From ice storms to hurricanes, extreme weather events can damage your vehicle and leave you with an expensive repair bill. The good news is that there are different ways you can protect yourself from weather-related damage and financial distress. This is where weather car insurance comes in.
Do I Need Special Car Winter Insurance?
While insurance companies don’t offer special policies that are exclusively tailored to protect your vehicle against winter-related damage, there are ways you can protect it during winter.
You can raise your current liability limits or reduce your coverage level if you plan on storing your vehicle in the garage for a few months.
Will My Car Insurance Cover Winter Weather-Related Accidents?
It depends on your current insurance plan. There are two types of insurance policies that you can consider, namely collision insurance and comprehensive insurance.
Collision Insurance
This policy protects a vehicle from collision-related accidents. For example, any damage caused by two cars crashing into each other in the snow is covered by collision insurance.
Comprehensive Insurance
On the other hand, comprehensive insurance will protect you against damage caused by non-collision events, such as weather-related accidents. For example, when harsh winds cause a tree branch to fall on your car, comprehensive insurance will cover the repairs.
Damage caused by hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, and other natural disasters outside of your control are also covered in this policy.
How To Weatherproof Your Car
While the right insurance policy can help you save on repairs, keeping your car safe should still be a top priority. Here are tips on how to weatherproof your vehicle:
Park Indoors
Before the storm hits, park your car in your garage. This is the best way to keep it safe from the elements.
If you don’t have a garage, invest in a high-quality winter cover for your car. Just be sure to park on higher ground or move it closer to your house, which can protect it from the wind. Avoid parking under trees and power lines that could fall over.
Get Snow Tires
Also known as winter tires, snow tires are specifically designed to give your car a better grip on icy roads. This means you’re less likely to skid and lose control of your vehicle while driving on snow.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Keep an emergency kit in your car at all times. Be sure to stock up on essentials, such as a first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, and shovel. We also recommend bringing a shovel, a tire repair kit, and traction mats in case you get stuck in the snow.
How To Protect Your Car From a Hurricane
Here are helpful pointers on how to protect your car from a hurricane:
Prepare Your Vehicle
Before driving in inclement weather, make sure your vehicle is ready. Check on your tire pressure, and inspect your windshield wipers. Fill your gas tank in advance, so you can avoid long lines at the gas station.
Steer Against the Wind
If your vehicle gets caught in the storm, don’t panic. Stay calm as you slowly steer against the wind to guide your car in the right lane.
Avoid Driving Next to Taller Vehicles
Harsh winds can cause tall vehicles to roll over, so do your best to avoid driving next to them.
Drive Slowly
It’s best to avoid driving through flooded roads, but if it’s your only route going home, then take it easy and drive slowly.
Review and Update Your Car Insurance
Not all insurance policies include weather protection, so be sure to review and update your insurance if necessary. You can apply for a comprehensive car insurance policy that covers damages caused by hurricanes and other natural disasters.
How To Protect Your Car From an Ice Storm
If an ice storm is approaching, you’ll have to be prepared for the worst. Here are tips on how to protect your vehicle from an ice storm:
Prepare Early
Check your tire tread, and replace them if necessary. Invest in snow tires or tire chains, which you can mount on regular tires.
Make sure to refill your vehicle’s windshield wiper fluid reservoir, and top off your coolant if it’s running low.
Monitor the Weather
You never know when the ice storm might change its course, so it’s best to keep tabs on the weather as often as possible. Tune into the radio or watch the news to stay up to date on the latest forecast.
Stay at Home
As much as possible, stay at home. That thick layer of snow might look like a winter wonderland, but it’s dangerous to drive through. Reschedule any plans, and stay warm with your loved ones at home.
Steer Into the Skid
If staying at home isn’t possible, be sure to be extra careful while driving. Maintain a safe following distance, and apply the gas slowly to avoid losing traction.
If you do start to slide on the ice, don’t panic. Steer in the direction you’re sliding until you find traction.
Are You Safe From Lightning in a Car?
Being stuck in your car in a storm can be scary, but it’s better than standing outside in the rain. You can be safe from lightning inside your vehicle as long as you pull over at the nearest parking spot, turn off the ignition, and avoid touching any metal.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
