I did indeed try all of the comparison sites as well as a couple of specialist brokers all to the same effect i.e. quotes between £750 and £1200. I eventually settled on an online company (Nutshell) at £540. I did question Nutshell about the fact that they quote the car as a 2.0 petrol auto (which does not exist), when it is a hybrid. Their answer was, "we are insuring a ZR-V Advance so what does it matter". I just hope that I do not have to make a claim that tests that issue.
I see the point regarding technology etc. but the HR-V is (as I am led to believe) basically a "pumped up" Civic which in turn uses pretty much the same powertrain as the CR-V hybrid but only 2 wheel drive. So no major uplift in technology there.
To complete the insult, my previous insurers gave me a derisory refund of £210 after 2 months of policy costing £380. That is some admin fee for cancellation!
I am now thinking that, as the Honda salesman suggested, it is probably the insurance companies jumping on the current general price hike mentality and getting their noses in the trough for any reason they can find.