Life is unpredictable. Of course, you already know this. But have you considered all the risks you currently face? Distracted drivers. People using social media to expose others' dirty laundry. Teen drivers, carpools, pets, parties, and even your occasional housekeeper are all examples of everyday risks. 

Our society is also more litigious than ever, and lawsuits are commonplace. So it isn't a question of whether something unexpected will happen, it's really a question of when, and how bad it will be. 

Many people only carry $100,000 of liability coverage. It sounds like a lot of money, and it is! But, when you're talking about serious injury, especially if multiple people are involved, $100,000 doesn't go very far when you consider medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, emotional distress, residual pain and scarring, and more. 

Here's the scary question: what happens if someone gets hurt and you don't have enough insurance? 

That's why umbrella insurance is so important! 

If you're like many people, you’ve never heard of umbrella insurance. Simply put, it adds an extra $1 million, or more, of coverage above your existing policies. It gives you greater peace of mind and protects you against life's unexpected surprises. 

You don't have to be a millionaire to be sued like it. 

Umbrella coverage isn't just for high earners. It's for everyone, especially if you:

• Own a home
• Have regular income
• Have retirement savings and other assets to protect
• Entertain guests in your home
• Have a teenage driver
• Host sleepovers, children's parties, carpool children or allow your teen to babysit
• Serve on a volunteer board or participate in your HOA
• Use social media
• Own rental properties
• Travel outside the U.S.
• Own a watercraft, RV, snowmobile, ATV, golf cart or other "toy"
• Have pets
• Own firearms or other recreational weapons

How many of these apply to your life? Each one increases your liability and your need for a risk assessment with an independent agent. Understanding your risk helps you better protect yourself and your family. 

What if your home or auto insurance doesn't cover a loss? 

Were you aware that home and auto insurance doesn’t protect you against every type of liability? 

Consider these two hypothetical scenarios: 

You hear a juicy piece of gossip about one of your neighbors. You share it with your closest friends at a neighborhood BBQ and swear them to silence. Of course, as gossip often does, it gets back to this person. You get sued for slander, but many homeowners policies don't cover slander. 

Or, 

You've saved the money to go on a romantic vacation to Europe. Instead of taking a tour, you decide to rent a car and see all the major sights on your own timeline. Unfortunately, you forget to drive on the other side of the road and cause a collision and someone is hurt — but your auto policy doesn't cover you while you're outside the U.S. or Canada. 

In both these hypothetical scenarios, a Safeco umbrella policy may have provided coverage to protect you even though there was no coverage from the primary homeowners or auto insurance (subject to policy limitations and conditions, of course). It might also help with the attorney fees! 

The bottom line: a Safeco personal umbrella policy could help protect you from a variety of risks when the unexpected happens. 

Peace of mind costs less than you think. 

Without an umbrella policy, your assets, savings, and even your future income could be at risk if you are held legally responsible for a claim. For about the cost of a dollar a day, umbrella coverage offers an affordable way to prepare for the unpredictable. ​

Of all the types of insurance available, auto insurance is likely the one you feel most familiar with. All but a handful of states require some insurance to drive, which makes getting car insurance almost as much a rite of passage as getting a driver's license.
But, are you asking the right car insurance questions when you update your policy or purchase a new one? Following are eight questions to address with your independent agent as you decide what kind of coverage is right for you.

1. Is it illegal to drive without car insurance? In nearly every state, yes. Your independent agent is familiar with the minimum coverage requirements in your state. Typically you need a certain amount of both bodily injury liability and property damage liability to drive legally. You can purchase the amount your state specifies, or you can purchase more. Just think carefully before you settle for the legal minimum. You may wind up with no coverage for your own vehicle or injuries, and the cost of a serious accident may exceed the little coverage you do have, leaving you responsible for the bills your insurance won’t cover.
   
   
2. Does my state require other auto insurance coverages? It might. Some states require medical payments coverage and/or uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage. Even if they're not required, they're worth considering. The first helps cover the cost of hospital bills and medical care for you and your passengers. The second helps pay for damages you are legally entitled to from another driver who has no insurance or insufficient insurance coverage. 
   
   
3. Do I have coverage for my own vehicle? Not unless you add collision and comprehensive to your auto policy. Collision helps pay for repairs to your car if it is damaged in an accident. Comprehensive helps cover the cost of repairs or replacement if your car is stolen or damaged in some way other than a collision, such as if a tree falls on it during a storm. Some drivers forgo collision and comprehensive once the value of their vehicles diminish significantly. However, before you do this, be sure you understand that you will have no coverage for the vehicle through your own carrier, no matter if you experience hail damage or a total loss. 
   
   
4. Are any auto insurance options worth my while? Options make it possible to tailor your coverage to your needs. Two worth considering: Roadside assistance, which covers towing and other basic emergency services, and, if you have a newer car, loan and lease coverage (aka gap coverage), which covers the difference between what a car is worth and what you owe on it if it is declared a total loss. 
   
   
5. What determines how much I pay for car insurance? The factors that determine your car insurance rates can vary from state to state. Some of the most common ones include your age, your occupation, your place of residence, your driving history and your vehicle type. And, yes, having teenage drivers in the household can be a major factor, but your insurer may offer discounts if your teen is a good student, completes a driver training course and drives safely.
   
   
6. How can I save on car insurance? Insuring multiple vehicles or both your home and car with the same carrier may help you pay less for auto insurance. You may also qualify for certain auto insurance discounts if, for example, your car has an antitheft device or you don’t put too many miles on it in any given year. Another easy way to potentially save on car insurance is choosing a higher deductible, the amount you’ll pay out of your own pocket in the event of a claim. Be sure to go over the possibilities with your independent agent. 
   
   
7. How will a claim be handled? Look for an insurer that offers claims service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is committed to handling your claim in a timely fashion. You may also prefer a carrier with a nationwide network of repair shops and preferred providers whose work it stands behind.
   
   
8. How do I show proof of insurance? Traditionally you kept printed paper cards in your dashboard or your wallet – or both. With the widespread use of smartphones, you may have another option: electronic proof of insurance through your online account with your carrier. However, not all states accept electronic ID cards at this time, so be sure to check if this is an option for you.

From minor fender-benders to multicar pileups, the costs of an auto accident can be staggering. Auto insurance is designed to help protect you against some of those costs, depending on how you design your policy. Bring up these – and other topics – with your independent agent to get started.all the types of insurance available, auto insurance is likely the one you feel most familiar with. All but a handful of states require some insurance to drive, which makes getting car insurance almost as much a rite of passage as getting a driver's license.
But, are you asking the right car insurance questions when you update your policy or purchase a new one? Following are eight questions to address with your independent agent as you decide what kind of coverage is right for you.

1. Is it illegal to drive without car insurance? In nearly every state, yes. Your independent agent is familiar with the minimum coverage requirements in your state. Typically you need a certain amount of both bodily injury liability and property damage liability to drive legally. You can purchase the amount your state specifies, or you can purchase more. Just think carefully before you settle for the legal minimum. You may wind up with no coverage for your own vehicle or injuries, and the cost of a serious accident may exceed the little coverage you do have, leaving you responsible for the bills your insurance won’t cover.
   
   
2. Does my state require other auto insurance coverages? It might. Some states require medical payments coverage and/or uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage. Even if they're not required, they're worth considering. The first helps cover the cost of hospital bills and medical care for you and your passengers. The second helps pay for damages you are legally entitled to from another driver who has no insurance or insufficient insurance coverage. 
   
   
3. Do I have coverage for my own vehicle? Not unless you add collision and comprehensive to your auto policy. Collision helps pay for repairs to your car if it is damaged in an accident. Comprehensive helps cover the cost of repairs or replacement if your car is stolen or damaged in some way other than a collision, such as if a tree falls on it during a storm. Some drivers forgo collision and comprehensive once the value of their vehicles diminish significantly. However, before you do this, be sure you understand that you will have no coverage for the vehicle through your own carrier, no matter if you experience hail damage or a total loss. 
   
   
4. Are any auto insurance options worth my while? Options make it possible to tailor your coverage to your needs. Two worth considering: Roadside assistance, which covers towing and other basic emergency services, and, if you have a newer car, loan and lease coverage (aka gap coverage), which covers the difference between what a car is worth and what you owe on it if it is declared a total loss. 
   
   
5. What determines how much I pay for car insurance? The factors that determine your car insurance rates can vary from state to state. Some of the most common ones include your age, your occupation, your place of residence, your driving history and your vehicle type. And, yes, having teenage drivers in the household can be a major factor, but your insurer may offer discounts if your teen is a good student, completes a driver training course and drives safely.
   
   
6. How can I save on car insurance? Insuring multiple vehicles or both your home and car with the same carrier may help you pay less for auto insurance. You may also qualify for certain auto insurance discounts if, for example, your car has an antitheft device or you don’t put too many miles on it in any given year. Another easy way to potentially save on car insurance is choosing a higher deductible, the amount you’ll pay out of your own pocket in the event of a claim. Be sure to go over the possibilities with your independent agent. 
   
   
7. How will a claim be handled? Look for an insurer that offers claims service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is committed to handling your claim in a timely fashion. You may also prefer a carrier with a nationwide network of repair shops and preferred providers whose work it stands behind.
   
   
8. How do I show proof of insurance? Traditionally you kept printed paper cards in your dashboard or your wallet – or both. With the widespread use of smartphones, you may have another option: electronic proof of insurance through your online account with your carrier. However, not all states accept electronic ID cards at this time, so be sure to check if this is an option for you.

From minor fender-benders to multicar pileups, the costs of an auto accident can be staggering. Auto insurance is designed to help protect you against some of those costs, depending on how you design your policy. Bring up these – and other topics – with your independent agent to get started.
Of all the types of insurance available, auto insurance is likely the one you feel most familiar with. All but a handful of states require some insurance to drive, which makes getting car insurance almost as much a rite of passage as getting a driver's license.
But, are you asking the right car insurance questions when you update your policy or purchase a new one? Following are eight questions to address with your independent agent as you decide what kind of coverage is right for you.

1. Is it illegal to drive without car insurance? In nearly every state, yes. Your independent agent is familiar with the minimum coverage requirements in your state. Typically you need a certain amount of both bodily injury liability and property damage liability to drive legally. You can purchase the amount your state specifies, or you can purchase more. Just think carefully before you settle for the legal minimum. You may wind up with no coverage for your own vehicle or injuries, and the cost of a serious accident may exceed the little coverage you do have, leaving you responsible for the bills your insurance won’t cover.
   
   
2. Does my state require other auto insurance coverages? It might. Some states require medical payments coverage and/or uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage. Even if they're not required, they're worth considering. The first helps cover the cost of hospital bills and medical care for you and your passengers. The second helps pay for damages you are legally entitled to from another driver who has no insurance or insufficient insurance coverage. 
   
   
3. Do I have coverage for my own vehicle? Not unless you add collision and comprehensive to your auto policy. Collision helps pay for repairs to your car if it is damaged in an accident. Comprehensive helps cover the cost of repairs or replacement if your car is stolen or damaged in some way other than a collision, such as if a tree falls on it during a storm. Some drivers forgo collision and comprehensive once the value of their vehicles diminish significantly. However, before you do this, be sure you understand that you will have no coverage for the vehicle through your own carrier, no matter if you experience hail damage or a total loss. 
   
   
4. Are any auto insurance options worth my while? Options make it possible to tailor your coverage to your needs. Two worth considering: Roadside assistance, which covers towing and other basic emergency services, and, if you have a newer car, loan and lease coverage (aka gap coverage), which covers the difference between what a car is worth and what you owe on it if it is declared a total loss. 
   
   
5. What determines how much I pay for car insurance? The factors that determine your car insurance rates can vary from state to state. Some of the most common ones include your age, your occupation, your place of residence, your driving history and your vehicle type. And, yes, having teenage drivers in the household can be a major factor, but your insurer may offer discounts if your teen is a good student, completes a driver training course and drives safely.
   
   
6. How can I save on car insurance? Insuring multiple vehicles or both your home and car with the same carrier may help you pay less for auto insurance. You may also qualify for certain auto insurance discounts if, for example, your car has an antitheft device or you don’t put too many miles on it in any given year. Another easy way to potentially save on car insurance is choosing a higher deductible, the amount you’ll pay out of your own pocket in the event of a claim. Be sure to go over the possibilities with your independent agent. 
   
   
7. How will a claim be handled? Look for an insurer that offers claims service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is committed to handling your claim in a timely fashion. You may also prefer a carrier with a nationwide network of repair shops and preferred providers whose work it stands behind.
   
   
8. How do I show proof of insurance? Traditionally you kept printed paper cards in your dashboard or your wallet – or both. With the widespread use of smartphones, you may have another option: electronic proof of insurance through your online account with your carrier. However, not all states accept electronic ID cards at this time, so be sure to check if this is an option for you.

From minor fender-benders to multicar pileups, the costs of an auto accident can be staggering. Auto insurance is designed to help protect you against some of those costs, depending on how you design your policy. Bring up these – and other topics – with your independent agent to get started.
Of all the types of insurance available, auto insurance is likely the one you feel most familiar with. All but a handful of states require some insurance to drive, which makes getting car insurance almost as much a rite of passage as getting a driver's license.
But, are you asking the right car insurance questions when you update your policy or purchase a new one? Following are eight questions to address with your independent agent as you decide what kind of coverage is right for you.

1. Is it illegal to drive without car insurance? In nearly every state, yes. Your independent agent is familiar with the minimum coverage requirements in your state. Typically you need a certain amount of both bodily injury liability and property damage liability to drive legally. You can purchase the amount your state specifies, or you can purchase more. Just think carefully before you settle for the legal minimum. You may wind up with no coverage for your own vehicle or injuries, and the cost of a serious accident may exceed the little coverage you do have, leaving you responsible for the bills your insurance won’t cover.
   
   
2. Does my state require other auto insurance coverages? It might. Some states require medical payments coverage and/or uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage. Even if they're not required, they're worth considering. The first helps cover the cost of hospital bills and medical care for you and your passengers. The second helps pay for damages you are legally entitled to from another driver who has no insurance or insufficient insurance coverage. 
   
   
3. Do I have coverage for my own vehicle? Not unless you add collision and comprehensive to your auto policy. Collision helps pay for repairs to your car if it is damaged in an accident. Comprehensive helps cover the cost of repairs or replacement if your car is stolen or damaged in some way other than a collision, such as if a tree falls on it during a storm. Some drivers forgo collision and comprehensive once the value of their vehicles diminish significantly. However, before you do this, be sure you understand that you will have no coverage for the vehicle through your own carrier, no matter if you experience hail damage or a total loss. 
   
   
4. Are any auto insurance options worth my while? Options make it possible to tailor your coverage to your needs. Two worth considering: Roadside assistance, which covers towing and other basic emergency services, and, if you have a newer car, loan and lease coverage (aka gap coverage), which covers the difference between what a car is worth and what you owe on it if it is declared a total loss. 
   
   
5. What determines how much I pay for car insurance? The factors that determine your car insurance rates can vary from state to state. Some of the most common ones include your age, your occupation, your place of residence, your driving history and your vehicle type. And, yes, having teenage drivers in the household can be a major factor, but your insurer may offer discounts if your teen is a good student, completes a driver training course and drives safely.
   
   
6. How can I save on car insurance? Insuring multiple vehicles or both your home and car with the same carrier may help you pay less for auto insurance. You may also qualify for certain auto insurance discounts if, for example, your car has an antitheft device or you don’t put too many miles on it in any given year. Another easy way to potentially save on car insurance is choosing a higher deductible, the amount you’ll pay out of your own pocket in the event of a claim. Be sure to go over the possibilities with your independent agent. 
   
   
7. How will a claim be handled? Look for an insurer that offers claims service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is committed to handling your claim in a timely fashion. You may also prefer a carrier with a nationwide network of repair shops and preferred providers whose work it stands behind.
   
   
8. How do I show proof of insurance? Traditionally you kept printed paper cards in your dashboard or your wallet – or both. With the widespread use of smartphones, you may have another option: electronic proof of insurance through your online account with your carrier. However, not all states accept electronic ID cards at this time, so be sure to check if this is an option for you.

From minor fender-benders to multicar pileups, the costs of an auto accident can be staggering. Auto insurance is designed to help protect you against some of those costs, depending on how you design your policy. Bring up these – and other topics – with your agent today!

The side of the road can be a lonely – and dangerous – place. All manner of vehicles are zipping by at top speed, and you’re just sitting there with a flat tire, an empty gas tank or worse.
Roadside assistance coverage via your auto insurance policy may help get you going again. Just be sure to understand what your plan covers, and what it doesn’t, before you find yourself frustrated and stranded on the side of the road.
Here are five important things to know about roadside assistance to help you better understand the coverage:

1. It’s a policy add-on: Your auto insurance likely doesn’t include roadside assistance coverage unless you added it to your policy for an extra but oftentimes nominal charge. It’s such a commonplace option nowadays that many independent agents recommend it, and many customers ask about it. However, it’s still possible to come away with a new car insurance policy that does not include roadside assistance. Sometimes it just gets overlooked, so be sure to check your policy and add the coverage, if you like.
   
   
2. What you get depends on whom you get it from: Different carriers or auto clubs will offer different coverages with their roadside assistance plans. Oftentimes you’ll have assistance for:
   • Fuel delivery.
   • Battery jumpstart or boost.
   • Lockouts.
   • Flat tires.
   • Mechanical breakdowns, including towing, if needed.
   
   Know what your plan covers so you know what to expect when trouble strikes. For example, with most plans, you pay for the services upfront, as part of your car insurance premium. That typically means you won’t incur any additional charges at the time you use the services, but that could depend on your individual policy terms and on the situation at hand.
   
   
3. Towing restrictions may apply: Your roadside assistance plan likely puts a cap on how far – and maybe even how often – you’ll be towed before incurring additional fees. If you break down in a remote area and require a lengthy tow, you may have to chip in for some of the cost. Check your policy for details.
   
   
4. It’s not just for cars: All shapes and sizes of vehicles are typically eligible for roadside assistance plans. But, did you know that RVs, classic cars, motorcycles and even boats typically are, too? With classic car coverage, check whether your roadside assistance plan offers flatbed towing. For boats, coverage is typically available for your trailer and towing vehicle. Plus, your carrier may offer on-water assistance for such things as fuel delivery, towing and more for your watercraft. If so, this would be a separate option to add to your boat insurance policy.
   
   
5. Supersize it: Standard roadside assistance oftentimes includes the coverages discussed above. But, what if you break down and have to spend a night or longer in a hotel while your car undergoes repairs? All of a sudden you have unexpected lodging expenses to cover, not to mention the cost of food and other necessities while you’re delayed. Standard roadside assistance likely won’t help you with these expenses, but an emergency assistance package or trip interruption coverage in addition to your roadside assistance plan may. Ask your independent agent about this enhanced coverage if you feel it’s right for you, whether for your car, RV, motorcycle or something else.

No one wants to end up on the side of the road – what a pain. But, as you’re sitting there wondering what to do next, it’s a relief knowing you added roadside assistance to your car insurance policy. Just grab your phone and dial your roadside assistance number, and help is on the way.


Stay Safe While Waiting for Roadside AssistanceIf you experience any type of car trouble, turn on your hazard lights at once and do your best to pull all the way off the road and onto the shoulder, safely out of traffic’s way. Do this before calling for roadside assistance. Your vehicle emergency kit may help keep you comfortable and safe while you wait for help to arrive. 

A fire is a fire, and a fire extinguisher is a fire extinguisher, right? Well, not quite. There are actually different types of fires and different types of extinguishers that respond best to each. So, which is right for you?
We’ll get to that, but first let’s look at the five different fire types, as outlined by the Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association:

• Class A: Fires in ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, cloth, etc.
• Class B: Fires in flammable liquids, like gasoline, or flammable gasses, such as propane.
• Class C: Fires in energized electrical equipment, such as appliances or motors.
• Class D: Fires in combustible metals.
• Class K: Fires in cooking oils and greases, such as animal and vegetable fats.

Selecting a Fire Extinguisher
For each fire class, there’s a fire extinguisher to match, and it’s important to use the right one. For example, an extinguisher rated for Class B fires only might not be appropriate to use on another fire. In fact, it might even be dangerous.
So, how do you pick a fire extinguisher? Do you need several? A good bet is a multipurpose extinguisher, which typically is rated for Class A, B and C fires and available at home improvement stores. This type of extinguisher is typically good for general living areas and will work on small grease fires, as well. Specialized kitchen extinguishers are available, too. (Note: Class K extinguishers are typically for large commercial kitchens.)
No matter which type you choose, you want:

• An extinguisher that’s large enough to put out a small fire but not too heavy to handle safely.
• One that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory.
• One for each level of your home, as well as in the garage.

Using a Fire Extinguisher
Before you use a fire extinguisher — or try to fight a fire with any method — make sure you consider the following questions:

• Is the fire small and contained?
• Are you safe from toxic smoke?
• Do you have a way to escape?
• Do your instincts tell you it’s OK?

If you’ve answered “yes” to those questions, the National Fire Protection Association recommends remembering “P.A.S.S.” when it’s time to use your extinguisher:

• Pull the pin.
• Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever.
• Sweep the hose from side to side. Once the fire is out, remain aware, because it can re-ignite.

Maintaining a Fire Extinguisher
It’s easy to just put an extinguisher in your kitchen cabinet and forget about it. But, by doing that, you run the risk of it not working when you need it most.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, some need to be shaken monthly, and others need to be pressure tested periodically. Follow the instructions on your specific extinguisher. Also, check regularly to make sure it’s not damaged, rusted or dirty.
Remember, a fire extinguisher won’t do you any good if it doesn’t work, and it won’t help if you can’t get to it, either. So, ensure it’s in an accessible place, not buried in the back of a closet.
Finally, don’t ever forget that sometimes your best bet is not using an extinguisher at all. It’s using your family escape plan to get you and your loved ones out of danger. If there’s any doubt, get out!
​

It’s just rain — how much impact can it really have on your driving?
The answer: a lot. You’re likely to experience lower visibility, reduced traction and increased difficulty in handling your car both during and after a rainstorm. Add flooding to the mix and suddenly things get much more challenging – and dangerous.
In fact, more than half of flood-related drownings are due to people driving into floodwaters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So, never, ever do it. As little as 12 inches of rushing water can carry away a small car, and 24 inches can carry away most any vehicle, according to the National Weather Service, which emphasizes “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” when it comes to both walking and driving into floodwaters.
So, what about when the roads are wet but passable? From the rainy northwest, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) offers these tips for a safer approach to wet weather driving:

1. Turn on your lights. Rain (and the spray from other vehicles) can significantly lower visibility. Make it easier for other drivers to see you.
   
   
2. Slow down. It’s easy to lose control and hydroplane on wet roads, especially at speeds of about 35 mph or higher. Hydroplaning occurs when your front tires ride on a film of water instead of actually being in contact with the road. If it happens, ODOT recommends taking the following measures: “Ease off the gas, gently apply the brakes and steer straight ahead.” You’re also at risk of splashing water into the engine and stalling it when you drive at high speeds.
   
   
3. Give people more room, and don’t use cruise control. You won’t be able to stop as quickly when the roads are wet — cars need two to three times more stopping distance.
   
   
4. Expect things to be slick, especially if it hasn’t rained for a while. When a fresh rain mixes with engine oil and grease on the road, the combination can produce exceptionally slippery surfaces.
   
   
5. Make sure tires have proper inflation and adequate tread. Both over- and under-inflated tires are dangerous even in normal conditions. As for checking the tread, use the penny test: Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you see his entire head, it’s time for new tires.
   
   
6. Keep up with general car maintenance. Make sure your wipers are functioning and that you replace the blades regularly. Also check your defroster, especially if you don’t use it often.

Remember, driving safely in inclement weather requires caution and patience. Give yourself more time to get where you’re going. If conditions are truly unsafe, pull over to a safe place (or stay home if you can). And, finally, don’t be caught with inadequate insurance coverage, either. Wet conditions make accidents more likely, so before you head out into the storm, make sure you have the coverage you want.


Get 24/7 Roadside Assistance. Come rain or shine, you never know when a minor – or major – fender bender or some other roadway mishap will darken your day. So, add roadside assistance to your auto policy and get assistance when you need it most. Call your independent insurance agent to update your policy today.

Freezing temperatures, gusts of wind, patches of ice – winter can be a horrible time to be on the road. And, an even worse time to get into a car accident.
But, with reduced visibility, slick roads and maybe even a reckless driver or two, accidents are bound to happen. So, what should you do if you experience one? Follow these five guidelines to help you stay safe while you wait for help to arrive after a car accident in winter:

1. Respond calmly. Your first instinct following any car accident may be to jump out of the car and give the other driver(s) a piece of your mind. But, given traffic and road conditions, it may not be safe for you to get out of your vehicle at all (and, it’s never safe to act aggressively toward others). So, stay in your car, take a deep breath, turn on your hazard lights and check yourself and others for injuries. Keep in mind that, if you’re in shock, you may not notice your own injuries at first. If needed, call 911 to request medical and traffic assistance.
   
   
2. Get off the road. If a minor accident leaves your car operable and no one involved requires emergency first aid, make clearing the roadway your next priority. Have all vehicles pull well off the road to reduce the chances of causing another accident. Just proceed with caution, especially if visibility is low. Other drivers on the road need extra time to react to slow-moving vehicles.
   
   
3. If you can’t get off the road, stay in your car. Walking around the roadway is extremely dangerous if other cars are around, particularly with stormy weather and slick roads making it difficult for drivers to respond to unexpected hazards. So, stay in your car and fasten your seatbelt, in case another collision occurs. Wait there for assistance and instructions from emergency personnel. Or, if your car isn’t safe to be in, seek other protection.
   
   
4. Stay visible, stay warm, stay put. Put up warning triangles and road flares, if you have them. Otherwise, tie a bright piece of cloth on your antenna or door handle so your vehicle is visible to others. If you’re running the engine to stay warm (make sure your tailpipe isn’t clogged with mud or snow or you risk being exposed to carbon monoxide), also turn on your running lights. Your vehicle emergency kit, stocked with blankets, extra clothing and more, will come in handy until emergency responders arrive. Because staying put is typically safer than heading out to seek help – you risk getting lost. And, leaving the scene of a serious accident can result in monetary fines.
   
   
5. Collect pertinent details and report the accident. After any accident, it’s important to exchange insurance information with the other driver(s), jot down notes about what happened and even snap a few photos – just be sure not to put yourself in harm’s way in order to do so. Then contact your insurance carrier to file a claim and your roadside assistance service to request help.

And, what if you come across an accident involving others? So long as they aren’t in immediate danger, your best bet is likely calling 911 and letting the appropriate local authorities respond. Pulling over to help could cause additional problems, such as distracting other drivers and causing an accident yourself.
Remember, winter driving can be as unpredictable as the weather. So, keep your phone charged and your gas tank full, and slow down so you have extra time to respond – you need it when the roads are slick!