4 Auto Insurance Tips for Winter Weather
Winter Weather
According to a 2017 report published by the Auto Insurance Center division of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an average of 800 fatal road traffic accidents are caused yearly by extreme winter conditions.
A post-accident analysis conducted by NHTSA investigators determined that many unfortunate situations could have been avoided or mitigated by taking precautions like those listed below.
Inadequate Winter Tires
Tires are the only parts of a vehicle that makes contact with the road surface, so it only makes sense for drivers to seek adequate treads for winter.
All-season tires may not be sufficient when driving on roads where sheets of ice and snow accumulation are common; this situation calls for snow tires with heavy treads and studs.
It is important to keep in mind that snow tires require specific levels of air pressure to get their best performance.
Headlights, Taillights, Markers, and Fog Lights
Poor visibility is the cause of many road traffic accidents during the winter. Daylight hours are reduced during winter, and weather events such as snow drifts elevate the risk of driving even before sunset.
You want to check the functionality of all the illumination devices in your car or truck when temperatures drop; with regard to fog lights, it is better to choose those with yellow bulbs or LED filters because they are more effective than bright halogen lights.
Review Your Auto Insurance Coverage
Nothing like the peace of mind provided by a full or comprehensive auto insurance policy during the winter.
According to agents at Advance Insurance in Utah, winter is the season when drivers are more likely to tap into coverage benefits such as roadside assistance, lockout service, towing, auto repairs, and rental cars.
You might sometimes qualify for premium discounts if you bundle other policies, such as home and rental insurance, along with full auto coverage.
Winter Driving Emergency Kits
Driving tends to get far more unpredictable in the winter. Even if you enjoy the protection of comprehensive auto insurance coverage, there may be situations when roadside assistance may not arrive for a while because of dangerous road conditions.
This is when a thoughtfully assembled emergency kit can save the day.
In addition to an ice scraper, jumper cables, and road flares, you may also want to pack blankets, gloves, a battery power pack for your smartphone, bottled water, cash, and non-perishable snacks.
Above all, recognizing the increased risk of winter conditions calls for more careful driving. Be sure to go easier on the brakes and gas pedal, and don’t forget to check weather and traffic reports before getting behind the wheel.
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