We all have plans for vacations and the winter season: trips to do, winter activities to try and lists of daily tasks that don’t stop just because the cold weather has arrived. But difficult conditions have a way of making plans go wrong or causing damage that we simply did not expect. These are some of the additional insurance protections you should consider buying this season, in case things don’t go exactly as planned.
Snowmobile insurance: getting on your snowmobile is one of the highlights of the winter season, but it can be dangerous. You should always wear protective equipment and follow the laws and guidelines on speed and safety. Some states require snowmobiles to register, have a route permit, have insurance or all three. But even if it’s not mandatory, snowmobile insurance is always a smart idea. Like car insurance, snowmobile insurance will protect you from liability or damage to your vehicle in the event of an accident, or if your sled is damaged due to other covered hazards.
Winter sports insurance: If you plan to travel for winter recreation such as skiing or snowboarding, winter sports insurance may be right for you. Whether you’re making a unique family trip to a ski resort or multiple trips to get your dose of winter sports, you’ll be glad to have winter sports insurance if something goes wrong. This type of policy can cover damaged equipment, lost or stolen ski passes, and even medical emergencies.
Travel insurance: travel insurance is a good idea regardless of the season, but winter travel insurance can be especially useful when the weather can be unpredictable and cause so many obstacles. Depending on the policy you choose, travel insurance may cover emergency medical events, canceled flights and lost or stolen luggage.
Winter car insurance: There are two reasons why you may want to seek additional coverage for your car during the winter. First, if you live in an area that has extreme weather conditions, it is not a bad idea to add comprehensive and collision coverage to your policy if you do not already have it. If you slip off the road or if someone hits your car, it will be covered. Two, if you have a car that is stored during the winter, you might also consider adding comprehensive coverage. This will be activated if any damage to the vehicle occurs as a result of fire, theft, etc. Remember, if you decide to let go of your liability coverage while your summer trip is stored, you should not drive it under any circumstances.
Winter insurance for owners: make sure your house is ready for winter and in good condition before the cold weather arrives. The other thing you should do is double check your owner’s insurance policy to make sure you understand what winter risks are covered and which are not, and what other exclusions apply. For example, your policy may cover damage caused by frozen pipes, but not if you could not properly maintain them. In addition, you may need to purchase additional coverage for damage caused by hail, wind or other winter weather hazards.