Hybrid definition

What is a hybrid vehicle exactly?
A hybrid vehicle combines a rechargeable battery or energy storage system and a fuel-based power source. These vehicles use less fuel than standard cars and produce fewer emissions.
 

Greenhouse emissions

Is there any real evidence that a hybrid vehicle can reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
Yes. Hybrid vehicles generally use less fuel and therefore reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to Environment Canada, a vehicle that is 25 per cent more fuel efficient than the current average, such as a hybrid vehicle, will reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and save $360 on an average annual gasoline bill of $1440.
 

Hybrid information

Where can I find information on hybrid vehicles?
A good place to start for an objective point of view is Environment Canada.
 

Hybrid car sizes

I need a larger car. Aren’t hybrid cars usually compact?
Hybrids now come in compact, mid-size and full-size passenger cars.
 

Hybrid maintenance

Are hybrids easier to maintain? Will it be expensive to replace the battery?
Only authorized dealerships will have the trained technicians and proper tools to service a hybrid.
Generally, the manufacturer covers batteries for hybrid cars for at least 8 years or for a combination of time and kilometres driven. Once the warranty expires, you’ll need to replace it. While there is no fixed hybrid battery replacement cost, it is estimated in the thousands of dollars. When you buy your hybrid, ask your dealer about the battery warranty, maintenance and replacement.
 

Hybrid savings

Hybrid cars are expensive, so how do I save in the end?
Although hybrid cars cost more upfront, you may save on fuel costs in the long-term. The real incentive to buy a hybrid car is to help reduce emissions.
 

Hybrid rebates

Are there other rebates available for hybrid drivers as well?
Transport Canada offers an ecoAUTO Rebate, from $1000 to $2000, to people who bought or entered a long-term lease (12 months or more) for a fuel-efficient vehicle meeting the required criteria between March 20, 2007, and December 31, 2008.
 

Green Wheel discount

How does the Green Wheel discount work?
If you own a recognized hybrid vehicle, you get a 10% discount on your insurance premium. In Ontario, this is a 5% discount.
 

Hybrid identification

How do you identify a hybrid vehicle?
Hybrid vehicles are identified by the VICC code of the vehicle. The identifier is assigned by the Vehicle Information Centre of Canada (VICC), a division of the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
 

Green Wheel renewal

Does my Green Wheel discount automatically renew each year?
As long as you still have the hybrid vehicle, your discount is applied automatically when you renew. You don’t have to do anything.
 

Green Wheel second vehicle

I currently have a Green Wheel discount on one vehicle. If I had a second hybrid vehicle, would I get a discount too?
This is a per vehicle discount.
 

Green Wheel combined discounts

Can I combine the Green Wheel discount with another offer and save even more?
Yes. You can combine the Green Wheel discount with other offers.
 

Availability

Is the Green Wheel discount offered all across Canada?
Everywhere except British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
 

Fuel-efficient driving

If I can’t afford a hybrid, do you have any suggestions for being “greener”’ with my current vehicle?
As per Environment Canada adopt fuel-efficient driving habits:

• If you decrease your highway cruising speed from 120 to 90km/hr, you can reduce fuel consumption by about 20%.
• Rapid starts and hard braking reduce travel time by only 4%. However, fuel consumption increases by 39% and emissions of toxic air pollutants are more than five times higher.
• An idling engine releases twice as many exhaust fumes as a vehicle in motion.
• If we could reduce engine idling time by even 5 minutes per driver per day in Canada, we could prevent 1.6 million tons of carbon dioxide from being emitted.

For more of these tips, visit Environment Canada
 

Limitations and exclusions

Are there other limitations or exclusions regarding the Green Wheel discount that I should know about?
Nothing other than what is mentioned under coverage details and eligibility.