Preparing for Potholes and Other Winter Driving Dangers

In many parts of the country, February and March are the beginning of pothole season, when a road can turn into an obstacle course. Add that to ice, snow, wind, and rain, and it can be a tough time of year for driving. Fortunately, you can insure your automobile against damage from potholes and other winter dangers, but you should carry the appropriate coverage for your needs.

Damage from Pesky Potholes

Potholes begin to develop as ice and snow melt and seep under the roadway. When the temperature drops, the water freezes and expands, pushing the pavement upward. When it melts, an empty space forms under the surface and the pavement cracks, leaving a hole.

Damage from potholes is generally covered under the optional collision portion of an auto insurance policy, and the specific coverage may vary from company to company. For example, some policies might provide limited coverage for tire damage caused by a pothole if the rest of the car was not affected.

Pothole damage is just one situation covered by collision insurance. In general, this type of insurance covers damage to your car resulting from a collision with another car or an object, whether or not you are at fault. (If you are in an accident where another insured driver is at fault, your insurance company may try to recover costs from the other driver's insurance company.)

Because collision coverage may not be required, some drivers choose not to purchase it, especially for an older car with low resale value. However, it’s important to remember that the resale value of your car may not reflect its value to you. Collision insurance is typically sold with a deductible ranging from $250 to $1,000. In 2010, the average collision insurance claim was $2,776.¹

Other Winter-Related Damage

Winter can pose other dangers to your car even if it’s parked — for example, damage from a tree limb broken under the weight of snow, a chunk of ice falling from an overpass, or a hailstorm. Damage from these types of events is usually covered under the comprehensive portion of your automobile insurance policy.

Comprehensive insurance typically covers loss due to theft or damage caused by something other than a collision with a car or object, including fire, vandalism, a cracked windshield, or running into an animal such as a deer. Some policies offer auto glass coverage without a deductible.

Like collision insurance, comprehensive coverage may be optional. It's generally sold with a deductible of $100 to $300, though higher deductibles may be available. The average comprehensive claim in 2010 was $1,475.²

Winter Driving Tips

The hazards of driving in ice, snow, wind, and rain should not be underestimated. Even if you live in a warmer part of the country, the weather in late winter and early spring can create dangerous road conditions. In Los Angeles, for example, February is the rainiest month of the year.³

Taking special caution while driving during the winter is common sense, but here are some tips that might be helpful.

Keep your windshield and windows clear. Never drive until your windshield is fully defrosted. Replace worn windshield wipers.
Leave more distance than usual between your car and the car ahead of you. Give yourself at least 10 seconds to make a complete stop. Even on dry pavement, you need at least three seconds.
Take special care when driving over bridges or in heavily shaded areas where the road may be icy even if other areas are not.
Do not use cruise control when driving on slippery surfaces.
Check your tire treads and keep your tires properly inflated. Carry tire chains if you are driving in a situation where they might be required. Contact your local highway authority for information about road closures and tire-chain requirements.
Avoid sudden stops, rapid acceleration, and quick directional changes. Give yourself plenty of time for your trip.
Do not warm up your vehicle in an enclosed area such as a garage. Check your exhaust pipe to make sure it’s clear.

Winter can be a challenging time of year to drive. By taking precautions and carrying appropriate insurance coverage, you could help make it a safer, more secure driving season.

1–2) Insurance Information Institute, 2012
3) Western Regional Climate Center, 2012

The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Emerald. Copyright © 2012 Emerald Connect, Inc.