Does Car Insurance Cover Snow Damage? What Drivers Need to Know

For drivers in snowy regions, winter weather can wreak havoc on vehicles. Icicles, heavy snow loads, and hidden ice patches can all lead to dents, scratches and more. So does car insurance cover damage from snow and ice?

The short answer is – it depends. Certain coverages in your auto policy may provide protection against snow-related losses. But you need the right plan.

In this article, I’ll explain how standard car insurance works in winter weather Read on to learn

• Which coverages apply to snow/ice damage
• What winter risks are covered and excluded
• Tips to avoid snow damage in the first place
• How to get the right protection on your car insurance policy

Understanding exactly what snow damage is covered by car insurance can save you money and headaches when winter rolls around. Let’s dig in.

Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover Snow Damage?

Comprehensive auto coverage is your best friend when it comes to snow-related damage. This optional coverage pays for losses to your vehicle from non-collision events, minus your deductible.

Comprehensive can cover damage from:

• Falling icicles that crack your windshield
• Heavy snow that dents your roof
• An ice storm that breaks your side mirror
• And more

So if a chunk of ice from the sky damages your vehicle comprehensive will reimburse you for repairs after the deductible.

However, normal wear and tear from winter weather is excluded Comprehensive won’t pay for

• Rust from road salt
• Fading paint from sun exposure
• Worn wiper blades or tires

Regular maintenance issues are your responsibility as the car owner.

Does Collision Cover Snow Accident Damage?

Let’s say you slide on black ice and hit a guardrail, or another car rear-ends you in a blizzard. Will collision insurance cover the damage?

If you’re found to be at-fault in an accident caused by snow or ice, collision will pay for repairs to your vehicle after the deductible. The same goes if you’re hit by an at-fault driver.

But collision only covers vehicle damage from accidents – not environmental factors like snow or ice alone.

So if you merely skid on ice and damage your car, collision won’t apply. The situation needs to involve impact with an object like another car or property.

Is Liability Affected by Snow Crashes?

Your auto policy’s liability coverage is crucial if you cause an accident in winter conditions. It pays for injury and damage you cause to others, up to the policy limits.

For example, let’s say you slide through a red light on an icy road and hit another vehicle. If the other driver suffers injuries and car damage, liability coverage will pay their medical bills and repair costs up to the limits.

Liability insurance applies regardless of what causes the accident – snow, ice, etc. But the other driver must prove you were at-fault to claim against your policy.

Tips to Avoid Snow-Related Damage

The best way to avoid an insurance claim is to prevent snow damage in the first place through smart prevention:

• Park in covered garages to protect from ice/snow
• Avoid parking under ledges or trees where icicles can form
• Drive slowly and carefully on snowy/icy roads
• Watch for hidden black ice in shady areas
• Avoid driving in severe winter weather when possible
• Get your vehicle checked before winter to identify issues
• Take steps to prevent salt and winter rust

And make sure you have the right insurance just in case. Comprehensive and collision coverages are must-haves for protection against winter weather risks.

How to Get Snow Damage Coverage in Your Car Insurance Policy

If you want your vehicle fully covered for snow-related mishaps, here are some tips:

• Review your policy to ensure you have comprehensive and collision.

• Consider adding rental reimbursement to pay for a rental car if yours is in the shop after a snow crash.

• Increase your comprehensive and collision deductibles to save on premiums while keeping coverage.

• Ask about winter car storage insurance for seasonal vehicles.

• Bundle your auto with homeowners or renters insurance for multi-policy discounts.

And drivers in very snowy regions may want gap insurance in case a totaled vehicle is worth less than what’s owed.

The bottom line? Talk to your insurance agent to ensure you have adequate protection against winter driving hazards. With the right coverage, you can rest easy knowing snow damage won’t derail your finances. Drive safe!