Winter driving

Stay safe when temperatures drop

Snow, ice and freezing temperatures can make driving dangerous. Here’s how to stay safe on the roads.

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Motor safety before you drive

1. Clear frost and ice
Make sure the windows, mirrors and lights are free from frost, ice and snow

2. Prep your windscreen
Top up screen wash with winter-grade fluid

3. Check your lights
Ensure headlights and indicators work properly for foggy conditions

4. Keep your fuel tank topped up
Helps prevent condensation and freezing

5. Check your battery
Cold weather puts extra strain on batteries, so it can drain more quickly

6. Tyres
Consider winter tyres for a better grip in icy conditions

7. Pack an emergency kit

- Torch, phone charger & power bank
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- Blanket, snacks and water
- First-aid kit
- Hi-vis vest, jump leads, warning triangle

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Smart driving tips in frosty conditions

1. Plan ahead
Check weather and traffic reports and allow extra time for your journey

2. Use winter tyres
Heavier tread tyres give better grip in icy or snowy conditions

3. Reduce speed
Slow down, accelerate and brake gently. Try to avoid sudden steering

4. Watch visibility
Take extra care in frost and foggy conditions

5. Increase distance
Leave more space between you and the car ahead to give you more time to brake

6. Beware black ice
Use higher gears to reduce wheel spin. Go steady to avoid skidding or losing control

7. Park safely
Use your gears when parking. Avoid parking on hills or slopes if possible

8. Check headlights
Make sure your beam selection suits the conditions.

Before you set off

Getting your car winter ready on icy days.

Car on snowy ice road

Do you need to make a claim?

  • It’s better to make a claim before you get any repairs carried out.

  • Tell us about an incident even if you are not claiming for your damage.

  • The sooner you report your claim it could reduce the overall cost of the claim.

Next steps

Before you start

  • Check your excess. You can check this, your cover limits and details of endorsements in your Statement of Fact, which can be found in your online account or policy confirmation email
  • Check that you’re covered by reading your policy document, which you can find in your online account or policy confirmation email. Or you can check examples of our policy documents
  • Check if you can make your claim online.
    You can make a claim online for the following:

    • Road accident
    • Damage to your car
    • Accidental misfuelling
    • Damaged windscreen or window glass
    • Fire, theft or attempted theft (incl. personal belongings)

What you'll need

  • Your policy number. You can find this on your confirmation email or documents in your online account
  • Details of what happened, where and when.
  • Photos of the damage to the cars or dashcam footage.
  • Any witness contact details.
  • Third party details including their vehicle registration and details.

The more details you can give us, the quicker we can progress your claim.

Make a claim online, it's quick, easy and secure

You can make a car claim online for the following:

  • Road accident
  • Damage to your car
  • Accidental misfuelling
  • Damaged windscreen or window glass
  • Fire, theft or attempted theft (incl. personal belongings)

Manage an existing claim online

If you make a claim online or by phone, you’ll be able to manage your claim through our online Claims Hub. We’ll send you a link to register online.

Through our online Claims Hub, you can:

  • Check your claim status.
  • Find contact details for approved suppliers.
  • Upload images, quotes, proof of purchase and documents securely.
  • Message our claims team.
  • Accept cash settlement offers.
  • Input bank details securely.
  • Get notifications including updates from suppliers and repair dates.

If you'd prefer to speak to someone, or for more information to make a claim, you can get in touch via our virtual assistant.

Frequently asked questions

Will making a claim affect my No Claims Discount?

If you make a claim then your No Claims Discount may be affected. Factors such as, who was at fault, previous claims and whether you have opted to protect your NCD will all be considered.

No Claims Discount protection does not protect the overall price of your insurance policy. The price of your insurance policy may increase following an accident even if you were not at fault.

View all car claims questions

How will my vehicle be repaired?

We have a network of approved repairers who will take care of your vehicle, getting you back on the road as soon as possible.


View all car claims questions

Will making a claim affect the cost of my policy?

Making a claim can sometimes lead to an increase in renewal price, but this will be based on the individual circumstances of the incident. Read more about car insurance renewals

View all car claims questions

Get in touch

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Manage your policy online 24/7

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Talk to us

We understand that life can bring challenges and is different for everyone. If you’re struggling to keep up with payments or finding things challenging, we’re here to support you as best we can.

If you’d like to speak to us:
Our virtual assistant can answer many frequently asked questions, put you in touch with a member of our Live Chat team and tell you how to reach us out hours.

You can call us on 0345 165 5773. Our Live Chat and Call Centre teams are available Monday to Friday 8.30-6pm and Saturday 8.30-4pm.