Smart cars are growing sharply in popularity as automakers continue to perfect alternative fuel technologies and increase the number of hybrid and straight electric models available. Efficiency and economy are the cornerstones of the smart car boom.
If you’ve considered joining the smart car crowd, you likely already know that hybrid and electric vehicles will save you money at the fuel pump. But did you know that driving a smart car can also help you save on car insurance in Alberta and throughout Canada? Many auto insurance companies now offer incentives for drivers who choose smart cars, which means lower premiums for you. Add that to the other money-saving benefits of owning a smart car, and it’s easy to see why so many Canadian drivers are opting for hybrid or electric vehicles.
What is a Smart Car?
Smart car doesn’t refer to one specific type of vehicle, though most smart cars do share some common traits. Many auto manufacturers now offer smart vehicles in a variety of classes, from the small, super-efficient cars most people associate with the term “smart car,” to large trucks and family vehicles. The key difference among smart cars is found under the hood.
Most smart cars are powered by hybrid or fully electric engines. Hybrid vehicles run primarily on electricity, but can also use gasoline. When you are moving at highway speeds or your electrical charge is running low, the gasoline element of the hybrid engine kicks in. Gasoline power can be used to charge your electrical battery, or improve performance. The combination of gas and electric makes hybrid engines the most popular source of power for larger smart vehicles.
Fully electric vehicles don’t need gasoline, at all. These vehicles can be charged at home, or at a charging station. Charging ports at fuel stations or dealerships have improved to the point where most electric vehicles can be charged in as little as 20 minutes. Charging at home takes more time, but offers the advantage of convenience. Electric engine technology has improved enough that you won’t have to worry about your engine malfunctioning even during the harsh Alberta winter.
The Benefits of Smart Cars
How would you like to say goodbye to the gas pump for good? With a fully electric vehicle, that dream can become a reality. Hybrid vehicles still require the occasional fill-up, but offer such strong fuel economy that your trips to the gas station will still be few and far between. In either case, driving a smart car will definitely help you save money on gas.
Smart cars also save money on maintenance. Fully gas-powered engines go through extreme stress to turn gasoline into propulsion, which leads to more wear and tear, more quickly. Electricity is a much less volatile fuel source than gasoline, diminishing engine stress and ultimately leading to lower maintenance costs over time.
Smart cars are also environmentally friendly. Gasoline emissions are a prime cause of pollution, in Alberta and across the world. Electricity is a much cleaner energy source, providing power without releasing dangerous pollutants into the air.
How Can a Smart Car Help You Save on Insurance
Governments and businesses everywhere are looking for ways to encourage the use of clean, efficient energy. Insurance companies are no different, though they have additional reasons to embrace smart cars. Put simply, smart cars come with less risk than their fully gasoline-powered counterparts.
Hybrid drivers tend to log fewer miles overall, which lowers the risk of an accident. While it will take more time to get a complete statistical picture, many people also believe that hybrids are also safer when they are on the road.
It’s a win-win proposition. You get lower auto insurance rates, in addition to all of the other money-saving benefits that come with owning a smart car. Your insurance company, in turn, receives the risk-reduction benefits of insuring a smart car driver.
So everyone involved saves some money, and helps reduce pollution, to boot. Smart car discounts vary by insurance provider, so be sure to consult your insurance broker for details as you shop for car insurance in Calgary, Alberta and throughout Canada.
Looking for more ways to save on car insurance and get the most out of your vehicle? Visit our guide to vehicle engines, or learn how to save with telematics. We also offer extensive insurance resources, and fast, accurate insurance quotes. At Godfrey-Morrow Insurance, we won’t rest until we find the perfect insurance package to suit your needs.