As the nights draw in, defrosting our cars will soon become part of our morning ritual. Inclement weather can make driving even more hazardous than usual. Did you know that the highest percentage of severe accidents take place in winter?^[1] A whopping 65% of Brits have stated that they have been involved in a car accident, or faced difficulties driving, due to harsh winter conditions.^[2]

Common causes of winter driving accidents

The top three most common causes of car accidents during winter are:

1. Visibility – Over 30% of accidents during winter were due to poor visibility.^[3] Snow, fog and rain can all contribute to reduced visibility.
2. Flooding – 50% of UK drivers state they would ignore flood warnings and drive despite the Government warning that there is a danger to life^[4].
3. Ice – Did you know it can take ten times longer to stop if roads are slippery? ^[5]

Best practices for driving in winter

We Brits tend to joke about the fact we can experience four seasons in one day but, in truth, it is not a laughing matter. The unpredictable weather means we must be prepared to adapt our driving to suit changing conditions at a moment’s notice.

Here are some best practices for driving in each type of inclement weather:

Snowy conditions

• Make sure to clear all the snow from your vehicle including the roof, mirrors, headlights and number plates.
• Demist the windows fully before you set off.
• Ensure you have de-icer and a scraper to hand. Do not use hot water to defrost your car.
• When it’s slippery, drive slowly in the highest gear possible.
• Avoid any sudden increases in speed, sharp turns or sudden braking.
• If you start to skid, ease off the accelerator rather than braking suddenly.

Fog

• Familiarise yourself with using your fog lights before you set off.
• Keep speed low and use dipped headlights.
• Remember, you must not use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is reduced (see Rule 226) as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights. You must switch them off when visibility improves.^[6]
• Maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front.

Rain

• Ensure windscreen wipers are working before you set off, spray from other vehicles will impair your visibility.
• Your stopping distance doubles in the rain^[7] so lower your speed.
• Prevent your windows from misting up by turning your air conditioning on.
• Avoid driving through deep-lying surface water.
• Be mindful of nearby pedestrians. You could face a £5,000 fine (as per Section 3 Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988) if you soak pedestrians while driving through puddles.

Strong winds

• Strong gusts of wind can blow a car, HGV, cyclist or motorcyclist off course. Keep a good distance between you and surrounding vehicles and if you must, overtake with great care.

Insurance claims process for weather-related incident

Unsurprisingly car insurance claims spike during winter^[8]. If you are involved in an incident during winter and need to make a claim, contact your insurer as soon as possible. Most insurance companies have an emergency helpline available 24/7 which will be able to guide you through the next steps and help you organise repairs as promptly as possible.

If possible, take plenty of photos of the scene so that insurers have as much information as possible and keep any receipts that may form part of your claim. This could include tow truck fees and any emergency repairs required.

Having the right protection in place

If you want to drive on UK roads, legally you must have car insurance (the only exception is if the vehicle has a SORN to register it as off the road^[9]). When choosing the right insurance policy for you, you can choose between three different levels of cover, including third-party, third-party fire and theft and comprehensive cover.

Third-party insurance is the minimum legal requirement. It only covers any damage to the third-party’s car and any passengers in the vehicles. It will not cover any repairs needed for own vehicle following the crash – this will need to be funded from your pocket. Third-party fire and theft offers a higher level of cover, protecting your car should it be damaged in a fire, stolen or damaged from theft/attempted theft.

Comprehensive cover covers both the third-party’s vehicle and your vehicle. Comprehensive insurance can often be called ‘fully comp’ and will cover damages whether or not you’re at fault.

If you’re unsure of which cover is suitable for you, it’s worth speaking to an insurance broker to help you make the right choice.

For more information or for a full review of your insurance needs, please see our insurance specialisms, contact your usual Towergate Insurance Broker or email TIB@towergate.co.uk.


Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems we recommend that professional advice be sought.

[1] Admiral - Winter Watch Outs! Half of motorists ignore weather warnings despite the dangers

[2] 4 reasons why automobile accidents are higher during winter (spixii.com)

[3] 4 reasons why automobile accidents are higher during winter (spixii.com)

[4] Why are more severe road traffic accidents happening in winter? Browells

[5] Braking Distances on Ice - Lightfoot

[6] gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/driving-in-adverse-weather-conditions-226-to-237#rule236

[7] Guide to Driving in the Rain - Heavy Rain Stopping Distance (edenmotorgroup.com)

[8] Admiral - Winter Watch Outs! Half of motorists ignore weather warnings despite the dangers

[9] Register your vehicle as off the road (SORN) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)