The popular, highly rated show, “Ice Road Truckers” has given viewers across the country an up-close-and-personal view of what it’s like to drive in the worst possible winter conditions. Season after season, we’ve seen them operate in places where danger, sub-zero cold and the possibility of serious injury or worse is an ever-present reality.
As these seemingly fearless men and women take on the great white north to deliver critical supplies and equipment to far-flung outposts on the edge of civilization, they also keep us on the edge of our seats. And while it may seem that those of us living in the lower 48 don’t have much in common with these folks or the conditions they drive in, just think back to last year’s “Polar Vortex” winter, and you might begin to think otherwise.
Putting a chill on insurance
The winter of 2013-14 set records for cold temperatures and snowfall accumulations across much of the country. It also wreaked havoc on car tires and suspensions, sent thousands to body shops and tire stores and made potholes Public Enemy #1. And it cost businesses billions, particularly in the south, where the infrastructure for dealing with winter is far less robust than northern regions.
In fact, by February 2014, some experts estimated U.S. businesses lost $15 billion dollars due to weather-related causes. From soft retail sales due to consumers staying home to crop damage to extensive property losses, nearly every sector of the economy took a beating from old man winter. Other than snowplow drivers getting overtime, it’s a safe bet no one enjoyed the endless days of below-zero temperatures. And there were still months to come before spring finally arrived.
So what can we learn?
Ice Road Truckers wouldn’t dream of venturing out unless they’re prepared with emergency kits, extra gear and whatever they need to keep them going. Not to mention, insurance provided by their freight companies to cover losses (a constant threat, considering they’re often driving across frozen lakes!) Being ready for anything is good advice for all of us. So how would Ice Road Truckers prepare for the very real possibility that Polar Vortex 2.0 could be dropping by this winter? It’s probably safe to say they’d make sure they have the coverage they need, and stay alert to changing conditions in order to drive safely. They’d have warm clothes to layer on, emergency kits in their vehicles, and get those vehicles inspected before winter sets in for good. And if they could, there’s no doubt they’d sign up for roadside assistance, or even hazardous driving classes.
Of course, not all winter “adventures” are on the road. If you operate a business, make sure your property coverage includes storm damage if possible. Too often, business owners discover they are under-insured when they put in claims for fallen trees on their property, equipment that breaks down or flooding due to frozen pipes that burst over a cold weekend when the power went out. Being up to speed on what you need is a smart way to avoid major, very preventable headaches.
We can’t control the weather. But by planning ahead, covering ourselves well and using common sense, we can at least ensure we’ll have a little less to complain about, not to mention, a lot less to lose.
Explore your options for preparing yourself for a safe winter, find an agent now.
