We are blessed with various seasons in a year, be it summer, winter, spring, or autumn. Each season brings in new opportunities and challenges. However, this doesn’t affect humans alone. It also impacts vehicles and vehicle components since temperatures affect vehicles.
One of the seasons that have significant impacts on vehicle parts is the winter season. Winter is the time of the year where the temperature falls below 7°C (45°F). It is that time of the year when you will need to install winter tires on your vehicles.
Statistics have shown that winter driving conditions are not favorable because the roads are more dangerous and susceptible to accidents than it usually was in other seasons. Meanwhile, if you are looking for a good deal on your next insurance purchase, visit Surex.
The Myths About Winter Tires
Winter tires are produced with a tread pattern and optimal compound to handle the extremely low temperature.
Whether the road is icy or snowy, whenever the temperature falls below 7°C, winter tires perform exceptionally by sticking well to the asphalt, improving handling, acceleration, and braking.
This is made possible by the mixture of rubber and other materials such as natural and synthetic rubber, silica, carbon black, and oil used in making winter tires. These compounds are the key elements that make the tread more flexible to handle the extreme cold temperature.
Winter Tire & Insurance
While there are tires designed for all-weather known as all-season tires, they will most likely not outperform winter tires which are specially designed to withstand low temperature, slippery and icy conditions. Winter tires make driving safer in snow and ice.
Most insurance companies in Canada offer discounts when drivers install winter tires. Drivers are required to install winter tires by a specific date to be qualified for this discount. So, where you purchase your car insurance is very important.
The requirements for the discount and the discount rate varies from one insurance company to another. Installing winter tires is not all about saving money on insurance discounts alone but also for the safety of drivers and road users. Therefore, when winter is approaching, consider installing winter tires for the protection of everyone.
When Should I Install Winter Tires For Insurance?
Most insurance companies in Canada have a specific date when drivers should install winter tires, and it is required for the driver to keep the proof of the installation. This date varies for different insurance companies, so contact your insurer for more details on this.
However, for safety, the appropriate time to install winter tires is before the season’s first snowfall. At this point, the temperature will be tending towards 7°C.
When Should I Uninstall Winter Tires?
As good and safe as the winter tires are during winter, always remember that winter tires are designed to work better in temperatures lower than 7°C, and it is safer to change them as the temperature begins to warm up.
As part of the terms and conditions for the discount, most insurance companies have dates to change the winter tires on your vehicle to regular tires.
What Are The Eligibility Requirements For A Winter Tires Discount?
Auto insurance policies may be expensive sometimes, but it is mandated if you want to drive in Canada. The discount offered when you install winter tires is mainly to make the roads safe and reduce the high cost of auto insurance policies.
The following are some requirements to receive the winter tire discount:
- You need to install winter tires on your vehicles to file a discount application
- The four tires installed should be winter tires
- All-season tires are not eligible for the discount
- You must supply the installed winter tires certificate
Although your insurer may have added requirements, these are the basic requirements to apply for a winter tires discount. It is important to note that insurance companies will request proof of installed winter tires during winter in the event of a claim.
Will My Auto Insurance Be More Expensive During Winter?
There are many misconceptions when it comes to auto insurance and weather. However, there are no existing policies on whether auto insurance rates will increase or reduce for different weather conditions.
In some areas, the weather doesn’t have any effect on auto insurance coverage. Likewise, winter doesn’t make auto insurance expensive. Various insurance companies have different factors that dictate auto insurance rates, such as age, credit score, driving history, insurance history, location, etc.
Many drivers believe that auto insurance prices go up during winter due to the increased possibility of accidents caused by the weather. However, this is not always true if you stay in an area not exposed to harsh weather.
Seasonal weather conditions such as winter may influence auto insurance rates or make you purchase additional policies to cover your vehicle against harsh conditions, especially if you stay in an area where winter means blocked, icy and snowy roads. The cost of insurance policies in this area may attract an extra one hundred dollars or more even though winter lasts for a few months.
Which Auto Insurance Policy Is Affected By Winter?
Generally, comprehensive auto insurance is the only coverage influenced by weather which includes winter. Comprehensive auto insurance covers damages caused by vandalism, extreme weather conditions, fire, animals, and floods.
This policy also covers the case where the car is stolen. Comprehensive auto insurance is an important policy to consider if you stay in an area prone to extreme winter and flooding.
It is moderately affordable when compared with the benefits it provides. To get a good deal, you may need to use online quotes and compare the rates.
Endnote
Unfortunately, not all insurance companies offer discounts for installing winter tires, so it is challenging to advise that you install them mainly because of insurance discounts. Regardless of this, it is still worth the investment to invest in winter tires for your vehicles. The safety assurance it provides for drivers and road users is enough to consider installing winter tires.
