Winter driving in the UK brings unique challenges. Ice, snow, fog, and shorter daylight hours all increase the risk of accidents. Whether you're a new driver facing your first winter or an experienced motorist looking for a refresher, this guide will help you stay safe and understand how winter affects your car insurance.
Winter conditions make driving significantly more dangerous. Between 2018 and 2022, there were 7,673 casualties in Great Britain from accidents where ice or snow were contributing factors. That's over 1,500 casualties every winter on average.
The statistics are particularly concerning during November and December, when the days are shortest. During these months, 40% of all accidents happen in darkness, compared to just 20% during summer months. The combination of poor visibility, slippery roads, and rushed commuters creates perfect conditions for crashes.
Fog is another major winter hazard. Poor visibility contributes to thousands of accidents each year, with many occurring on motorways where drivers fail to reduce speed appropriately for the conditions.
Getting your car winter-ready isn't just good sense – it could affect your insurance claim if something goes wrong.
Your tyres are your only contact with the road. In winter, they're more important than ever. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but experts recommend at least 3mm for winter driving. Tyres with insufficient tread in icy conditions could lead to your insurance claim being rejected if you have an accident.
Check your tyre pressure too. Cold weather causes pressure to drop, and underinflated tyres don't grip properly.
Car batteries are 60% more likely to fail in winter than in summer. Cold weather reduces battery capacity, making it harder to start your engine. If you're stuck on the roadside in freezing conditions, you'll wish you'd tested it beforehand.
With darkness falling by 4pm in December, your lights work overtime in winter. Make sure all bulbs are working – headlights, brake lights, indicators, and fog lights. Driving with faulty lights is not only dangerous but could invalidate your insurance if you're in an accident.
Use winter-grade windscreen wash that won't freeze. You'll need it – salt, mud, and spray from other vehicles make winter driving messy. Also check your antifreeze levels to prevent engine damage in freezing temperatures.
Adapting your driving style for winter conditions can prevent accidents and keep your insurance premiums down.
Stopping distances increase dramatically on wet roads – and multiply on ice. On icy roads, stopping distances can be ten times longer than on dry roads. If the road looks wet but the temperature is near freezing, assume it's icy.
According to the Highway Code, stopping distances at 30mph on a dry road are 23 metres. On an icy road, this extends to 230 metres – that's longer than two football pitches.
The two-second rule doesn't work in winter. Increase your gap to at least four seconds in wet conditions, and up to ten seconds in snow or ice. This gives you crucial extra time to react if the car ahead brakes suddenly.
Starting in second gear can help prevent wheel spin on slippery surfaces. When driving in snow or ice, use the highest gear possible without labouring the engine. This reduces the power to your wheels and helps maintain traction.
Harsh braking on slippery surfaces can cause skids. Instead, brake earlier and more gently than you would in summer. If your car has ABS (anti-lock braking system), keep firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal rather than pumping it.
These freeze before regular road surfaces because cold air circulates both above and below them. Approach bridges with extra caution, especially in the early morning.
Being prepared for emergencies is essential in winter. Keep these items in your car:
A fully charged mobile phone and car charger
An ice scraper and de-icer
A blanket or warm coat
High-visibility vest
Torch with spare batteries
First aid kit
Jump leads
Bottled water and snacks
A small shovel (if you live in areas prone to heavy snow)
Winter doesn't directly increase your insurance premium mid-policy, but winter accidents can have lasting effects on your costs.
If you have an accident during winter, even if it wasn't your fault, it can still affect your renewal premium. Insurance companies look at your claims history, and any claim – even a non-fault one – suggests increased risk.
Making a claim for winter weather damage could cost you your no-claims bonus unless you have no claims bonus protection. Losing this discount could add hundreds of pounds to your renewal.
If you have an accident and your insurer finds your car wasn't roadworthy – for example, you had illegal tyres or no antifreeze – they could reject your claim entirely. This is why proper winter maintenance is so important.
Some drivers fit winter tyres for better grip in cold conditions. If you do this, you must tell your insurer. Failing to declare modifications, including tyre changes, could invalidate your policy. Most insurers won't charge extra for winter tyres, but you need to inform them regardless.
Winter is peak season for breakdowns. If you don't already have breakdown cover, winter is an excellent time to add it. Being stranded on a freezing roadside isn't just unpleasant – it can be dangerous.
Many insurance policies offer breakdown cover as an optional extra. When comparing quotes, check what breakdown assistance is included or available.
Even the most careful drivers can be caught out by winter conditions. If you're involved in an accident:
Stop and check everyone is safe
Exchange details with other drivers
Take photos of the damage and road conditions
Note the weather conditions, time, and location
Report the accident to your insurer within 24-48 hours, even if you don't plan to claim
Reporting promptly is crucial. Insurers are often more sympathetic to claims where weather conditions clearly contributed, but you need to document everything properly.
If you're a young or new driver, winter presents extra challenges. Statistics show that younger drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents, and winter conditions amplify this risk.
Consider taking an advanced driving course focused on winter skills. Not only will this make you safer, but some insurers offer discounts for drivers who complete recognised courses. Our guide on young drivers insurance has more tips for keeping costs down.
Different insurers treat winter claims differently. Some specialise in rural areas where winter conditions are harsher, while others focus on urban drivers.
Compare car insurance quotes via Brumble to find cover that matches your needs. When comparing, consider:
How the insurer handles winter weather claims
Whether breakdown cover is included
The excess you'd pay for winter damage claims
Whether they offer discounts for winter tyres or advanced driving courses
Taking a few minutes to compare could save you money and ensure you have the right cover for winter driving.
Winter driving doesn't have to be dangerous if you prepare properly. Check your car, adapt your driving style, and make sure your insurance covers you fully.
The most important thing is to allow extra time for every journey. Rushing in winter conditions is when accidents happen. Leave earlier, drive slower, and arrive safely.
Sources
Department for Transport - Reported road casualties in Great Britain: road conditions 2022 (September 2023) https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-road-conditions-2022/reported-road-casualties-in-great-britain-road-conditions-2022
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) - Road Safety Factsheet: Visibility (2023) https://www.rospa.com/media/documents/road-safety/visibility-factsheet.pdf
The AA - Car battery problems (2024) https://www.theaa.com/car-maintenance/batteries
GOV.UK - The Highway Code: Typical stopping distances https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/typical-stopping-distances
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