Drivers may wish to re-evaluate their need for auto insurance coverage this winter, according to Online Auto Insurance, particularly if they live in colder states.

Winter weather such as snow and ice can greatly increase the risk of car accidents, the source notes, through a combination of slippery roads and interfering with visibility. The Insurance Information Institute ranks winter storms as the third-largest cause of weather-related catastrophe losses, after only hurricanes and tornadoes.

While winter storms may cause less direct damage, their effect on road safety remains significant. People may be more likely to try to drive through them than more extreme weather, making the need for driver and vehicle safety under such circumstances one that extends to more individuals.

The source notes standard vehicle policies may not provide coverage for collisions caused by snow or icy roads, although they do commonly cover direct damage to vehicles from weather. Motorists should check their own policies to clarify what they have coverage for. If their current coverage is insufficient, they may be better off with a comprehensive policy that applies to damage from a wider variety of sources.