In these eco-conscious times many people have been switching their car insurance to a more green alternative but it could be hurting their pocket as well as saving the environment.

New research has shown that specialist green insurance can cost up to 105% more than standard insurance cover. The Honda Civic, a hybrid car, all-the-rage in Hollywood, will cost at least £701 to cover on Green Insurance but can be covered for just under half, £342, using a standard insurer.

Recent months have seen a raft of new measures by both the British Government and the EU, which they hope will reduce the overall use of carbon fuels in Europe in the coming years.

The European Commission has been attempting to introduce legislation that would force car manufacturers to reduce CO2 emissions on new cars to 130g/km or face large fines. This though, was shot down earlier today after the EU Parliament Legal Affairs Committee deemed the new legislation illegal. The negotiations are expected to drag on well into the next year after the verdict.

The Government is bringing in more measures to help people cut the emissions produced from their cars nd is also advising new motorists on how to be more fuel efficient. Despite this, specialist green insurance may not be the way to go at least until there is a drop in price.

Some insurers are even offering a carbon offset scheme, with 20% of your carbon emissions being offset by investment in reforestation and renewable energy sources. With all the choices available in the car insurance market, it is essential to get the deal that best fits your personal situation.

Recent evidence points to the French car manufacturers leading the field in Carbon emissions reductions. Peugeot- Citroen group is the most efficient across its range, needing to reduce average new car emissions by 10 per cent in the next five years to meet new proposals. Renault faces a 13-per-cent cut, Fiat needs to cut 14% and Toyota needs to cut 15%.