Comprehensive Coverage Could Be The Way To Go This Winter

Worried about extreme weather conditions affecting your car? Then you're probably like most drivers this winter. Depending upon the area of the country in which you live, your car could become seriously damaged through no fault of your own. But if it's not yours or anyone else's fault, then who's going to pay for the repair costs?

Not knowing the answer to this question could mean you might need to brush up on your auto insurance policy details. And with winter here to stay for several more months, drivers should make car insurance a top priority before heading out on the road, especially when traveling long distances.

The key to avoiding high out-of-pocket expenses relating to weather damage is to protect yourself with comprehensive coverage. This type of insurance stands out among general policies because it takes into account damages that can be common but unexpected. While collision coverage insures your car in the event of a physical accident, comprehensive coverage deals with events that aren't caused by car wrecks.

When it comes to winter, your car will be even more susceptible to these non-accident damages, which is why it's vital to update your insurance package and speak with your provider to make sure you're getting the benefits you need from your monthly premiums.

Comprehensive coverage will protect your car from:

Natural disasters

If you live in a particularly cold area near the mountains, then heavy snowfall and avalanches can occur. Your car could become damaged in these cases, for which your insurer will likely foot the bill up to a certain policy limit.

Hail

One of the worst aspects of not having a garage is that your car is left unprotected. In public or at your home, it's best to keep your car under a roof because hail can cause a considerable amount of damage to your vehicle. From dents and scratches to broken mirrors, you car will be helpless against hail. In winter, these conditions can be exacerbated, which might increase the likelihood of your car being impacted.

Broken glass

Another common side effect of hail is broken glass. Usually in the form of a shattered or cracked windshield, glass can break under constant pressure of hail, wind, snow and rain. Or, if your car is vandalized and your windshield is smashed, then comprehensive coverage will cover all of these instances.

Animals

Because it could be harder to see during snowstorms, you could accidentally hit an animal while driving. Deer, birds and other animals find their way on to public roads and can take a heavy toll on your vehicle. Even if it's your fault, comprehensive coverage will pay for the repair costs. Low visibility and the inability for drivers to slow down as quickly in winter conditions make damages related to animals more common, especially in areas that are less populated and are in close proximity to animal crossings.

This winter, protect yourself by purchasing a comprehensive coverage policy from your insurance provider. This will make your insurance plan all the more strong and keep you from paying for untold amounts of costs.

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