Car Insurance Claims Peak in the Winter

Published: Wed 02 Dec 2009

Lucas Eichmann

The winter season can be hazardous for driving. Snow and ice on the road makes driving more difficult. Even the best drivers can find it difficult to avoid some accidents. It is no wonder that insurance companies see the amount of claims they receive jump in the winter. Although drivers are more likely to get into an accident during snowy, icy winter conditions, this doesn't mean that they will be unable to make a successful claim. Before you get out on the road again, make sure that you know how to successfully file a claim.

The first step to making a successful insurance claim is to ensure that you are following all of the local driving laws. When the roads are slippery, it is especially important to follow the speed limits for the road you are driving on. In treacherous conditions, you will probably have to drive much slower than that. Allow plenty of room to stop at stop signs, and don't try to rush through yellow lights. Be careful when making left turns. Following the laws and driving defensively will help you avoid an accident in the first place, and will help you make a claim if you do get into an accident.

Some accidents are unavoidable. Another car might hit you, or you may turn a corner and find a line of cars stopped right ahead of you. If you do get into an accident, be sure to exchange insurance information with the other driver. File a police report. As soon as you can, contact your insurer, as well as the other driver's insurer. Don't wait to file a claim.

In most situations, your insurer will do most of the talking with the other driver's insurance provider. Keep regular communication with them; you may want to keep notes when you communicate with either company, and keep a file folder with any letters or notes that you have regarding your claim. Either insurer may want to take pictures of the damage or interview you about how the accident occurred; follow up with their requests as quickly as possible. If you have not heard from your insurer for a while, you may wish to drop them a friendly note inquiring of the status of your claim. Your insurance provider is likely to have many other claims to deal with at the same time, and you do not want your claim to fall through the cracks.

The best way to deal with insurance companies is to avoid an accident and not have to deal with them at all. Be cautious during the wintertime, and pay extra attention to your surroundings. If the weather is bad and the roads look icy, plan extra time for your trip, so you don't have to be in a rush. Use roads that are regularly plowed and salted over roads that are covered with snow, if at all possible. If you do all of that, and still end up in a fender-bender with another vehicle, at least you will be able to successfully deal with your insurer.