Could winter weather invalidate your car insurance?
When winter weather hits, you can’t turn on the TV or radio without hearing all about how it’s going to affect your commute.
But while the dangers of heavy snowfall and black ice are (hopefully) well known, fewer motorists realise they could invalidate their insurance before even setting off.
Make sure your car is cleared of snow and ice
Yes, one of the most common ways you can invalidate your cover is by failing to properly clear your vehicle of all snow and ice before embarking on your journey.
And not only could you be fined for driving a vehicle in a ‘dangerous condition’, your cover could be voided if you’re involved in an accident as a result.
Leaving your car with the engine running
Another simple way you could potentially invalidate your policy is to leave your car unattended while its engine is running, perhaps in a bid to de-ice it on a frosty morning.
While letting the air circulate can help clear the windows of mist and ice, if your vehicle is stolen while running and unattended, you risk your policy becoming invalid.
Does your insurance cover you in weather warnings?
If you take unnecessary risks on the roads, particularly if driving while a red weather warning is in place, your insurance provider may also deem you to be driving recklessly and void your cover.
Don’t worry, all 1ST CENTRAL policy holders are covered driving in weather warnings, we just ask that if the roads are bad where you are, that you take care and avoid driving unless you need to.
Are you even insured to drive during winter weather?
Some motorists may not even be fully covered for winter weather driving on their policy, so it’s essential you understand exactly what type of driving you’re covered for before heading out.
Again, don’t worry 1ST CENTRAL policy holders, we’ve got you covered on that one too.
Check your policy wording
A spokesperson for insurance comparison website, ComparetheMarket.com advises drivers to check their policy wording to ensure they aren’t left without protection.
They said: “It would be wise to double check exactly what your car insurance policy covers.
“It’s also important that you take the sufficient measures to protect your car during bad weather. While many comprehensive insurance policies include damage caused by bad weather and storms, this isn’t guaranteed.
“It’s also highly unlikely such cover would be included in third-party policies, as they tend to only cover damage caused to other cars and property.”
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