Winter driving and car insurance: which coverage pays for ice, snow and storm damage

How dangerous is winter driving?

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) estimates that 744,911 crashes a year are weather-related, 12% of all crashes, based on 2019-2023 averages. Those crashes kill an average of 3,807 people and injure an estimated 268,239 each year. Rain causes most of them, but snow and ice add a large share:

The FHWA also says over 70% of the nation's roads are in snowy regions, where nearly 70% of the population lives, so winter risk is not limited to a few northern states.

Which car insurance pays for winter damage?

Winter does not create a separate kind of claim. What matters is what your car hit, or what hit it.

Collision coverage, comprehensive coverage and roadside assistance are all optional unless a lender requires the first two. If you drive in snow often, check that all three are on your policy before the first storm. Our glossary entry on collision coverage has the short definition.

Who is at fault on an icy road?

Icy roads do not decide fault on their own. Insurers look at what each driver did: speed for the conditions, following distance and whether a driver lost control. In some states, fault can be shared between drivers, which our glossary explains under comparative negligence. Write down the weather and road conditions at the scene; the Texas Department of Insurance lists them among the details to record for your claim.

Chain and traction laws

Some mountain states require winter tires, chains or other traction devices when conditions are bad. Two examples from official state sources:

Check your state's transportation department before a mountain trip; rules and enforcement periods vary.

Get your car and your policy ready for winter

NHTSA's winter driving tips cover the car itself:

• Tires. Check pressure, since it drops as temperatures fall, and make sure tread is at least 2/32 of an inch on every tire, including the spare.
• Battery. Have a mechanic check the battery, charging system and belts; cold weather drains battery power.
• Visibility. Check all lights and fill the washer reservoir with winter fluid that contains de-icer.
• Emergency kit. Carry a snow shovel, broom, ice scraper, sand or cat litter for traction, jumper cables, a flashlight, warning devices, a first aid kit, blankets, water, food, any needed medicine and a charged phone.
• If you are stranded. Stay with the car, keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and run the engine only now and then to stay warm.

Then check the policy. Open your declarations page and confirm which cars have collision and comprehensive, what each deductible is, and whether towing and labor or rental reimbursement is listed. The coverage checklist helps you spot gaps.

What to do after a winter crash

1. Get to safety. If the car can move, get it out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights. If you are stuck, stay with the car.
2. Check for injuries and call the police if anyone is hurt or a driver left the scene.
3. Exchange information with any other driver: name, address, phone number, plate number, insurer and policy number.
4. Record the conditions. Photograph the cars, the road surface, signs and the weather, and note the time and exact location.
5. Get witness details, since independent witnesses can help show who was at fault.
6. Call your insurer promptly. Most companies have deadlines for reporting claims.
7. Arrange towing through your policy's towing and labor or roadside coverage if the car cannot be driven.
8. File any required state report. For example, California requires a DMV report within 10 days when damage exceeds $1,000 or anyone is hurt, and New York uses a similar $1,000 threshold.

Our guide to what to do after a crash covers each step in more detail, and filing a claim explains what happens next.

Winter claims and your premium

A collision claim where you were mainly at fault can raise your premium at renewal, and a comprehensive claim for falling ice or a tree usually counts for less. Some states set limits:

• New York. The Department of Financial Services says surcharges are not permitted when total crash damage is under $2,000 and no one was hurt, though two or more such accidents are usually surcharged. Claims under comprehensive or towing coverage cannot be surcharged.
• Texas. An insurer cannot refuse to renew your policy because of claims for weather damage. It can drop your towing and labor coverage after 4 towing claims in 36 months.
• Massachusetts. Comprehensive claims add surcharge points only after 4 or more claims totaling $2,000 or more.

For a small slide into a snowbank, compare the repair estimate with your collision deductible before you file. Our guide to rate increases after a claim explains how surcharges work. Other storm damage, such as hail and flooding, is covered in our post on hail, flood and hurricane damage.