Not all ethical insurance providers choose to offer car insurance, but those that do may offer extras such as charitable donations or the peace of mind that they aren’t investing your insurance premiums in industries that harm the planet.
Here are some good choices:
Evergreen Insurance Services
In the world of insurance, which is traditionally driven by profit, Evergreen Insurance is an unusual entity. It will shop around to get you a good deal on your car insurance, then donate a portion of its commission (up to 25 per cent, depending on how long you’ve been with them) to a wildlife or nature charity.
The charities spend the money in different ways; rehabilitation of animals, educating people, reducing waste and creating environments for nature to thrive. You can choose where you want your money to go from a panel of 25 organisations, and even nominate a charity you care about to join the list.
As well as car insurance it also offers home, pet, life and gadget policies, and even offers commercial cover for fleets, charities, shops and tradesmen.
Pluginsure
Founded in 2006, Pluginsure was the UK’s first-ever website dedicated to insuring electric cars, vans and trucks.
Policies include insurance for your car’s battery. The firm covers more than 30 makes of electric car and quotes are available by phone on 0330 043 1962. PlugInsure is most competitive for drivers aged over 30, who have accumulated several years of No Claims Bonus and live outside of London. It admits it cannot offer the lowest rates on the market for insuring a Tesla.
Allianz Insurance
Allianz does not insure or invest its customers’ premiums in coal-fired power plants or coal mines. Instead, it says it “strategically invests in low-carbon assets, including renewable energy, green buildings, and green bonds”.
Allianz is a longstanding member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, which rates 125 insurance companies on their sustainability business practices.
It is also a founding member of the Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance. The Alliance is committed to tackling global warming and reducing the carbon emissions of their investment portfolios to net zero by 2050.
In the last three years, Allianz has donated £1.26 million to the mental health charity Mind, £90,000 to local charities and £200,000 to sports clubs. Employees get 20 hours to volunteer a year.
Zurich
Zurich says it is “committed to being one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world”. The firm measures the carbon impact of its investments, and will not insure or invest in either coal or tar sands projects or companies heavily involved in them.
It has also committed to investing $5 billion (£3.7 billion) in low-carbon technologies. Zurich is listed as a “leader” by Insure Our Future, a global coalition of NGOs and social movements that are pressuring insurance companies to get out of the coal, oil and gas business and support the transition to clean energy.
Since 2019, Zurich has planted more than half a million trees in areas of deforestation. Since 1973, the Zurich Community Trust has awarded grants and arranged volunteer time valued at over £90 million to causes across the UK.
