Should You Increase Your Insurance Premiums During Winter?

The number of auto accident-related injuries and fatalities increase significantly during the winter months, and you could be one of thousands of drivers filing a claim this season. If you want to protect your vehicle against damage in an accident, the oncoming winter season may prompt you to increase your insurance premium. Having enough coverage could ward off high car repair bills that aren't covered by an existing policy, and also cover the costs of medical bills and related expenses incurred from the accident. Here are some things to consider when reviewing your auto insurance policy each season:

Increase Insurance Coverage Based on the Condition of the Vehicle

Is your vehicle prone to accidents because it's very old or damaged? If you think your car may not be able to handle hazardous weather conditions or you could easily lose control of it in the ice and snow, it may be a good idea to increase your insurance premium. Remember that some insurance plans do provide coverage for damage when the driver is at fault.

Increase Insurance Premiums Based on Drivers Operating the Vehicle

Will you be allowing teen drivers and new drivers to operate your vehicle over the winter months? Inexperienced drivers trying to maneuver a vehicle in icy conditions or through a blizzard can easily lose control of the car and cause extensive damage . Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage to protect young drivers, passengers, the vehicle and other vehicles during the winter months.

Increase Auto Insurance Coverage Based on Safety Features

Will you be leaving your car in a garage that is further away from your place of residence or workplace so that it stays covered during the winter? Make sure that you have adequate safety features or an advanced alarm system installed. If you don't have extra security features on your vehicle, bumping up your insurance coverage could protect you from theft or certain types of vandalism.

Increasing Premiums Based On Frequency of Use

If you're going to be driving your vehicle more frequently during the winter season, you could be putting yourself at risk for an auto accident. Consider how often you will be driving your vehicle this winter season, and whether your driving route includes roadways and neighborhoods that tend to be more dangerous during the winter months. Increasing your coverage may help to offset some of the costs associated with any accidents -- including fender benders -- when traveling this winter.

Sources:

Auto Insurance Finder -- Drive Safely this Winter

Cheaper Car Insurance -- Winter Weather has Negative Effect on Auto Insurance Companies

InsWeb.com -- Harsh Winter Weather Drives Up Auto Insurance Claims