What Every Driver Should Know Before Hitting Snow-Covered Roads
Winter Driving in Northern Ontario: Why Preparation Matters
Winter driving in Northern Ontario isn’t just inconvenient — it’s genuinely hazardous. Snow, ice, poor visibility, and extreme cold all increase the likelihood of collisions and unexpected vehicle damage. As a result, insurance claims tend to spike every winter.
When you understand the risks and prepare early, you can protect yourself, your vehicle, and your insurance rating long before winter weather becomes severe.
1. Know the Risks
Winter Weather Leads to More Collision Claims
During the winter months, road conditions can change quickly. Icy roads, sudden snow squalls, and reduced braking ability all make driving more dangerous. Common causes of winter collisions include:
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- Slippery roads and black ice
- Increased stopping distances
- Reduced braking efficiency
- Lower visibility during storms
Even slow‑speed collisions can cause significant damage and lead to costly insurance claims. That’s why being proactive is essential.
Why All‑Season Tires Fall Short in Winter
All‑season tires are not designed for true winter performance. In freezing temperatures, their rubber hardens, significantly reducing traction.
They are not made for:
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- Sub-zero temperatures
- Packed snow or icy surfaces
- Emergency braking in winter conditions
This is why winter tires dramatically reduce the risk of sliding or losing control.
AWD helps with acceleration — not braking. Only winter tires improve snow and ice braking performance.
Seasonal Driving Can Lead to Insurance Gaps
Many people adjust their driving habits as winter sets in. These changes can impact your insurance coverage, especially when:
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- You drive less frequently
- You store a vehicle for the season
- You switch to a winter-specific vehicle
If your insurance policy doesn’t match your winter driving habits, you could be paying too much — or missing protection you need.
2. Know the Solutions
Practice Safe Winter Driving
A few simple habits make winter driving safer:
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- Clear the snow off your vehicle
- Slow down
- Leave extra room to stop
- Stay home during severe conditions
Small decisions can prevent major accidents.
Winter Tires Improve Safety — and May Reduce Insurance Costs
Winter tires provide better traction, improve stopping distance, and help maintain control on icy roads. Many insurance companies in Ontario offer a winter tire discount when winter tires are installed between November and April.
This means you get both safety and savings.
Learn more about safe winter driving from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation ➧
Update Your Coverage for Seasonal Driving
If you store a vehicle for the winter, consider adjusting your coverage. Switching a parked vehicle to Comprehensive Coverage only can help you:
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- Reduce your premium
- Maintain protection against theft, vandalism, and other non‑collision risks
Just remember to add full coverage back on before driving the vehicle again in the spring.
A quick winter insurance review ensures you’re protected properly and only paying for what you actually need.
3. No More Guesswork This Winter
Winter driving in Northern Ontario can feel unpredictable — but your coverage shouldn’t.
By:
✔ Understanding the risks of winter roads
✔ Installing winter tires for better safety and savings
✔ Reviewing your policy for seasonal changes
…you reduce uncertainty and protect yourself before potential claims happen.
At Northern Insurance Brokers, we help drivers stay protected all winter long with personalized advice and solutions that match real Canadian winter conditions.