Winter can be a dangerous time to drive. Storms and bad weather can reduce drivers' visibility and create slick, icy road conditions, raising the risk of accidents that may affect your auto insurance rate. If you must go out in snow conditions, here are a few tips to help you remain safe. 

How Can You Be Ready for Snow Driving?

1. Check the Weather Report

Before setting out, check the latest weather update on TV or through an app. Winter weather conditions can change quickly, sending storms off course and into your path. If the report is serious and advisories warn against traveling, take it seriously and change your plans if at all possible. Your safety should always be a top priority.

2. Leave Early

Driving in the snow should be done slowly and carefully, so leave early and give yourself ample time to reach the destination. Snow, slush, ice, and cold rain reduce tire traction on the roads, increasing the chances of skidding. An accident in this situation could injure you or others on the road and, if there is damage to another car, cause your auto insurance rates to skyrocket. Slow, attentive driving will greatly increase your tires' ability to grip the road and stay on course.

3. Charge Your Phone

If something does happen while you're driving in the snow, have a charged phone on hand to call for assistance and reassure loved ones. While most modern vehicles have ports that can charge phones, that won't help if you have a dead car battery. Check that your phone is fully charged before leaving, and never use it while driving. If you need to make a call, pull off to the side of the road, giving plenty of clearance for cars driving past.

4. Stock the Emergency Kit

Every driver should have an emergency kit in their car that includes flashlights, extra batteries, bottles of water, and first aid supplies. For winter weather, add a snow shovel, windshield scraper, and bag of salt or sand to give the tires extra traction on icy roads. Consider also packing a blanket and extra warm clothes in case assistance can't reach you for several hours after a breakdown.

Get ready for winter driving by finding the right auto insurance plan with help from Associated Insurance Services in Anchorage. This team of insurance specialists provides residents of Alaska, Hawaii, and parts of Utah, Washington, Arizona, and Oregon with superior, hassle-free services, including a wide variety of auto, home, and business insurance plans at competitive rates. Call (907) 349-2229 or visit their website to learn more.