Car insurance can protect you against loss or damage that is common while driving in the winter months. While car insurance is essential all year round, in winter your car can be particularly at risk because of adverse weather conditions.
Car insurance could protect you financially if you are involved in an accident. In winter, with slippery roads and limited visibility, car accidents are a greater risk on the road. If you have an accident, your car insurance policy could help cover the costs and third party cover will mean that anyone else involved may also be covered, if the accident is shown to be your fault.
In 2010 there were 209,000 casualties on British roads, according to the British parliament’s Reported Road Accident Statistics 2011 briefing paper1 - danger on the road is therefore a real concern. But what can you do to drive safely during the winter months?
Keep car in garage: this will keep your car warmer when the temperature drops, and you shouldn’t have to defrost your windscreen either. As an added bonus, cars are usually safer in a garage than being left out on the driveway, as there can be a reduced risk of theft.
Drive slowly: take your time when driving in wintry conditions. You may not be able to see clearly in snow or heavy fog for example, so you may have to drive below the usual speed limit.
Check your tyres: tyres without sufficient tread or grip could cause poor braking or cause an accident. Change your tyres regularly, and consider snow chains for your tyres if you live in a particularly snowy area.
Defrost glass: defrost your car windows and window screen so you can see clearly.
Don't drive at all: if the weather is really bad, only make absolutely necessary trips. It's safer not to drive at all.
You could experience bad weather abroad - so you should ensure that your car insurance policy covers you whilst driving in the EU too. Good car insurance will usually cover your legal liability to others while using your car within the European Union - this means you don't need an International Motor Insurance Card to drive in these countries. You may also receive the same level of cover given in your Policy Schedule while holidaying in Europe if you take out a good car insurance policy. This is particularly useful if you’re travelling to European countries with a colder climate, where you might encounter difficult winter driving conditions.
By taking care when driving in the winter, and ensuring you have the best car insurance policy, you will feel safer whatever the weather.
[1] - www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/SN02198.pdf
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John Lewis Insurance offers a range of insurance services selected by the John Lewis Partnership. These include home, life, pet, travel, wedding, event and car insurance quotes. For more information about John Lewis Car Insurance please visit the website here - www.johnlewis-insurance.com/homepage/car-insurance.html.
John Lewis Insurance offers a range of insurance services selected by the John Lewis Partnership. These include home, life, pet, travel, wedding, event and car insurance quotes. For more information about John Lewis Car Insurance please visit the website here - www.johnlewis-insurance.com/homepage/car-insurance.html.
