From scorching heat waves to thunderstorms, we have had some pretty unpredictable weather conditions in the UK this month which can have a huge impact when we are driving on the roads.

With more dramatic weather expected to hit Britain in the coming weeks, a recent study by The Mirror, reveals that a third of drivers don’t know what their auto insurance covers or what to do in the event of an accident. We took a close look at how varying conditions can affect your premiums and how you might be caught off guard by your provider if you are unaware of the conditions.

Florence Codjoe, Auto Insurance Expert at Uswitch, provides tips for drivers during unpredictable UK weather conditions, along with the essentials to check before you hit the road.

Thunderstorms

As we have seen in recent weeks, thunderstorms and heavy rains can be dangerous because not only do they affect your visibility, but they can also affect your brakes and engine during and after driving.

Auto insurance expert Florence Codjoe says:

“With adverse weather conditions, such as thunderstorms, extreme rains and flooding ahead, it’s worth checking to see if your insurance covers you for these situations.

“Driving in flooded areas can affect your brakes and obscure your visibility when driving, which means your premium could be affected if you drive against the weather warnings and get involved in an accident. “

How to stay safe

To avoid hitting a pothole or damaging your car, try to drive slowly through puddles and avoid slamming your brakes. After cleaning out a puddle or deep puddle, test your brakes by applying light pressure, allowing them to aerate and dry.

Heavy rain is also likely to restrict your visibility, which means your windshield wipers and headlights are a necessity when driving. If these are damaged or require repair, your insurance may not cover you if you need to make a claim.

If you happen to get caught in a storm, take it easy, not only for your safety, but also for pedestrians and cyclists. Above a slow crawl, you throw water on the sidewalks, soaking passers-by. You could be fined up to £ 5,000 and get points on your license for it.

Heat waves

When driving in hot weather, your car can face a number of problems, from overheating brakes to bulging tires. If you don’t know, it can affect your premiums or invalidate your auto insurance if you need to make a claim.

Florence advises:

“In inclement weather conditions it is important to drive responsibly. Extreme heat can affect your car battery, cause cracks, and affect your tires. Also, be sure to wear proper footwear for driving – no flip flops or bare feet!

“Airing the car properly – opening the windows or using the air conditioning – can help avoid the risk of drowsiness during your trip. Check your policy to make sure you are covered for such conditions. Be prepared to pay more, for higher levels of coverage.

How to stay safe

Before heading out during a heat wave, be sure to check your tires. Driving with under-inflated tires at high temperatures can increase the risk of blowouts by 60%! Heat can also cause the air inside the tire to expand, causing overinflation and, in extreme circumstances, swelling of the tire wall.

Not only that, but hot weather can hamper the chemical processes inside car batteries, which means they’ll have a hard time holding a charge and producing enough power. A slow-starting engine, dim lights, and a bad smell are all signs that you might need a new battery.

Auto insurance policies could also be at risk of being canceled by insurers if you are caught driving carelessly or carelessly. Driving in hot weather can make you feel tired and drowsy, which can increase your risk of a collision. While there are no hard and fast rules on using air conditioning or opening your windows, the highway code states that cars must be well ventilated.

Placing a damp rag over the center dashboard vent will also help cool the blowing air and prevent cracking.

Fog

Driving in fog can be scary, especially when your visibility is poor. Dangerous driving in foggy conditions could lead to increased auto insurance premiums if you are involved in an accident.

The Highway Code states that you should always leave a gap of four seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you and avoid drifting between road markings. If conditions are affecting your ability to drive safely, authorities advise stopping until it improves.

How to stay safe

By law, you must turn on your headlights when visibility is reduced and you cannot see more than 100 meters. To put it in perspective, it’s about the same length as a football field. You can also use your front or rear fog lights, but when visibility improves, you should turn them off to avoid dazzling other drivers. If you use your fog lights incorrectly, you could be fined £ 50.

It’s also important to maximize your visibility by wiping moisture from your windshield and mirrors and using your radiator to remove condensation.

Snow

While we’re not expecting snow yet, it’s the UK, so who knows? Just in case we get a cold snap, or if you’re planning on heading to a destination where it’s planned, here’s what to check out to keep your insurance premiums from collapsing.

While it is likely your car insurance will still be valid if you remove it in the snow, if your insurers believe you have negligently endangered your car, then any claims could be called into question.

So if you take a risk and try to travel in orange or red weather conditions and end up in an accident, you might have a hard time making a claim.

Florence, auto insurance expert at Uswitch, said:

“The cold associated with snow and fog could affect your auto insurance coverage. In unfavorable cold weather, your engine oil can be affected as well as your car battery.

“Your premium could be affected if you drive against the weather warnings and are involved in an accident. “

How to stay safe

It is always a good idea to check your engine oil before heading out in the snow, as low oil levels will make starting the engine difficult and more susceptible to damage. To check the engine oil levels you’ll need to use the dipstick – wiping it with a rag first to get an accurate reading – and the level should be between the minimum and maximum marks.

Also, it’s worth mentioning that cutting to start your engine early can seem like a nifty way to defrost your windshield. But you can void your insurance if you leave the engine running unattended. Indeed, most providers will refuse to pay if drivers do not fulfill their “duty of care” – a common clause in contracts.

Driving in weather warnings

While there remains a lot of confusion about how yellow, orange, and red weather warnings affect drivers, hitting the roads won’t automatically void your insurance provided you drive safely and follow the precautions.

According to the AA, a red weather warning indicates that drivers should only travel on the road if it is essential, as extreme weather conditions are expected.

An orange weather warning means there is an increased likelihood of bad weather or extreme weather conditions, potentially disrupting plans and causing travel delays. While yellow means you need to be aware as extreme weather conditions are possible over the next few days and could affect you.

The Met Office issues weather warnings seven days in advance, giving drivers time to plan ahead and think about possible travel delays or disruptions.