Recently I asked whether renewable energy affects your house insurance. In the twittering that followed the blog's publication I discovered a home insurance policy that stands out from the crowd for the approach it takes to energy efficiency.

Ever since Stuart Rose announced its Plan A, M&S has been at the forefront of companies taking action on carbon pollution. M&S home insurance continues the trend. As well as the usual benefit it offers what it calls 'green benefits' on all policies taken out from 1 January 2010.

This means that when you make an approved claim for white goods such as dishwashers, washing machines, fridges, freezers or tumble dryers, they will replace them with new A-rated energy efficient models where possible.

In addition, they will rebuild severely damaged property in line with level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. This means using sustainable materials where possible and in most cases would lead to carbon pollution from the rebuilt building being 44% lower than those that just met building regs.

I checked to make sure that the cost of cover won't go up if you have some form of microgeneration installed in your home. In fact, unlike many policies, you don't have to make a wild guess at the value of your home and contents - they estimate the value, and take the hit if they get it wrong - ensuring everything you have is covered.

I can't tell you how it compares on price with other companies that meerkats might recommend, as I haven't filled out the quote form. But I might just be about to. As keen cyclists, with more bikes than strictly necessary in our garage, we are restricted to the small number of insurance companies who don't put a ceiling on the value of your bike(s). I just discovered from the helpful PR lady than M&S are one of those.

Photo by david.nikonvscanon 

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