Road accidents involving collisions register a steep increase during the winter months when the nights become longer and the driving conditions worsen and become hazardous. The winter months are not only stressful for drivers but also the most expensive for the car insurance companies. You should have the necessary equipments in the vehicle to be able to deal with any breakdown. Accidents can result in serious financial liabilities and lawsuits for many years. It is therefore better to take the necessary precautions and be fully prepared for any untoward incident when traveling in the winter moths in a car.
Nearly 30% of all car insurance claims are made during the winter season the last part of the year. Statistics confirm that 10.4% of all car insurance claims have been made in October. Motorists have to be extra careful and fully equipped to thwart and face vehicle breakdown or accident during the winter months. Another matter of concern is the opportunity for theft or criminal activity during the long hours of night providing the cover of darkness.
Prepare your car before the journey
You should have adequate insurance protection for your car and yourself and your family members who may travel with you. Consult your insurance company to know if you have the required coverage such as liability, collision and comprehensive. Get a mechanic to check the car engine and make sure it has everything to deal with the winter weather conditions and icy roads. By paying a small additional premium car insurance policyholders can make sure of proper cover when there is an unforeseen accident.
Tips to avoid theft of your car during winter months
- Keep your car parked in a secure garage as far as possible
- Park in a well lit area
- Keep the doors locked
- Install a certified alarm and an immobilizer in your car
- Never leave your valuables visible especially when the car is unattended
Things that affect your car insurance during winter months
· When the car is left unattended in lonely and unlit places
· When the engine is left running while defrosting frozen windscreen because of negligence
· Having an inexperienced driver in your car insurance policy can pose a risk of a potential claim and also affect the status of no-claim for claiming bonus of policy holder.
Experts say that becoming a victim of car theft can be extremely distressing and this can be easily avoided by taking simple precautions.
To be safe and to avoid breakdowns while driving in icy roads, bad weather and in dark, you have to be both a skilled and an experience driver. This will prevent claims by about 20% collision accidents usually reported on icy surfaces. This can be prevented by having a powerful car engine and avoiding sudden braking. Skidding can be avoided by taking your foot off the brake and turning to the side. Keep a good distance from the car in front to avoid collision.
It is also important to be calm and composed while driving on bad roads in icy weather conditions. Make sure to have your vehicle in a perfect condition to be able to handle any road condition including icy weather.