Yesterday was Car Insurance Day. The first of February has been set aside as the annual day to be thankful for the peace of mind your auto insurance provides—and to focus on the importance of safe driving. As we face the last several weeks of winter, it is the perfect time for an insurance policy review to check that your policy still meets your needs. Safe driving is the best strategy to keep your premiums as low as possible.
Not Clearing All the Snow Off Your Vehicle
While you may be tempted to quickly sweep the snow off the windshield when you are in a hurry to get somewhere, failing to clear the snow from the top or front of your car can have disastrous consequences. Sudden stops, starts, or turns can result in snow from your roof sliding down and covering your front or back window or the snow on the hood of your car sliding upwards, dangerously obscuring your view.
Staying Bundled Up While Driving
Brr—it’s cold outside! You need to wear layers when you are outdoors and need to stay warm. While you need warm clothing outside, wearing mittens and a thick coat in the driver’s seat can be a liability, reducing your ability to grip the wheel and control the car. Bulky snow boots can make it hard to feel the pedal position and wide boots can make pressing one pedal at a time difficult. Leave your bulky winter clothes in the back seat and use the car’s heating system to stay warm when driving.
Driving Too Fast for Weather Conditions
The posted speed limit is the maximum speed under normal conditions. Remember that snow, ice, and other winter weather hazards can add minutes, if not hours, to your travel time. Always head out with time to spare. Fast driving in snowy, icy, or rainy conditions or exceeding the speed limit in winter conditions puts you and others at risk should the vehicle go out of control. If you cause a crash by driving unsafely in winter weather conditions, it signals to your policy provider that you are a higher-risk driver; your insurance premium will increase.
Following Too Closely on Slippery Roads
Tailgating and following another car too closely is always illegal. When the roads are icy, braking requires even more distance. Tailgating is more than unpleasant to your fellow drivers; it is dangerous driving behavior that can lead to a fender-bender or worse. In good weather, the rule is to leave three seconds of roadway space between you and the vehicle ahead. In winter road conditions, coming to a complete stop takes even longer. You will need five to eight seconds to stop on snowy roads and 10 to 14 seconds on ice. Adjust your driving, leaving a longer distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Stay safe and keep your insurance rates lower.
Lack of Vehicle Winter Maintenance Check
When the cold hits, it is time to get your car’s tires, brakes, and wipers checked for damage and replaced if needed. It’s much better to fix problems ahead of time than to discover them when navigating through a howling storm. Regular car maintenance can extend the life of your vehicle and improve its performance in rough weather.
Stay Safe This Winter with Car Insurance You Can Trust
No one can predict every hazard, but it pays to be prepared. Now is the time of year to review your insurance and ensure coverage. Talk with one of our agents today to see what new policies are available with better coverage at a lower cost. We are happy to review your current policy and help you have greater peace of mind, knowing you have the coverage you need.