Alyssa Lane
Winter weather conditions can increase the risk of collisions and accidents, leading to concerns about insurance coverage and costs. While winter does not directly cause insurance prices to increase, the season's unpredictable weather patterns can impact insurance decisions and risks. Comprehensive and collision coverage options become particularly relevant during winter, offering protection against weather-related damage, collisions with objects or vehicles, and other winter-specific hazards. Understanding these coverage options and their limitations is crucial for vehicle owners, especially in regions prone to harsh winters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does insurance go up in the winter? | No, winter does not make auto insurance more expensive. |
| Cheapest month to buy car insurance | December |
| Areas with unpredictable weather patterns | Likely to pay higher premiums |
| Comprehensive auto insurance | The only policy influenced by weather |
| Collision coverage | Optional, covers damage to your car |
| Comprehensive coverage | Optional, covers damage caused by weather, theft, vandalism, and animal-related damage |
| Motorcycle insurance | Can be cancelled in winter, but not recommended due to risks |
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What You'll Learn
Comprehensive auto insurance
While winter does not make auto insurance more expensive in general, it is worth noting that comprehensive auto insurance is the only type of policy influenced by weather conditions. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car from non-collision events outside of your control, such as natural disasters, extreme weather, vandalism, animals, flooding, and fire. For example, if a tree branch, heavy with snow, falls on your parked car and damages your windshield, comprehensive coverage could help with the repairs.
If you live in an area with harsh winters, such as heavy snowfall or frequent storms, comprehensive auto insurance can provide valuable protection. It can also be beneficial if your area is prone to natural disasters or extreme weather events, such as tornadoes or avalanches. Comprehensive coverage can shield you from unforeseen costs arising from these events.
However, it's important to note that comprehensive insurance rates may be higher in areas that frequently experience severe weather. Insurers may factor in the increased likelihood of claims due to extreme weather when setting premiums. Additionally, filing comprehensive claims may lead to increased premiums, as insurers may view multiple claims as an indicator of higher risk.
To ensure you have adequate coverage during the winter, it is advisable to review your auto insurance policy before the season begins. Consider whether you need to adjust your liability limits or deductibles based on your driving habits and the winter weather conditions in your region.
By taking these proactive steps, you can enhance your peace of mind and financial protection during the winter months, knowing that you have the necessary comprehensive auto insurance coverage in place.
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Collision coverage
While winter weather increases the odds of being in a collision, there isn't a specific insurance coverage for this. However, collision coverage is an option that can help cover damage to your car if it's involved in a covered claim. Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your car if you crash into another car or object, such as a fence, guardrail, tree, or utility pole. For example, if your car slides on ice and hits another car, or if you slide down a snowy hill and hit a utility pole, collision coverage will usually pay for the damages. Collision coverage is often sold together with comprehensive insurance, but they are two separate coverage types. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car outside of a collision, such as damage caused by severe weather, fire, flooding, hail, vandalism, falling objects, or striking an animal. Comprehensive coverage can also cover broken windshields caused by winter-related events like ice or hail.
It's important to note that collision and comprehensive coverages are optional and not legally required unless you have a loan or lease. However, they might be wise to have if you live in an area with snowy or icy conditions and blizzards or other winter weather events. These coverages can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of a collision or damage to your vehicle.
If you're considering adding collision coverage to your insurance policy, it's a good idea to review your existing coverage and compare quotes from different insurance companies. Collision coverage can increase your insurance costs, so it's essential to weigh the benefits against the additional expense. Additionally, keep in mind that insurance companies may place binding restrictions on changes to existing policies as a storm approaches, so it's best to add coverage before any restrictions are implemented.
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Motorcycle insurance
Firstly, if you financed or leased your motorcycle, your lender will usually require you to maintain year-round insurance coverage. Cancelling your insurance would violate the terms of your agreement and may result in penalties or the repossession of your motorcycle. Even if you own your motorcycle outright, cancelling your insurance may result in higher premiums or refusal of coverage when you attempt to insure your motorcycle again. Insurers may hike rates significantly after the first year, and your policy's price may increase even with the same coverage amounts.
Secondly, even if your motorcycle is in storage during the winter, it is still at risk of theft, fire, accidents, vandalism, snow and ice damage, natural disasters, and other unforeseen circumstances. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, 2,879 motorcycles are stolen in February alone. Thieves often target bikes in storage, as they know it might not be noticed until spring. Without insurance, you would be liable for any damages or theft and would have to pay out of pocket for repairs or replacement.
Instead of cancelling your policy, you can explore other money-saving alternatives. Many insurers allow you to make changes to your motorcycle policy based on your coverage needs, such as removing coverages when your motorcycle is in storage or increasing your deductible. Some companies offer ""lay-up" or "motorcycle storage" insurance policies that reduce or pause certain coverages without eliminating comprehensive coverage. You can also inquire about any discounts you may be eligible for, such as loyalty discounts or bundle deals.
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Roadside assistance
It is important to note that insurance companies treat roadside assistance calls differently. Some companies consider roadside assistance calls as claims, which can affect future premium costs. If roadside assistance is included in your insurance policy, using it frequently could cause your insurance rates to go up. However, other insurance companies do not treat roadside assistance as an at-fault claim, and your rates will not be affected.
To avoid the risk of higher insurance premiums, some people opt for third-party roadside assistance services such as AAA. AAA offers roadside assistance starting at $64.99 per year. Members can request service online, through the AAA mobile app, or by calling their helpline. Other alternatives to insurance company roadside assistance include motor clubs like Good Sam and Better World Club, as well as AARP's partnership with Allstate Roadside. Some dealerships and vehicle manufacturers, such as Ford and Toyota, also offer roadside assistance for a few years after purchasing a new car.
If you choose to use your insurance company's roadside assistance, be aware that some companies may offer low rates for this service to compete with third-party providers. However, they may treat towing as an at-fault claim, which can increase your premiums. Before selecting a roadside assistance option, it is important to understand how the service is classified by the provider and its potential impact on your insurance rates.
While roadside assistance through your insurance company may be convenient, it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks. If you frequently require roadside assistance, it may be more cost-effective to explore alternative options to avoid potential increases in your insurance premiums.
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Winter driving advice
Winter driving can be challenging, especially if you're not used to it. Here are some tips to help keep you safe on the roads during the colder months:
Know the weather and plan ahead: Check the weather and road conditions before heading out. If the weather is particularly bad, it's best to wait for conditions to improve. Winter weather is unpredictable, and it's better to be safe than sorry.
Increase your following distance: Give other vehicles plenty of space in case of black ice or sudden stops. Remember that it takes longer to stop on icy and snowy roads, so drive slowly and cautiously.
Avoid sudden movements: Slamming on the brakes or making abrupt turns can cause your vehicle to skid. Apply gas and brake pedal pressure slowly and evenly. If you do find yourself skidding, remain calm and steer into the skid.
Get winter tires: Winter tires increase traction and improve handling in cold temperatures. They can provide better grip and stability on snowy and icy roads.
Review your insurance coverage: Comprehensive and collision coverage can provide protection against various winter-related incidents, such as damage from ice, hail, or collisions with objects or other vehicles. Consider adding 24-hour roadside assistance to your policy for extra peace of mind.
Keep a survival kit in your car: In case of emergencies, it's a good idea to have a kit that includes items such as a small shovel, sand or cat litter (for traction), flashlights, warm clothes, blankets, and non-perishable food.
Remember, taking precautions and driving cautiously in winter conditions can help keep you and others safe on the roads.
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Frequently asked questions
No, winter does not make auto insurance more expensive. In fact, December is the cheapest month to buy car insurance. However, if you live in a state with unpredictable weather patterns, you will likely pay a higher premium for your insurance. This is because bad weather may damage your vehicle and icy roads increase the risk of collisions.
Two important auto insurance coverage options for the winter months are comprehensive and collision. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car caused by non-collision events outside of your control, such as extreme weather, vandalism, animals, flooding, and fire. Collision coverage, on the other hand, covers damage to your car if it hits another vehicle or object.
Yes, you can cancel your motorcycle insurance in the winter, but it is not recommended. If you cancel your insurance, you will be left to cover any losses entirely on your own. For example, your motorcycle could be stolen or damaged by snow, ice, or fire. Additionally, frequent cancellations may lead to higher premiums or insurers refusing to insure you in the future.
