Americans willing to consider purchasing hybrid vehicles, says survey

As efforts to become more "green" and environmentally friendly continue to gain popularity across the country, a new study has found that Americans seem to be warming to the idea of purchasing plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles and supporting initiatives related to them.

According to a survey released by Ernst & Young's Global Automotive Center on Thursday, 10 percent of U.S. drivers - or approximately 20 million Americans - said they would consider purchasing a hybrid vehicle.

Additionally, 34 percent responded that they would support the subsidizing of local charging station in order improve the popularity and ease-of-use of the vehicles.

"Electric vehicles have long been touted as the future technology of the industry and subsequently, we saw a real appetite in the market for additional insights into the public's reaction to plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles as a new means of transport in the U.S.," said Mike Hanley, the Global Automotive Leader of Ernst & Young.

In addition to their environmentally friendly benefits, consumers who decide to purchase plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles may stand to benefit from lower auto insurance premiums as well.

Numerous insurers offer discounts of up to 10 percent on some policies for hybrid car owners because they often fall into "preferred insured categories" and are regarded as mature drivers who will not be reckless and find themselves in an accident.

Allstate: Fort Collins earns award for safe driving

quotes, as a recent report from Allstate named it as the safest driving city in the United States.

The seventh annual Allstate America's Best Drivers Report, which lists the 200 largest American cities in the order of safest drivers named the city number one, as the average person in Fort Collins can expect a car crash of varying severity once every 14 years. The national average is every 10 years.

"Allstate's Best Driver's Report was created to boost the country's discussion on safe driving. Each year we hope the report will increase awareness on the importance of being tolerant and attentive behind the wheel," said Mike Roche, executive vice president, Allstate's Claim Organization.

This is the second year in a row that the city was given such recognition, Allstate noted.

Boise, Idaho, and Lincoln, Nebraska, were second and third, and were followed by Chandler, Arizona, and Huntsville, Alabama. These cities averaged between 13.4 to 12.3 years between collisions for the typical driver.

Allstate: Consumers don’t understand auto insurance policies

A new survey shows that many people don't really know what their auto insurance covers.

The survey, which was commissioned by the Allstate Insurance Co., noted that 64 percent of respondents thought that personal items taken from a car would be covered by their auto insurance, when in reality it is covered by a person's renters or home insurance.

"These survey results underscore the need for consumers to be better educated about their policies and what they mean," Steve Sorenson, senior vice president of product operations for Allstate, said.

The poll - which was entitled Don't Hope So, Know So - showed that 40 percent of consumers thought that damage from a pothole would be covered by the comprehensive portion of their auto insurance, when it's actually a part of collision insurance.

Of respondents, only 34 percent said they had read through their auto insurance policies. According to Allstate, one of the ways consumers can be better educated is by looking through their insurance policies.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, a number of different things are covered in a basic auto insurance policy. Those would include liability for bodily injury and property damage.

Allstate will turn more toward internet for auto insurance sales

The internet has become a powerful force for consumers as more people turn to it in order to buy things.

And along with holiday gifts and groceries, the number of people who look for auto insurance online is increasing. A recent story from the Dow Jones Newswire quoted Thomas Wilson, the chief executive of Allstate Corp., who recently spoke at a Goldman Sachs conference. Wilson noted that the prevalence of people looking for auto insurance online will drive his company to change how it does business.

"Our goal is to have fewer, larger agencies that provide a more consistent experience for our customers," Wilson was quoted as saying.

Wilson said that around half of new auto insurance clients come to the company through its website rather than through an agent. However, he also said about 87 percent of the company's website visitors end up completing the transaction with an agent.

One of the main benefit that shopping for auto insurance online offers consumers is the ability to compare and contrast the services offered by different companies. Furthermore, online shopping can lead to consumers getting a better deal on their insurance through price comparisons.

Allstate increasing insurance rates for Illinois homeowners

Allstate Insurance will be raising Illinois homeowners insurance costs by 8 percent beginning in July, the Chicago Tribune reported.

However, it will also be offering a 5 percent discount on auto coverage to certain customers who switch carriers, the Tribune said. They are also advertising 7 percent off car insurance to people who pay off their full bill.

Allstate's auto insurance premiums decreased 4.6 percent recently, and the insurer is now creating more incentives for consumers to purchase both homeowners and auto coverage with them, the Tribune said. Customers insuring two vehicles and a residence will be offered a preferred package discount with up to 15 percent off car premiums, the Tribune said.

Allstate spokesperson Shaundra Turner told the Tribune that "although homeowners rates will increase between $67 and $82 a year … with the new and deepened discounts Allstate is introducing, current homeowner customers that don't have their auto with Allstate can get discounts of up to 54 percent (on auto) by bringing their auto to Allstate."

It's not uncommon for insurance carriers to offer discounts to customers who purchase multiple types of insurance with them. This is one way that many consumers are able to save money on their monthly bills.

Aging motorists need to reassess skills

As America's population continues to age, the number of elderly motorists rises. Older drivers may have more experience on the road, but their reflexes and mobility may not be what they once were.

In conjunction with National Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is urging people to discuss driving with elderly motorists. According to PennDOT data, more than 16,000 motor vehicle accidents involved an elderly driver last year.

PennDOT Secretary Allen Biehler says it's important for loved ones to have an ongoing dialogue with older drivers.

"It's a conversation that most people are not anxious to have, but striking the right balance between safety on our roadways and the mobility of older drivers is a very important subject," says Biehler.

Some elderly drivers may benefit from taking a driver's education course. Such programs are offered at a variety of locations around the country. Adapting a vehicle for a senior driver may also be helpful. It's important for elderly motorists to know their limits to help prevent accidents and higher auto insurance rates.

Adults advised to openly discuss driving safety with elderly parents

It's not just teen motorists whose aren't always the safest motorists. Elderly drivers, too, can struggle to navigate the road. Those who get into car accidents frequently end up with higher auto insurance premiums as a result.

While younger motorists typically make mistakes while driving because of their lack of experience, older drivers may do the same because they have difficulty seeing. It's important for adult children to discuss driving safety with their elderly parents.

Liberty Mutual Insurance has a program, the National Conversation Drive, which encourages people to pledge to have a conversation with elderly loved ones about their driving.

Dr. Vick Rosebrook, executive director of the Macklin Intergenerational Institute, says many elderly people expect their children to have such a discussion with them.

"When it comes to having these critically important talks, there is nothing like having context - and there is no better context than to experience first-hand the challenges faced by our aging population on the road," says Rosebrook.

It's important to note, however, that just because a person is elderly doesn't mean they will necessarily get into an accident. In fact, research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reveals that while more older drivers are on the road, the number of fatal accidents involving the elderly declined 20 percent between 1997 and 2008.