoro]

Originally Posted by SmartCard

yes, but value does factor in never the less- why do you think your premiums drop when the car ages?

Of course. My former reply took that point into account, "...relies on many types of data, not just vehicle value."

[knutliott]

Originally Posted by stevenvillatoro

You are correct... imagine that a big Lexus hybrid (GS, LS) could qualify for discounts or benefits that the smart could not.

Technological advances and their adoption by drivers should be considered and rewarded indiscriminantly, rather than selectively favoring one technology over another.

It's the RESULT that should matter, not the method.

Let's not forget that GM has a hybrid version of their full-size Tahoe/Yukon SUV available right now, with hybrid versions of their full-size pickup truck and Suburban coming.

This is as stupid as the proposed changes to HOV laws (which, thankfully, failed) that would have allowed hybrids in the HOV lanes.