Recycled paper OK, recycled couches not

Insurance customers want their insurers to be more environmentally friendly, however they are drawing the line at refurbished parts and replacements for car parts and second-hand home furnishings, according to research released Tuesday by the financial services company Consumer Intelligence.

The study revealed overwhelming backing for insurers going green – 81% of customers say they want their insurer to be environmentally friendly with 22% even willing to pay extra for a policy that helps the planet, according to the results.

Ninety-six percent of customers surveyed said they recycle waste such as paper, plastics, clothes, and cans and 72% said they would be interested in their insurer recycling parts for repairs and refurbishments particularly if they were certified and safe.

But home insurers face bigger challenges in persuading customers to accept recycled furniture for replacements with 61% unhappy about receiving a second-hand bed; 47% unhappy with recycled curtains or carpets and 45% opposed to second-hand sofas.

Customers were more receptive to recycled tech goods but 37% were opposed to refurbished fridges and freezers and washer/dryers. Opposition to second-hand tables and chairs was the lowest at 27%.

The main objection from customers was hygiene – around a third (34%) said they didn’t want other people’s dirt or germs in their home. Around 69% said a warranty guarantee from insurers would make them more likely to accept refurbished replacements.