Holiday Travel & Car Insurance: Get Covered on Winter Roads

For many Utica area families, the holidays mean road trips—maybe visiting relatives or heading to Adirondack getaways. Unfortunately, December and winter travel also bring some of the most dangerous driving conditions of the year. Snow, ice, reduced daylight, and freezing temperatures can turn even short trips into high-risk journeys.

Before you hit the road, it’s smart to understand both winter driving hazards and how your auto insurance coverage can help protect you if something goes wrong.

Winter Driving Hazards to Watch For

Winter roads create risks that drivers don’t face the rest of the year. Common hazards include:

• Black ice, which is nearly invisible and causes sudden loss of control
• Snow-covered lanes that obscure markings and shoulders
• Longer stopping distances on icy or slushy pavement
• Poor visibility from snowfall, fog, or shorter daylight hours

Even experienced drivers can find themselves in accidents due to conditions beyond their control. That’s where the right insurance coverage becomes critical.

Collision vs. Comprehensive Coverage: What’s the Difference?

Two key parts of your auto policy come into play during winter travel:

• Collision coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle if you collide with another car or object—such as sliding into a guardrail or another vehicle on icy roads.
• Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision losses, including theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, and weather-related damage. This includes damage from hail, heavy snow, or a tree branch brought down by ice.

Both coverages are especially important during winter months, when accidents and weather-related claims tend to rise.

Roadside Assistance: A Winter Essential

A breakdown in summer is inconvenient. A breakdown in winter can be dangerous. Roadside assistance coverage can provide help when you need it most, including:

• Towing
• Battery jump-starts
• Lockout assistance
• Flat tire changes
• Emergency fuel delivery

If your car won’t start in freezing temperatures or you slide off the road, roadside assistance can be a lifesaver—especially in remote areas or during holiday travel peaks.

Rental Cars and Insurance Coverage

If your car is being repaired after an accident, rental reimbursement coverage can help pay for a temporary replacement vehicle. This is particularly valuable during the holidays, when rental availability may be limited and rates are higher.

If you’re renting a car for a holiday trip, your personal auto policy often extends liability and physical damage coverage to the rental—but limits and deductibles still apply. It’s worth reviewing this before you decline or accept coverage at the rental counter.

What to Keep in Your Car for Winter Emergencies

Preparation can make a big difference if you’re delayed or stranded. Consider keeping these items in your vehicle during winter travel:

• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Jumper cables
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Blanket or warm clothing
• First-aid kit
• Non-perishable snacks and water
• Phone charger or power bank

These basics can help keep you safe and comfortable until help arrives.

A Smart Time for a Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig Auto Insurance Review 

Holiday travel is a great reminder to review your car insurance coverage before hitting those winter roads. Ensuring you have adequate collision, comprehensive, roadside assistance, and rental reimbursement coverage can provide peace of mind when road conditions are unpredictable.

A quick policy review now can help you travel with confidence—so you can focus on enjoying the season, not worrying about what might happen on the road.

Until next time,

Your SZW Team

SZW Insurance is your Utica area Trusted Choice™ independent insurance agent. Call us for a quote on insurance for your home, car, business, or life at 315.792.0000. Or request a quote here.