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As summer ends and the UK sits patiently waiting to be gripped by another winter, many of us will be hoping to avoid scenes we saw last year when Storm Arwen left households in Northern England and Scotland without power after lines were damaged in aggressive winds.
And although any snow shouldn't arrive for at least a couple of months at the earliest, it’s worth reading this quick guide to see what you need to be aware of from an insurance perspective before winter bites.
1) Clear snow from your car roof before driving
Most of us will make sure our windows are clear but how many of us genuinely clear the roof?
Well, not only could having snow on your roof risk invalidating your cover but it could also land you in hot water with the police, who have the power to land you with a fine.
The reason being as you accelerate or break, snow could fall off the roof and obscure your vision or that of another motorist.
If dash cams can prove snow on the roof was the cause of an accident, it’s likely you would’ve been deemed to be driving irresponsibly and therefore insurance would be invalidated – not what anyone wants at this time of year!
2) De-ice the whole car
It’s a legal requirement that all windows are clear from obstructions, including ice or mist, before setting off.
This also applies to the mirrors and lights, too!
If you have an accident and the police show up while your windows aren’t clear, it’s not just invalidated insurance you’ll need to worry about…
3) Leaving your car unattended while it warms up
This could well be one of the most expensive mistakes you make…
Every year we hear of cars being stolen while people leave them outside, with keys in, warming up.
It’s an absolute open goal for thieves around the country. Despite freezing conditions and the temptation of leaving your car for just a few minutes, motorists will not be covered if they leave their vehicles unlocked and unattended while de-icing their car. This is due to most policies having a duty of care clause.