Winter Driving Safety: Tips to Avoid Accidents and Insurance Headaches
- Hailie Hillock
- Dec 23, 2025
- 5 min read
Every year in the United States, more than 117,000 people are injured in car accidents caused by winter weather. For those of us traversing the mountain passes and rural highways between Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, winter driving risks are no surprise. These winter driving tips and insurance considerations can help you stay safer on the road, and better prepared if you need to file an insurance claim.
Preparation is Key to Safe Winter Driving
We’ve all heard this advice before, but it’s easy to forget when the advice is vague. Here’s a checklist to make it easier to track whether you’re ready to hit the road.
Check your tires. Are they rated for winter conditions and do they have adequate tread?
Gear up for cold temperatures. Pack warm clothing for all passengers and confirm your washer fluid won’t freeze.
Fill your tank. Do you have at least more than a quarter tank of gas? Never travel near empty in winter!
Make a plan for when you won’t have service. Have you let someone know your route and ETA? Consider sharing your location with a trusted friend or family member if you have a smart phone.
Understand your insurance coverage. Does your insurance or AAA include towing and any other roadside services? Note your deductibles so you’re aware of what you may need to pay out-of-pocket.
Check the route ahead. Have you checked the weather and road conditions throughout the journey?
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How to Check Road Conditions Before Your Trip
Road conditions are reported in a number of sources. Here are a few of our favorite online resources for Oregon, Idaho, and Washington.
TripCheck Oregon - The Oregon Department of Transportation’s official road and weather conditions report, complete with a map showing closures, incidents, and snapshots road cameras.
Elk Horn Media Group – A Facebook page that posts traffic alerts and daily road reports for Oregon and Washington.
Tim’s Winter Road Report - A private Facebook group where members can post about road conditions in Eastern Oregon
WSDOT Real-Time Travel Data - Washington state’s official road and weather conditions report, with all the same information as Oregon’s.
Idaho 511 - Idaho’s official road and weather conditions report.
Never check these sites while you are actively driving. Watch for flashing signs on the road that indicate radio stations or phone numbers that will provide real-time information that is more accessible while you are driving.
What to Keep in Your Car in the Winter
Emergency response times can be longer in winter, especially if you’re on a mountain pass, so be prepared to stay warm for potentially long periods of time without your engine running. Here is a quick checklist for what to keep in your car during long winter trips.
Chains (and know how to put them on quickly even in bad conditions!)
Jumper cables
First aid kit
Blankets
Coats, hats, and gloves for the driver and all passengers
Shovel and traction aids (for digging yourself out if you get stuck)
Ice scraper
Flashlight and batteries
Phone charger or battery pack
A few bottles of water
Snacks
How Winter Accidents Impact Insurance Claims
Even in severe weather, insurers still evaluate whether drivers adjusted their behavior to road conditions. Weather complicates being able to assign fault to a particular driver. Sometimes, even driving as safely as possible can’t prevent a weather-related accident but other times, a driver may be ignoring weather conditions and driving like they would on a clear, warm day. Documenting what happened during the accident is crucial to the claims process.
What to Do After a Winter Accident
If you’re involved in a winter accident, here’s what you should do:
Stay safe and visible. If possible, pull off to the side of the road and turn on your hazards. Wear bright-colored or even reflective clothing. Keep doors and windows closed if it is safe to remain in your vehicle to retain warmth.
Call for help early. If you have service, call the authorities. If not, try to flag down another driver to get help.
Record information. Document the accident, including photos, notes about the weather and vehicle conditions, witness statements, and the steps you took to prevent the accident.
Report the claim promptly. Once you, your passengers, and anyone else involved is safe, report the claim to your insurance company and the police if necessary.
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Special Considerations for Filing Claims in the Winter
To help prove you are not at fault for a winter accident, you can:
Take scene photos: Capture icy patches, snow depth, and road conditions to show what the conditions were like at the time of the accident.
Note weather data: Screenshot or otherwise write down the temperature and precipitation.
Gather witness statements: Get contact information and statements from other witnesses who were not directly involved in the accident.
Describe vehicle conditions: Document tire tread, brakes, and fluid levels to show your preparedness, or the other driver’s negligence.
Record your actions: Note if you adjusted speed, used lights, increased following distance or took any other measures to prevent the accident.
A dash camera can also be helpful in these situations. If you invest in a dash camera, we recommend one that captures both front and rear perspectives.
Winter Wildlife Accidents and Insurance
More than 6,000 elk and deer collisions are reported every year in Oregon alone. Because wildlife collisions are considered unavoidable events, they are typically covered under comprehensive insurance rather than collision. This is good to keep in mind when you’re evaluating your comprehensive deductible.
Helpful Insurance Coverages for Winter Driving
We recommend reviewing your insurance at least once a year, but it’s especially important to understand your coverage during the winter so that you know what you have, and where you may have gaps. Be sure to check the following coverages and limitations before your next trip.
Roadside assistance/towing limits
Rental reimbursement coverage
Comprehensive deductibleGlass coverage (especially for sanded roads)
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
There are many considerations for your choosing your car insurance coverage. Our team can help you make selections based on your budget and driving habits.
Preparation Reduces Stress
Planning ahead can literally mean life and death during winter travel. The steps in this blog can help prevent some winter accidents, but the most important thing to remember is to stay vigilant and make safe decisions.
Reviewing your auto insurance before winter travel can help reduce stress if the unexpected happens. If you have questions about your coverage or winter driving risks, our team is always here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover winter weather car accidents?
Yes, winter accidents are typically covered depending on fault and whether you carry collision or comprehensive coverage.
Are animal collisions covered by insurance?
Most deer and elk collisions fall under comprehensive coverage and are subject to your comprehensive deductible.
Should I carry roadside assistance in winter?
Roadside assistance can be extremely helpful during winter travel, especially in rural or mountainous areas where towing costs can be high.
Can weather affect who is found at fault in an accident?
Yes. Drivers are expected to adjust speed and behavior for conditions, even in snow or ice.
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