Hoot guide to going green

It's a sad fact, but today's young drivers are targeted for their recklessness on the roads. Almost everyday, media is chock full of stories about irresponsible thuggish behaviour from young motorists who make driving a misery for other road users. That's why young drivers can't get cheap car insurance, and for those of us who are responsible drivers, it's a big pain in the *#@%.

We didn't invent smoking, gas guzzling cars, aerosols and all those pollutants that are now wrecking the earth. In fact, here at Hoot, we know that there are young people out there who would quite like it if the world was still around for their grandchildren to enjoy.

Young people do care, we care a lot. So, here is Hoot's guide to greener motoring. It's not rocket science - even your mum could grasp it, so give it a try. Be a hero, save the world.

Hybrid Cars
There are more and more of them out there, they are gradually getting cheaper and yes, they are getting cooler. (How cool is saving the planet, eh?) Ok, so you aren't in a position to buy a new car, we understand that, but as the Hybrid market gets bigger, the second hand hybrid market will also take off. Keep your eyes peeled for the ultimate green driving machine in the car pages of your local newspaper and watch the prices fall.

Not buying new
Recycling has always been an eco-friendly watchword, and for many of us buying second hand is the only way we can afford a vehicle; but if we stop buying new cars, the manufacturers might stop making them. Ok, so some will argue that new cars are more fuel efficient and have lower C02 emissions, but we would still argue that buying new is an extravagance the world can do without. Visit Parker's website to check the make and model you are thinking of buying and it will tell you the level of emissions and what Vehicle Excise Duty band (car tax) that car is in. The lower the emissions, the cheaper the tax - simple eh?

Keep it serviced
And on the old car issue, servicing it regularly can make a huge difference to harmful emissions. A well tuned engine, running on properly inflated tyres, is an efficient thing. Try chucking the rubbish out of your boot, go a bit lighter on the gas peddle and bingo, your car will perform in tip-top condition. It costs for the service, but saves on fuel, saves on repairs, saves the planet and wins friends and influences people. It's true, honest!

Recycle
Yes, we're saying the R word again, but if you hunt around a bit you could find a like-minded mechanic who uses recycled (pre-loved) parts. If you're adventurous you could go to a breakers yard (I know blokes who love them as much as the ladies love shopping malls); some yards carry the most popular parts on the shelf.

Since 2005 car insurance groups have allowed crash repairers to use recycled parts to fix cosmetic areas of older cars after a road traffic accident. This keeps many older cars of low value on the road and drivers who faced being handed a write-off cheque for a couple of hundred pounds, the opportunity to stay mobile.

THINK
And finally, try to think about whether you really need to use your car at all. Yes, I know this one sounds a bit preachy, but honestly, driving three minutes round the corner to buy ten fags is a waste of the world. If it's raining, wait til it stops, or get an umbrella. Use a bike or put on a pair of shorts and a headband, jog to the One-Stop and make believe you're training for the Olympics. You might even get fit doing it!

Hoot and cheap car insurance
We don't just sit here and lecture about being responsible; what we do best is save you money. We are an online car insurance company, so we save pounds by not having flashy premises and we don't do telly ads, because they cost a packet too. We have a small, but super efficient call centre and we keep up to date with all goings-on in the motor insurance world.

When you come to us with your vehicle and driver details we will offer you a quote based on 6,000 Base Miles of cover for a truly cheaper car insurance deal.

Call our helpline. and our friendly advisors will be happy to give you a quote. Or you can fill in an online form with all your cheap car insurance needs and we will take it from there. It's no-hassle, fast, and secure; that's the Hoot ethos. So, call us and see if we can save you money on your car insurance now.