The winter season is here, and with it comes the possibility of ice on the roads. When you are driving in these conditions, there’s a chance that your vehicle will lose traction. This can lead to a collision and damage to your car or other vehicles involved in the accident. If this happens on highways then damages could be fatal and more severe. Whether you are able to claim for the damages under your insurance may depend on what type of insurance coverage you have.
Table of Contents
What type of insurance do you need for black ice and snow accidents?
If you’ve been involved in an accident on the road and it was due to slippery road conditions, then your car insurance may not cover any damages. However, there are other types of coverage that can provide this type of protection just for these occasions.
Collision Coverage is a common one that will protect you from paying out-of-pocket expenses if an unforeseen car accident happens. However, if the accident was caused by your negligence while driving (like speeding), then your insurance company may deny your claim. Liability coverage will protect you in the event another driver is injured.
Is sliding on ice an at-fault accident?
When the weather takes a turn for the worse, there is always an uptick in accidents. Insurance companies will try to find any reason not to pay out on your claim – and they may succeed! This is because insurance companies expect you to drive responsibly on icy roads. They also expect you to have winter tires installed. If you still end up in a collision due to black ice, unfortunately, the insurer may still find you at-fault. Depending on the various circumstances that led to your collision with another vehicle, you might be 100% or 50% at-fault. If another car crashed into you because it skid on black ice, then the fault is probably shared 50/50.
The reality is that you may be liable for the damages caused to other people if it’s found out that your negligence was the cause of the accident. It usually falls on an at-fault driver when there are no witnesses and no evidence left behind as proof. If it’s proven by a court of law that you’re at fault.
Is slipping on black ice covered by auto insurance?
In Canada, insurance policies may differ depending on the province. To avoid any misunderstandings it is important to look into what your car insurance policy has in terms of coverage for accidents on snow or black ice covered surfaces. If you are unsure about whether an accident is considered under this category then contact your insurer before making a claim. If you were involved in an accident where there was damage to your vehicle then you’ll likely be covered by collision insurance depending on whose at fault.
Does comprehensive insurance cover sliding on ice?
Insurance companies offer various types of coverage. One type is comprehensive coverage which provides you with additional coverage that is not included in standard policies. This includes damage from non-collision events. If you’re in a car accident with another vehicle due to sliding on ice, then you won’t be covered by comprehensive insurance.
Tips for braking safely on ice
1. Slow down gradually and avoid sudden braking
The sudden braking can cause you to lose control of the car. It is better if you brake gradually in a series of steps. This will help you maintain control.
2. Keep your tires at the recommended pressure for winter driving
Tires with under inflated treads can’t grip the icy surface as well. The difference between regular and winter tire pressure is approximately 20 pounds per square inch. This will be more important for drivers in cold climates, where additional traction from a good set of tires may prevent an accident or help it recover after sliding off the road.
3. Use antilock brakes to prevent skidding
When driving during bad winter days, it is important to be careful. Antilock brakes can help you stop your vehicle much quicker and control the skidding that may happen on ice patches or snow-covered roads.
4. Turn off cruise control when you’re not using it to prevent unintended acceleration
Cruise control can be helpful if you’re driving long distances. But it’s important to turn off your cruise control when you are not using it so that the car doesn’t accelerate unintentionally.
The VW and Audi scandal is a good example of this: “This was caused by what’s called the ‘dynamic throttle response.’ When the driver takes his foot off of the accelerator, there is a brief delay before the engine cuts out to save fuel.” The lack of deceleration allowed for unintended acceleration and contributed to drivers getting into accidents.
Understanding deductibles
Regardless if you have comprehensive or collision insurance, you’ll need to choose the right deductible. The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance company pays, this can be anywhere from $0 – $3,000.
If you’re unable to pay your deductible, your insurance company won’t help you. The higher the deductible, the lower monthly premiums are and vice versa. So it’s important to be sure you can pay the deductible in the event of an accident.
It’s also worth considering the value of your vehicle and how much you want your monthly payments to be.
Choosing an auto insurance company
Now that you understand deductibles and the type of coverage you need in the event of a black ice accident, it’s time to choose an insurance company. It’s important to do your research and compare quotes from several providers before making a decision.
You should also read reviews left by other policyholders on the different companies’ websites to see if they’re satisfied with their coverage.
The best way to find the perfect car insurance is by using our easy-to-use comparison tool. Simply input your personal information and vehicle details, then get quotes from multiple different companies. You’ll be able to compare rates in an instant!
