News feed · CompareDirect · · Loading views…
A frosty morning is a good reason to check both your car and your cover. These practical winter checks separate sensible safety advice from insurance myths.
As colder months approach, a few minutes of preparation can help prevent damage and disruption. This seasonal explainer draws on the Association of British Insurers’ (ABI) cold-weather guidance published on 2 January 2026. It is not a new weather warning or a promise about how every insurer will settle a claim.
1. Clear the windscreen before leaving
The ABI advises drivers to fully defrost the windscreen before setting off and not to pour hot water onto it, which could crack the glass. Clear snow from the vehicle too: loose snow can create a hazard for other road users.
Keep an ice scraper ready and allow time for the job. A small cleared patch is not a sensible substitute for a properly clear view.
2. Stay with the car while it defrosts
Leaving a running car unattended can make it an easy theft target. The ABI specifically warns against leaving vehicles unattended while defrosting because cars are stolen in these circumstances.
That warning is about prevention. Whether a particular theft claim is covered depends on the policy and the facts. Check the security conditions rather than assuming that a comprehensive policy automatically covers every situation.
3. Do not drive through flood water
The ABI advises against driving through flood water: the depth and hidden hazards may be difficult to judge, and the car could be damaged. Avoid taking a risk simply because another vehicle has crossed ahead of you.
Read your policy’s damage cover and excesses before an emergency, and ask the insurer about anything unclear. There is no universal promise that every flood-related repair will be paid.
4. Keep the car ready for the journey
Check that front and rear wipers work properly and keep the vehicle maintained. Carry warm clothing, water and a charged phone, plus charging equipment. The ABI also recommends blankets and non-perishable food in the car.
If you drive an electric car, check the battery charge before leaving. Preparation helps you deal with disruption; it does not replace following local safety advice.
5. Treat weather warnings seriously
A red weather warning does not, by itself, automatically invalidate car insurance, according to the ABI. But valid insurance is not permission to ignore dangerous conditions. Follow weather reports and police advice about whether travel is safe.
The simplest winter plan is to prepare the car, avoid unnecessary risks and know your insurer’s claims contact details. Read the actual policy instead of relying on a blanket claim that bad-weather driving is always covered or always excluded.
This is general information; your policy terms govern your cover. Photo: AI-generated illustration for CompareDirect, not a photograph of a reported weather event.
Source: Association of British Insurers: cold-weather advice, 2 January 2026
Compare car insurance deals in the UK.
Written by CompareDirect. Prices and terms change, so check the source and the provider before you buy.