Hybrid vehicles are characterized by the fact that they two Combine drive technologies: an electric motor and a combustion engine. The combination has several advantages.
On the one hand, they benefit from a more environmentally friendly car and on the other hand, they save money thanks to the lower consumption. And another feature of hybrids is the choice of charging method for the electric motor when purchasing. For business people who work in the real estate sector, specialized real estate software interesting in order to make their insurance processes more efficient.
Hybrid car insurance
full hybrids charge their electric motor while driving, which means that no charging station is required. This is advantageous for drivers who do not have access to charging stations, for example in rural areas or abroad. In contrast, Plug-in hybrids, like electric cars, need to be charged regularly because they have a charging cable.
Hybrid drive technologies – three main types:
- Serial hybrids: Only one drive motor is used here. The combustion engine is connected to a generator that charges the battery of the electric motor.
- Parallel hybrids: Both engines are used simultaneously, with the electric motor often providing support and saving fuel.
- Power-split hybrids: A combination of serial and parallel hybrids in which the combustion engine is supported by two electric motors. One acts as a generator, the other as a drive.
The technologies have specific advantages, primarily in terms of fuel efficiencyHybrid cars are usually more efficient because they recover energy lost during braking and store it in the battery. The process is called Brake Energy Regeneration or recuperation bezeichnet.
Bonuses and subsidies for hybrid cars
Before buying a hybrid, however, you should find out about possible bonuses. Although government subsidies were discontinued in December 2023, many manufacturers offer the weiterhin Bonuses and subsidies for the purchase or leasing of environmentally friendly drives.
Special features of hybrid car insurance
Due to the special characteristics of hybrid vehicles, a special Hybrid car insurance makes sense. Since hybrids have an electric motor and a combustion engine, they are more expensive to buy and maintain than normal cars, which results in higher repair costs. The batteries are also expensive and require special protection. Standard insurance is often not enough.
Plug-in hybrids need to be charged regularly at charging stations, which is why additional insurance clauses for charging cables and chargers may be necessary. Full hybrids, on the other hand, need even more comprehensive protection for the internal technology and battery. Things like brake energy recovery also require special protection.
Coverage amounts and scope of insurance
When taking out insurance, you should make sure that you have sufficient coverage and a good insurance coverage. Due to the complex technology and expensive battery components, hybrids have a higher replacement value. Therefore, the insurance sum should be high enough to be fully covered in the event of damage. Owners can therefore choose between different insurance packages:
- Motor vehicle liability insurance: The legally required insurance covers damage caused to other road users. However, the basic coverage is often not sufficient for hybrid cars.
- Partial coverage: The supplement to liability insurance provides additional protection against risks such as theft, natural disasters or broken glass.
- Fully comprehensive insurance: Due to the sensitive and expensive components of hybrids, fully comprehensive insurance up to a certain market value is highly recommended, as it also covers damage to your own vehicle caused by accidents for which you are responsible.
Before signing a contract, you should check whether the most important components are included in the insurance policy. Some insurers offer additional supplementary insurance that covers things like the battery or charging equipment.
Conclusion
- Insuring a hybrid car requires special adjustments to meet the requirements of the technology. There are many factors to consider, from special insurance offers to additional component protection to comprehensive coverage amounts. However, by doing good research and choosing an insurance policy tailored to hybrid vehicles, you can ensure that you are optimally covered and take full advantage of the benefits of hybrid technology.