No matter how often you think about the time of the year, it always seems a surprise when the first frost turns into ice on the roads and snow falls. Winter just seems to sneak up on us and all our good intentions of preparing come to nothing. Do you remember around this time last year? It was still Fall and, without any real warning, it was winter already. As the car we were driving went into a gentle skid across the junction, narrowly missing the truck coming the other way and kissing the sidewalk without catching the stoplights, we swore we would be ready this year. But, as in every previous year, all our good intentions went to sleep during the summer months. So, come the first day of winter, we join the rest of the drivers in hundreds of near-misses and fender-bending. Ask any insurance claims department. The first day it snows is like opening the faucet full bore on claims. So what should we have done?

It all starts with a full maintenance check on the vehicle come the end of Fall. We need everything mechanical to be ready for all the excitement of driving without a guarantee of having a firm grip on the road. The first step is tuning the engine. There's nothing worse than a vehicle that won't start when the temperature drops. Then we need to check the brakes to give us the best possible chance of stopping, and then checking the tires. Some companies offer a discount to the driver who fits a new set of tires every years to ensure there's the maximum amount of tread to keep them on the road. Alternatively, invest in chains or other systems that can be fitted to give ourselves better grip. Finally, replace the wiper blades to give the best edge to keep our view of the road clear through the sleet and falling snow. Then we put our survival kit in the back of the vehicle. We need blankets in case there's a breakdown and want to keep warm until help arrives. You did remember to charge the cell phone to be able to call for help? You did save the numbers of towing companies? After all this, it's just a case of remembering all those defensive driving techniques, i.e. assume everyone else could crash into you at any moment.

Why should you care? You may have an older vehicle and picking up scars in battle hardly matters. You're on the minimum liability coverage and, if the damage is too great, you'll just sell the wreck for spares and buy another clunker. But if you don't care enough and hit too many other people, the claims against you will force up the premiums. Keeping the premiums low is achieved by keeping your insurer happy. So, when you do ask for those all-important car insurance quotes, be ready to talk about discount based on your defensive measures. Have you attended a safety driving course? Fitted new tires? Go through a checklist to get the best results. Don't just accept the car insurance quotes. Negotiate for the best winter rates.