Why it Pays to Go Green
There’s a movement across the globe to switch over to green energy sources. While green energy is beneficial to the Earth, it is also beneficial for your wallet. Investing in green products and energy sources can help you get discounts on your insurance. These are some of the most common discounts you may be eligible for if you have green products:
Auto Insurance:
Hybrid Car – having a hybrid car is not only great for reducing gas emissions and getting great mileage, but you may be able to get an auto insurance discount. Some auto insurers may off up to a 10% discount on your premium! That discount can go a long way! A similar discount could also be applicable if you have an electric boat.
Green fuel – alternative fuel sources, such as electric, biodiesel, electricity, natural gas, hydrogen or ethanol, may also qualify you for a premium discount. Always be sure to check with your agent to see if you are eligible.
Pay as You Drive Programs (PAYD) – a pay as you drive program is a great way to reduce your fuel consumption as well as your insurance costs! Your insurer will install a monitoring device on your car. They use this device to track your mileage and driving habits. This information is then used by the insurance company to determine whether or not you drive fewer miles than the average driver. Insurance companies typically offer discounts to drivers who drive less. This type of program encourages good driving habits and people who participate often end up driving fewer miles anyway! It reduces emissions, gas consumption, and the cost of auto insurance!
Home insurance:
LEEDS or green certified – by demonstrating that your home is up to “green” standards, you may qualify for more discounts. Having things like insulated windows or electric heating systems can help make your home certified green. If you are interested in getting your home certified, you can get more information from the LEEDS website.
Energy Generation – If you generate energy from geothermal, solar or wind power, you can sell the excess back to your local power company. Not only will you not have to pay for power, but you can actually make some money from it! Installing solar panels on your roof is one the easiest ways to do this!
It’s clear that going green can save you money in the long run. It’s great for the environment and it’s good for you too! These are some easy changes you can make to help save money and save the Earth!
- Buy a hybrid or electric car
Hybrid cars are now widely available and are extremely efficient. You can get better mpg with a hybrid car and you won’t need t buy gas nearly as often! Electric cars are also popping up on the market. They run solely on electricity, which means no more stops at the gas station. Now you can charge your car the same way you would charge a phone – plug it in!
- Install solar panels
Solar panels are becoming increasingly more affordable. Homeowners can get solar panels installed on their roof! The excess energy the panels generate can be sold back to the energy company. Because there is no shortage of the sun, solar panels make a great investment.
- Update old fixtures to new and more efficient ones
If you are buying new fixtures or appliances, make sure to buy the ones that are energy saving! They are just as effective as the traditional ones, but they use significantly less energy. In turn, you end up wasting less! Large appliances, such as washers and dryers, will typically have an Energy Star approval sticker so that it is easy to figure out what appliances are eco-friendly.
- Turn off the lights when you are not home
This may seem incredibly simple, but turning off the lights and shutting off electronics when they are not in use can go a long way.
You can always speak to your insurance agent to see if you qualify for any insurance discounts. They can let you know if you are eligible or not. You can also ask them about changes you can make to qualify. At the end of the day, your agent knows you best and how to help you save money and be green!
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