Is Your Auto Insurance Enough for Winter Weather Accidents?
Every year, more than 116,000 people are injured in car accidents caused by winter weather. Snow, ice, sleet, and high winds can reduce visibility, make roads slippery, and even leave your vehicle stuck on the side of the road.
While these winter driving risks can be daunting, your winter car insurance policy is designed to protect you. Before hitting the road this season, review your coverage to ensure you’re fully protected in the event of a winter weather-related accident.
In this guide, the experts at C&S Insurance explain the types of coverage you should have this season and the steps to take if you find yourself stranded in a snowstorm or involved in a winter weather accident.
When to File Claims During the Winter
Filing an insurance claim, whether in winter or any time of year, can sometimes lead to higher premiums. Some insurers may forgive a first accident for long-term safe drivers, but repeated claims or serious accidents can label you as a higher-risk driver.
Consider filing a claim only when necessary. If the repair cost is less than your deductible, it may be more cost-effective to pay out of pocket. Generally, you should file a claim if an accident:
- Involves multiple drivers
- Causes significant damage or injuries
- Exceeds your deductible
Long-term, insurers often reward consistent claim-free driving with loyalty discounts and reduced premiums. Staying safe on the road not only protects you but can also save you money.
Is Your Deductible Low Enough?
Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Increasing your deductible can lower your premium, but make sure it’s an amount you could comfortably pay if needed.
If you have both comprehensive and collision coverage, remember that each has its own separate deductible.
Types of Auto Insurance You Need in Winter
While all elements of auto insurance are important year-round, winter weather can make certain coverages especially critical.
- Liability Coverage: Pays for property damage or injuries you cause to others, such as hitting another vehicle, a pedestrian, or someone’s property.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision damage, like a tree branch falling on your car or vandalism.
- Collision Coverage: Pays to repair your vehicle if you’re at fault, such as sliding on ice and hitting another car or object. If another driver is at fault, their liability coverage applies.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical bills for you and your passengers.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you if the other driver lacks sufficient insurance.
- Roadside Assistance: Often an add-on; covers towing or on-the-spot repairs if your car breaks down, gets stuck in snow, or has a dead battery.
- Rental Car Coverage: Ensures you can drive another vehicle while your car is being repaired. The average repair takes about 19 days (2024 study).
- Gap Coverage: Covers the difference between your insurer’s payout and what you owe if a leased or financed car is totaled.
Insurance requirements vary by state. In Massachusetts, drivers must have minimum amounts of bodily injury liability, property damage liability, PIP, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive and collision coverage aren’t mandatory but are highly recommended.
Speak with an agent to determine the right coverage for your situation.
How to Qualify for Auto Insurance Discounts
You can often reduce your premium by:
- Maintaining a clean driving record
- Installing safety equipment, such as winter tires, ABS, and electronic stability control (ESC)
- Bundling home and auto insurance
- Participating in usage-based programs that reward safe driving habits, like gentle braking and steady speeds
Talk to a C&S Insurance agent to explore additional ways to save.
Steps to Take if You Get Into a Winter Accident
Even the safest drivers can experience accidents. Follow these steps if you’re involved in a winter weather collision:
- Check if anyone in your vehicle is injured.
- If safe, move your car away from traffic.
- Turn on hazard lights.
- Call 911 if there are injuries, another driver, or property damage.
- Document everything. Take photos of the vehicles, road and weather conditions, location, date, and any damage or injuries. Note your recollection of the events.
- Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver. Avoid discussing fault.
- Report the accident to your insurance company, providing all photos, videos, and documentation. Work with your agent to complete the claim properly.
- Keep detailed notes of every conversation with insurers, agents, police, lawyers, or other parties.
For more guidance, check out our blog on filing insurance claims during the winter months.