Safe winter driving in snow and ice. 29/12/14


If you have to drive your car in snowy or icy weather it is important to adjust the way you drive and also ensure your vehicle is properly prepared for these conditions.


Prepare your vehicle


If the weather is very bad, postpone your journey.

If you must drive in wintry conditions, here are a few tips for preparing your vehicle before the journey.

  • Carry extra fuel in a safety can, windscreen de-icer, scraper and water with anti-freeze for the radiator

  • Take blankets, warm clothing, food and drinking water

  • Keep a shovel, a torch with fresh batteries and high visibility jackets in your boot

  • Ensure you have a mobile phone and that it is fully charged

  • Let someone know of your travel plans

  • Check weather and traffic reports before you travel

  • Thoroughly clear your vehicle of snow and demist your windscreen before setting off


When you are driving


Use the following techniques when driving in icy and snow.

  • Pull away slowly in a low gear to avoid losing grip

  • Keep plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front to allow extra stopping distance in an emergency

  • If you skid, try to steer your way out of it. Do not use the accelerator and use gentle braking where possible

  • Apply acceleration and braking gently at all times, rapid acceleration may cause wheel spin

  • Use dipped headlights in falling snow

  • Drive in the tracks of previous vehicles or on the clearest parts of the road if possible

  • Do not rely on your ABS system to get you out of trouble

  • Stick to main roads, as they are more likely to have been gritted properly

  • Do not take corners at speed in case you lose control of the rear of your vehicle


Car Call and our partners help thousands of drivers every year with their accident claims. If you would like help regarding an accident claim call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.



No need to claim on your insurance

Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.

However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.

We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.

No excess to pay

Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.

This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.

By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.

Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle

Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.

Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.

Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.

So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.

Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs

If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.

Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.

Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.

Legal Assistance

Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.

They issues they can assist you with include:

  • Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
  • Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
  • Recovery of all repair costs
  • Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
  • Seeking financial compensation for an injury