Winter Driving and Car Insurance: Ice, Snow and Sliding

Ice and snow cause many winter fender benders, from a slow slide into another car to a spin into a ditch. Which part of your car insurance applies usually depends on what your car hit and what caused the damage. Here is how coverage commonly works and what to review before the first storm.

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Sliding on ice: which coverage applies?

• Hitting another car or object. If you slide into another vehicle, a pole, a fence or a guardrail, damage to your car is usually a collision claim, and damage to others is usually paid by your liability coverage.
• Sliding into a ditch or snowbank. This is usually treated as collision too, because the car hit an object or rolled over.
• Something falls on your car. A tree limb or ice falling from a roof is often a comprehensive claim, not collision.
• Liability only. If you carry only state-minimum liability, damage to your own car from a slide is usually not covered.

Is sliding on ice my fault?

Often, yes. Drivers are generally expected to adjust speed and following distance to road conditions, so weather alone is usually not treated as an excuse. Fault rules vary by state and by the facts of each accident, and in some cases another driver may share fault. An at-fault accident may affect your future rates, depending on the insurer and state.

Other winter situations

• Pothole damage to tires or suspension is usually a collision matter, subject to the deductible.
• Getting stuck or a dead battery. Roadside assistance or towing coverage, if you added it, may help pay for a tow or jump-start.
• A car warming up unattended. If a car is stolen while idling, comprehensive may cover theft, but some states restrict leaving a running car unattended. Check local rules and your policy.
• Hit by an uninsured driver on an icy road: uninsured motorist coverage may help, depending on your state and policy.

What to do after a winter accident

1. Move to safety if you can, turn on hazard lights and check for injuries. Call emergency services if anyone is hurt.
2. Exchange information with other drivers and take photos of the cars, the road and the weather conditions.
3. File a police report if required in your state or if damage is significant.
4. Contact your insurer promptly and ask about towing and a rental car if you have that coverage.

Prepare your car and your policy

• Check tires, wipers, battery and lights, and keep an emergency kit in the car.
• Review whether you carry collision and comprehensive, and choose a deductible you could pay tomorrow.
• Consider roadside assistance and rental reimbursement if you rely on your car daily.
• Compare quotes if your coverage has gaps, since prices can differ between companies for the same driver.

Learn more: liability coverage for drivers, auto insurance guide, and compare auto insurance quotes.

FAQ

Does car insurance cover sliding on ice?
Damage to your car is usually covered under collision, and damage you cause to others under liability. Without collision coverage, your own repairs are usually not covered.

Will my rates go up after sliding on ice?
They may, if the accident is considered at fault. It depends on your insurer, state and driving record.

Is a tree falling on my car in a snowstorm covered?
This is often covered under comprehensive coverage, minus your deductible.