People driving hybrid cars could get cheaper car insurance as an incentive for buying them, according to experts.

Statistics put together by insurance firm More Than claims that one in six motorists would consider switching to a petrol-electric hybrid, which cuts greenhouse gas emissions by significantly lowering fuel consumption.

More Than motor insurance manager Keith Maxwell says that, although there is not much of an economic incentive to change to a hybrid car now, this could be about to change.

"At the moment insurance policies for hybrid cars and for petrol cars are the same [but] we are looking at how we could reward people who choose an eco-friendly car, in terms of insurance," he said.

Hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular, with models including the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic Hybrid.

The latter recently picked up the World Green Car 2006 award at the World Car of the Year Awards in Manhattan.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd