Is your auto insurance ready for winter weather?

As winter weather grips the majority of the U.S., hopefully you’ve already taken the time to make sure your car is winterized and ready for the harsh conditions. We frequently check our tire pressure, our battery and make sure we have an emergency roadside kit in our trunk, but how many of us take the time to do a winter-time car insurance checkup?

There are many claim situations that can arise due to icy or snowy weather. Obviously accidents increase as drivers become acclimated to slick roads. It always seems to take a snowfall or two for drivers to relearn winter driving skills. And some drivers just never seem to learn them.

If you live in a part of the country where icy or snowy conditions are possible, make sure you’re comfortable with your current car insurance coverage. Visit your agent or call your company and make sure you have the coverages you need to get through the winter weather. Roadside assistance can be added to your policy for a minimal charge, and with the higher risk of wintertime accidents, rental reimbursement may be a good coverage to have.

If your county or state road department has a habit of spreading gravel on the roads when they become icy, you may want to get a lower deductible for glass claims, or even check to see if you can buy full glass coverage, which means you won’t have a deductible to pay if your windshield needs replaced. Remember, most auto insurance companies offer rock chip repair without having to pay your deductible, so if you get a rock pit in your windshield, get it fixed before the entire windshield needs repaired.

When the roads freeze up, the change of having and auto accident increase dramatically. If you haven’t taken the time to think about your auto insurance coverages, now’s the time to talk to your agent or company.