Cold Weather Car Safety

Did you know that the highest percentage of severe accidents take place in winter? A whopping 65% of Brits have stated that they have been involved in a car accident, or faced difficulties driving, due to harsh winter conditions.

Learn how to prepare your vehicle for winter and stay covered in snow, ice and storms.

Common winter driving accidents

The top three most common causes of car accidents during winter are:

1. Visibility – Over 30% of accidents during winter were due to poor visibility. Snow, fog and rain can all contribute to reduced visibility.
2. Flooding – 50% of UK drivers state they would ignore flood warnings and drive despite the Government warning that there is a danger to life.
3. Ice – Did you know it can take ten times longer to stop if roads are slippery?

Winter driving tips

We Brits tend to joke about the fact we can experience four seasons in one day but, in truth, it is not a laughing matter. The unpredictable weather means we must be prepared to adapt our driving to suit changing conditions at a moment’s notice.

Here are some best practices for driving in each type of inclement weather:

Advice for driving in snow

• Make sure to clear all the snow from your vehicle including the roof, mirrors, headlights and number plates.
• Demist the windows fully before you set off.
• Ensure you have de-icer and a scraper to hand. Do not use hot water to defrost your car.
• When it’s slippery, drive slowly in the highest gear possible.
• Avoid any sudden increases in speed, sharp turns or sudden braking.
• If you start to skid, ease off the accelerator rather than braking suddenly.

Fog driving tips

• Familiarise yourself with using your fog lights before you set off.
  Keep speed low and use dipped headlights.
  Remember, you MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is reduced (see Rule 226) as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves.
  Maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front.
• Driving during rain Ensure windscreen wipers are working before you set off, spray from other vehicles will impair your visibility.
  Your stopping distance doubles in the rain so lower your speed.
  Prevent your windows from misting up by turning your air conditioning on.
• Avoid driving through deep-lying surface water.
  Be mindful of nearby pedestrians. You could face a £5,000 fine (as per Section 3 Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988) if you soak pedestrians while driving through puddles.
• Driving in wind Strong gusts of wind can blow a car, HGV, cyclist or motorcyclist off course. Keep a good distance between you and surrounding vehicles and if you must, overtake with great care.

Insurance claims process for weather-related incidents

Unsurprisingly car insurance claims spike during winter. If you are involved in an incident during winter and need to make a claim, contact your insurer as soon as possible. Most insurance companies have an emergency helpline available 24/7 which will be able to guide you through the next steps and help you organise repairs as promptly as possible.

If possible, take plenty of photos of the scene so that insurers have as much information as possible and keep any receipts that may form part of your claim. This could include tow truck fees and any emergency repairs required.

UK car insurance

If you want to drive on UK roads, legally you must have car insurance (the only exception is if the vehicle has a SORN to register it as off the road). When choosing the right insurance policy for you, you can choose between three different levels of cover, including third-party, third-party fire and theft and comprehensive cover.

Third-party insurance is the minimum legal requirement. It only covers any damage to the third-party’s car and any passengers in the vehicles. It will not cover any repairs needed for own vehicle following the crash – this will need to be funded from your pocket. Third-party fire and theft offers a higher level of cover, protecting your car should it be damaged in a fire, stolen or damaged from theft/attempted theft.

Comprehensive cover covers both the third-party’s vehicle and your vehicle. Comprehensive insurance can often be called ‘fully comp’ and will cover damages whether or not you’re at fault.

If you’re unsure of which cover is suitable for you, it’s worth speaking to an insurance broker to help you make the right choice.

Motor insurance from Towergate

We can offer tailored motor insurance policies to suit your requirements. See our motor insurance webpages or call us on 01792 522 622.

Commercial vehicle insurance from Towergate

We can also provide tailored commercial vehicle insurance for your taxi, coach, truck, minibus and more. Our cover will help keep your business on the road.

Call for a quote on 0344 346 1418 or request a quote online.

About the author

Chris North FCII is a respected industry leader with over 40 years' experience, who has worked in the insurance industry in a variety of roles, accumulating a wealth of knowledge. He is currently Technical Manager for Towergate's motor division, providing expertise on all matters relating to motor fleet insurance, in particular haulage and self-drive hire fleets.