The best way to enjoy low premiums on auto insurance in Calgary is to remain accident-free and claims-free…but it’s not the only way. More and more insurers are offering owners of electric and hybrid “smart cars” advantageous rates. You’ll also save big at the pump if you own a vehicle that’s optimized for fuel efficiency, so if you’re in the market for a new ride, a smart car is a smart choice.
Auto Insurance Calgary: The Benefits of Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles are growing in popularity among Canadian drivers, and for good reason. They offer a low-emission alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars, and their operating costs are also very affordable.
Most electric vehicles on the Canadian market are technically known as plug-in hybrids. These cars can be powered entirely with electricity, but they also have a gasoline engine that can boost the battery if its charge gets too low.
You can charge the electric engine by plugging it in at home or at an electric vehicle charging station. Today’s electric vehicle charging stations are much more efficient than they used to be, and most of them can completely charge your battery in as little as 20 minutes.
Winters tend to be long and bitterly cold here in Calgary, a fact that used to make some consumers think twice about electric vehicles. Their cold-weather reliability used to be perceived as lacking. However, with recent technological advances, plug-in hybrid vehicles are now every bit as reliable as their gas-engine counterparts in all weather conditions.
The reliability of the actual batteries has also come a long way. Manufacturers like Mitsubishi now offer eight-year warranties on their plug-in hybrid vehicle batteries. Today’s batteries have an average life expectancy of about 10 years, and replacement costs are far lower than what you would pay to power a gas-fueled engine over the same period of time.
Auto Insurance Calgary: Why Hybrid Vehicles Are a Smart Investment
Hybrid vehicles offer consumers yet another money- and energy-saving option. The major difference between a true hybrid and a plug-in hybrid is that a true hybrid supplements the electricity-powered engine with gasoline when the car is travelling at highway speeds. While you’ll still need to fill up a true hybrid’s gas tank, you will enjoy far superior fuel efficiency than what you would get from even the most conservative pure gasoline engine.
The fuel efficiency of a true hybrid typically ranges from 7.1 to 6.3 litres per 100 kms in congested traffic to 4.7 litres per 100 kms. Consumer studies show that the operational costs of a true hybrid can be as much as 70 per cent less than those seen in gas-powered cars.
Both gasoline-electric hybrids and plug-in hybrids have much lower maintenance costs as well. Because of the vehicle’s reduced energy consumption, there is usually far less wear and tear on the engine’s working parts, and reduced emissions mean fewer toxins and byproducts are being cycled through the car’s exhaust system.
Auto Insurance Calgary: More Ways Electric Vehicles Help You Save
As mentioned, many insurers offer owners of hybrid and plug-in vehicles more advantageous rates. While the Canadian insurance industry has yet to establish an out-and-out discount for owners of electric vehicles, these cars are widely considered to be safer than their comparable gas-powered counterparts.
The insurance industry is all about risk, and reduced risk means lower insurance rates. If enjoying lower car insurance premiums is a priority for you, then hybrid and plug-in vehicles certainly merit close consideration when the time comes for you to purchase your next car.
Auto Insurance Calgary: Why Choose Lane’s?
Lane’s Insurance is an Alberta-based brokerage offering clients a comprehensive range of budget-friendly options, excellent resources, and value-added service you won’t get anywhere else. Our insurance professionals work for you, not for the insurance companies, so you can always rest assured that we have your best interests at heart when it comes to all your insurance needs.
In addition to excellent rates on auto insurance, Lane’s also offers clients the ability to save even more by bundling their vehicle and home insurance together. You can save as much as 20 per cent by purchasing your homeowners and auto insurance together through Lane’s, and that can put hundreds of dollars back into your pocket, year in and year out.
Visit us online for a fast, free auto insurance quote, or contact one of our friendly customer service representatives to discuss your needs in greater detail.
