While insurance for hybrid cars in the United States isn't always priced that differently than coverage for standard-fuel cars, in the United Kingdom it's a different story. Drivers who want to go green in Britain could find their car insurance costing 150% more.

A price comparison website, MoneySupermarket.com found that Brits who buy coverage from eco-friendly insurance companies that offset their carbon emissions could have to pay 450 pounds more than they would for "normal" coverage. Prius drivers, for example, would pay 319 pounds/year for an annual policy from a non-offset company, but the same policy with carbon offsets would cost between 490 – 785 pounds. And for non hybrids? Green insurance could increase the premium from around 388 pounds/year to over 750.

MoneySupermarket's managing director of insurance, Andy Leadbetter, suggested that green coverage may not be in everyone's best interest. "Shopping around for the best-value motor cover for your circumstances is crucial, and then you could donate any money you save to an eco-friendly charity," he recommended, going on to add, "UK consumers are watching every penny at the moment and paying over the odds can be hard to swallow."

Leadbetter also recommends that motorists in the UK become familiar with the details of their insurance policies, in order to ensure that they are getting, "… the best value for their needs, and remain safe in the knowledge they are doing their bit for the environment as well."