Bad weather puts even the most cautious drivers at higher risk of getting into a collision. The weather creates road hazards, affects vehicle performance, and limits driver visibility. According to the Federal Highway Administration, inclement weather conditions contribute to approximately 21% of accidents that occur each year. As such, you should know how coverage works for weather-related car insurance claims and what precautions you can take to protect yourself. 

Understanding Car Insurance Claims Due to Bad Weather Conditions

How Liability Is Determined for Weather Accidents

When you make a car insurance claim for an accident involving another motorist, the insurer will take all the circumstances of the incident into consideration before determining fault. These factors include road and weather conditions at the time of the crash. However, while they recognize adverse weather may play a role in causing a collision, it remains the driver’s responsibility to navigate the roads safely to avoid an accident. Therefore, you are not cleared of fault- because of the weather, but their liability coverage will help pay for the damages. For single-car incidents involving a rollover, tree, light pole, or another object, the driver must have collision coverage for their insurer to cover vehicle repairs.

How to Minimize Losses From Weather-Related Claims 

Since poor weather wreaks havoc on a vehicle, you should keep yours adequately maintained year-round. Doing so will reduce your risk of getting into a weather-related accident. Seasonal maintenance for fall and winter should consist of checking and replacing the battery as needed, getting a brake inspection, repairing windshield cracks, and checking the tread depth on tires. For spring and summer, you should replace your windshield wipers, check fluid levels, and examine tires for the appropriate amount of pressure. Additionally, you want to have sufficient car insurance coverage should a collision occur. Often, state-required liability limits aren’t enough to cover all the medical expenses and property damages associated with an accident. 

To ensure you have appropriate coverage when you need to make a weather-related car insurance claim, turn to Cundiff & Company Insurance. They’ll carefully review your coverage options with you and help determine what will provide you the most financial security. As an independent insurance agency, they’ve proudly offered residents throughout Pulaski County, KY, access to reliable and competitively priced products for more than 40 years. To begin building your customized policy today, call (606) 679-8379. You can also visit their website to request a free quote.