Pennsylvania motorists who own a hybrid vehicle may be eligible for a discount on their auto insurance premiums, according to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department.

The Insurance Department has approved a filing from GEICO to offer a five-percent discount to policyholders who insure hybrid vehicles. GEICO is the third insurer in recent months to file this type of discount, after Farmers and Travelers.

“I’m delighted to see that more insurance companies now offer these types of incentives to their policyholders,” acting Insurance Commissioner Randy Rohrbaugh said. “This is just one more way to reward Pennsylvanians who are making energy efficient decisions.”

Rohrbaugh said hybrid vehicle insurance discounts are only one factor for policyholders to consider when choosing among auto insurance providers.

“As with any insurance product, consumers need to explore the market, get at least three identical quotes from different insurance companies and make an informed decision about what company is best for them in terms of price, coverage and service,” he added.

The Insurance Department offers a consumer brochure titled, “Your Guide to Auto Insurance Premiums.”

The Guide explains the different types of coverages associated with auto insurance, choices the consumers have and a rate comparison the top 20 carriers in central, eastern and western Pennsylvania.

The brochure can be downloaded free of charge at the department’s website at  www.insurance.state.pa.us, or by calling the department’s toll-free automated consumer hotline at 1-877-881-6388 or any of the department’s Bureau of Consumer Services’ regional offices at: Harrisburg: 717-787-2317, Philadelphia: 215-560-2630, or Pittsburgh: 412-565-5020

6/15/2007