How to avoid Accident and Car Insurance Claims This Winter

As winter approaches and the days get short it is sensible to think about additional driving requirements at this time of year, particularly if you live or drive in rural areas; taking just a few precautions can avoid accidents and car insurance claims and the possibility of being off the road at Christmas.

Make sure that you are carrying with you the following items, and if you are unlucky enough to be involved in accident miles from home, these little things might just save your life:

1. Additional Clothing: Fleeces, Hats, Gloves and Coats
2. Blankets in the car: If you are stuck after an accident in a blizzard, once your engine cools the car repidly turns into a fridge.
3. De-Icers and Scrapers
4. Something to drink: If you are stuck for a long time it would be useful to carry liquids to avoid dehydration, preferably hot in a flask.
5. A fully charged Mobile Phone
6. Car Breakdown Insurance and the number to call!
7. A Map: Even if you have Sat-Nav in your car, a map will help you fing the nearest property or town if you are stuck.
8. A high visibility vest of something to attract attention.
9. Money: make sure you do not travel without cash and a credit card

Following this accident and emergency for the winter checklist, will at the very least make your accident or breakdown less distressful.

You can also avoid accidents and disasters leading to car insurance claims if you ensure that your vehicle is fit for the trip in Winter conditions. Follow this checklist and avoid unnecessary and expensive claims.

1. Ensure your engine oil level is correct and top up if necessary.
2. Check the fluids paying particular attention to the vcar’s radiator, brake fluids, engine coolants and screen wash.
3. Check your tyres! Ensure that they are of the minimum legal tread and are inflated to the manufacturers recommended pressures. You can usually find the correct pressures for your tyres on a plate on the edge of the drivers door!
4. Check your lights! You will need to ensure that all your lights are working correctly. Be aware that it is an offence to drive with insufficient lighting at certain hours of the day and if you are unfortunate to have an accident , this could invalidate your car insurance claim. Check Headlights, Sidelights, Rear Lights and Brake lights to see that they are all working.
If you are on your own, if you park the car close to a reflective surface you will not need assistance to see that they are working.
5. Check your Visibility! Ensure your windows are clean inside and out. If you have problems with heating and air blowers, get them fixed before the start of the very cold period

Drive safely this winter – It’s deadly out there!

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