SL & Associates

​Private Client Insurance Advisory Firm

Winter Weather Driving Tips: Reduce Your Risk, and Do More to Avoid Costly Insurance Claims.

Winter is here, with that comes weather that can make driving on the highway a fearsome adventure. Often, there are times that we feel lucky to make it home in one piece. Every winter, when I think I’ve seen it all, I always seem to witness an accident that make me thank God that I was not 100 feet further ahead. With that being said, we at SL & Associates want to provide some tips to help you make it home in one piece, and avoid claims and accidents that can cause increases to your auto insurance policies.

Tip #1: Make sure you stay up on your routine maintenance of your vehicle. Read through your owner’s manual and keep up with the recommended maintenance cycle of the vehicle. Things to be especially focused on are Antifreeze levels, Brakes, Battery, and Tires.

If you need a good mechanic to check your vehicle out and ensure it’s prepared for winter weather, we have a couple of names for you.



Tip #2: Know what to do if you hit that patch of ice and begin to loss control of your vehicle.

The first and easiest suggestion is that when the snow/rain begin, give yourself more room between the car in front of you.
Accelerate/decelerate a bit more slowly.
When coming up to traffic lights and stop signs, be prepared to start slowing down much sooner than normal.
You begin to slide, this website has plenty of tips on what to do and how to react.    

Tip#3: Make sure you have an emergency kit and additional supplies in your vehicle. A few things that you should consider:


  • Spare Tire & Jack
  • Jumper Cables
  • Flashlight and extras Batteries
  • Blankets
  • Ice Scraper/Snow Brush
  • Additional Windshield Cleaner that works below 0. (Salt on the road can reduce visibility quickly and without windshield fluid you can find yourself in a crash quickly)
  • Reflective gear for if you need to get out of the vehicle
  • Additional Water and Non-perishable Food.


Tip#4: Know the weather before you leave. If you don’t need to go out, it’s sometimes best to stay home until the weather passes.

Below, you will find links to more safety suggestions and videos below.


National Safety Council

The Weather Channel: How Not to Drive on The Ice

All State Winter Driving Tips



As much as we would love to control how others around us drive, we can only control our own vehicle. Be safe and provide ample room between other drivers to avoid their bad habits and driving abilities.


Should you have any questions and/or would like to review your auto insurance policies, we would be more than happy to assist. Call us at 419-205-9046. We are licensed for Auto insurance in Ohio, Michigan, California, and Indiana.  We have multiple auto insurance to help you find the best auto insurance coverage at the best auto insurance rates.