How to Stay Safe After a Winter Car Accident

The days are short. The air is cold. And, roads are often slick with rain, snow or ice.

It’s winter driving season in Iowa. And, while most people know what to do to try to avoid an accident, many don’t know what to do after one. It’s vital knowledge to have, because the aftermath of a crash can be just as dangerous as the crash itself — especially when it’s cold and snowy.

Here are five things to do (or not do) if you’re in an accident this winter to help keep yourself and others safe:

1. Make sure everyone’s OK — then get off the road if you can. The safety of everyone involved in a crash is the first concern, of course. So, check on the occupants of each vehicle and call for emergency assistance if it’s needed. Then, if the vehicles are drivable, get them off the road as soon – and as carefully – as possible.
   
2. Stay in your car if you can’t safely move away. If you can’t get your car off the road, but you can get off the road, wait until there’s no traffic around and then move well out of the way. Otherwise, stay in the car so you’re protected from other vehicles.
   
3. Stay visible — and warm. Turn on your hazard lights and put up road flares so other vehicles know something is wrong. And, grab your vehicle emergency kit (you have one, right?) for blankets and extra clothing. If you’ve run off the road and you’re still in your car, make sure nothing is blocking your exhaust pipe. Otherwise carbon monoxide may build up.
   
4. If you’re stranded, stay put. Running off the road in a remote area is scary, but resist the urge to try to walk for help. You risk getting lost, especially during a storm, if you set off on foot.
   
5. See a crash? Don’t always stop to help. Being a Good Samaritan could cause more problems than it solves. So, if those involved aren’t in immediate danger, call 911 and let the professionals help with medical aid and traffic control.

It’s not always easy, but keeping a cool head after an accident will do more than help everyone get through a stressful situation — it will help keep everyone safer, too.

And, remember, if something does happen on the road this winter, your Absolute Insurance agent is here to help with your auto accident claim. If you’re unsure whether you’re carrying the right coverage, call us now at 515-279-2722 before it’s too late!

Tips to Winterize your Car

This is the time to prepare your vehicle for the upcoming winter.  Here are some tips:

1. Check your windshield wipers:  If your wipers are leaving streaks on your windshield or the rubber shows signs of cracking or stiffness, replace them with a new set.  When it snows, make sure to use a brush and a scraper to remove ice and snow from the windshield rather than your wipers so you don't overload the motor trying to lift a heavy load of snow.  Also, if your vehicle is parked outside during the winter, lift the wipers off the glass before it snows so that they don't freeze to the windshield.  
2. Check your tires: Check the tread on your tires to see that they are in good condition before the snow really starts falling.  All-weather tires are generally okay during winter conditions, but some areas require tires with chains or tires with studs.  If you typically drive in a lot of winter conditions, you might consider purchasing a pair of winter tires that you can swap out during the winter months.
3. Warm up Your Car:  Although newer cars can be put in gear and driven away as soon as they are started, that doesn't mean you should skip the warm-up entirely. A brief bit of idling time before you drive gives the oil a chance to heat up, thin out and flow more smoothly.
4. Check your Battery:  Make sure battery cables and terminals are secure and free from corrosion.  You should also test your battery by turning on the headlights before starting the engine – if they get brighter once you start the engine, schedule an appointment with a mechanic for further electrical inspection.
5. Check your Oil:  Most newer cars use a multi-weight oil that is suitable for a wide range of temperatures, but some manufacturers recommend specific grades of oil for specific temperature ranges. Check your owner's manual and plan your oil changes so your engine has the right grade of oil for the right time of year.

Insure Your Snowmobile Property

It's getting to be that time of year, when motorcycles and ATV's are being put away in storage while the snowmobiles are being brought out.  If this winter shapes up anything like last year, than this will be another great year for outside snow-related fun (that should translate into another bitter cold and snowy winter for the rest of us!)

Most people typically know to get out the thick coats, hats, gloves, goggles, and scarves to protect against the worst winter has to offer us, but one should not forget about whether or not they've checked up on their snowmobile insurance to protect them from teh other elements that may occur during the recreational fun.

Just as motorcycles and ATV's have their own type of coverage, so to do snowmobiles.  We offer specially designed policies from industry leaders to make sure you can get the most out of your winter-time fun without the bothersome worries of whether or not you protected properly.

Whether it be physical damage protections to make sure your snowmobile is protected itself or the vast array of liability protection, we strive to make sure you are worry free for the season opener.

While we are not rooting for winter this year, we are rooting for you and the time you'll have this time of year to enjoy the best an Iowan winter has to offer.

Remember just as it is important to do occasional check-ups on your auto, home, motorcycle, and boat policies; it is also a good idea, and a good time, to explore getting or checking up on your snowmobile policy.

Get Your Snow Plow Covered Correctly

As the winter months approach with the memory of last year's crazy long wintery months still vivid in our minds, some folks will consider adding a snowplow to their trucks and make a little extra money. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it could turn into a nightmare if you don’t first consider how to insure yourself properly.

The private passenger insurance policy you have for your vehicles is not meant for things such as transporting people for a fee, deliveries, or paid snowplowing.  Your personal auto policy is meant for the purpose of insuring you against the standard perils of to and from work and recreational activities.

Once you get paid for snowplowing, you’ve left the door open for many possible consequences and liability concerns that are not wrapped into a personal auto policy. In the case of snowplowing, or  even delivery driving, you’ll need a commercial policy in order to cover the risks associated properly. While the premium may be a little more, it is worth it in the event that a claim arises as your personal
auto policy will rightfully deny a claim if the vehicles are being used in a commercial manner.

As with most things, careful consideration should be given when thinking about either of these types of activities. Talk with your Absolute Agent to find the best and most affordable way to insure yourself properly before engaging in these types of business pursuits. Often times, a few minutes of going through the in and outs may end up saving you big in the event of a claim or liability concern.

Let us help you find the right policy and price for your needs.  Call us today at 515-279-2722 to ensure you are covered correctly.