Unusual winter warning for motorists

As the temperature drops, most drivers know to slow down, look after their tyres and allow extra time for wet or icy conditions, but there are lots of other, lesser-known winter worries road users need to be aware of.

Car insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk researched five of the most unusual ways drivers could put themselves at risk, and accidentally invalidate their insurance.

From unreachable breakdowns to flooded and cracked engines, the winter weather brings all sorts of additional hazards which could leave drivers unprotected.

Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Winter can be a nerve-wracking time for drivers, as evenings get darker and the roads get wet and slippery but there are additional dangers that drivers need to know.

“Driving too fast for the changing road conditions, not maintaining the vehicle properly and being unfamiliar with certain rules of the road can all exasperate these winter worries.

“These seasonal concerns make it so important to remember the basics, especially checking the policy documents cover everything drivers need them to and regularly maintaining the vehicle. Failure to look after key aspects such as tyres, fluid levels and lights can be seen as lack of care and could see claims refused, future premiums escalate or even invalidate the insurance.”

Five Unusual Winter Warnings for Drivers

Don’t blame the weather

If drivers slide on ice and cause an accident they may be considered responsible if they did not take reasonable precautions and adhere to the rules of the road.* 

Even though adverse weather conditions can make roads hazardous, if drivers are travelling too fast, have tyres with little grip or ignore warning signs, their insurer may refuse to pay out due to reckless driving.**

Unreachable breakdowns

If a car breaks down in a hard-to-reach location, such as a multi-story car park where the recovery truck may not fit under the barrier – it may not be covered as part of a breakdown policy, given the vehicle is not accessible when the insurer has been informed otherwise.*** Standard car insurance may still cover any theft or damage to the vehicle but doesn’t normally cover breakdowns, breakdown cover is usually an add on and drivers should check the policy details for specifics. 

Beware of the floods

It might seem harmless to trudge through waterlogged roads, but driving through flooded roads deliberately or ignoring warning signs could void the insurance and flood the engine.  If the insurer feels the incident was avoidable and the driver failed to take reasonable care of the vehicle, they may reject the claim.**** There can be an exception, if the water rose suddenly and the situation was unavoidable, the insurance may still be valid but each case will need reviewed on its individual circumstances.  

Engine TLC

Standard car insurance doesn’t normally cover drivers for engine failure unless it’s a result of an insured event such as a fire or an accident. Engine issues that arise from a lack of maintenance or wear and tear won’t normally be covered – such as a cracked or frozen engine from lack of antifreeze, which is classed as a preventable mechanical failure. It’s important not to ignore any warning lights or strange noises and get vehicles serviced on time and repaired quickly.

Be careful de-icing

Leaving the car running to warm up and help de-ice the windscreen is a risky choice. If the vehicle is stolen then it’s highly unlikely the insurance will cover it, as it could likely be classed as driver negligence and any claim rejected, given the keys were left in the vehicle.*****  It’s also bad for the environment, classed as ‘idling’ and can earn drivers a fine.

As a price comparison site, Quotezone helps millions of drivers compare and find savings on all sorts of car insurance, from older driver insurance to breakdown cover.

References:
*https://www.ashfords.co.uk/insights/articles/ice-on-the-road-what-defence-do-motorists-have-in-an-accident?
**https://coodes.co.uk/2022/01/road-accidents-in-ice-and-snow/
***https://covermy.co.uk/ufaqs/breakdown-exclusions/
****https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/decision/DRN-4552868.pdf?
***** https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/choosing-the-right-insurance/motor-insurance/vehicle-security-guidance/?