Credit: New Africa via FreePik
December, January, and February are the most dangerous months to be on the road in Ontario. An Allstate study shows you’re more likely to be in a car accident during this period than any other time of the year.
But as a Canadian driver, you know you need to be vigilant all winter long. After all, snow, slush, and ice can wreak havoc on our roads long past the official end of the season.
With such a long season of increased risk on the roads, you might not always be able to steer away from trouble. Here’s what you can do if you’ve run into a jam — whether you blow a tire or wind up in a ditch.
Withdraw from Your Emergency Fund
Every driver should have an emergency fund for unexpected auto repairs. It makes dealing with a winter collision easier, as you won’t have to worry about how you’ll fix your vehicle.
Try to squirrel away $50 into this fund every month above and beyond your expected car maintenance. These monthly contributions will carry over every month you avoid an issue, growing larger and more formidable with time.
Put Your Repairs on a Line of Credit
If you don’t have an emergency fund, you can consider putting your unexpected repairs on a line of credit. At Fora Credit, you can apply for a line of credit online, which can be a convenient option in an emergency. You can visit the Fora website while you’re waiting for a tow or in the auto shop’s waiting room.
The rates and terms applied to an online line of credit depend on your lender, so it’s a good idea to compare your options. You’ll be able to see what other lenders offer for your profile when you shop around.
Ask for a Salary Advance
If you can’t qualify for a line of credit online, you might be able to ask your employers for help. Reach out to HR or make an appointment with your boss to discuss a salary advance. If they agree to it, they’ll send you some or all of your paycheque early, which makes it a good option if your collision happens between paycheques.
Negotiate with Your Mechanic
Talk to your mechanic about the repairs your vehicle needs. You can ask them to focus on what needs to be done to get it back on the road, leaving non-essential repairs until you have the money later.
This chat is also an opportunity to ask about any financing plans they might offer. Some auto shops will arrange payment plans that allow you to pay off your balance over time. They might even extend your due date if you promise to have the money by the extension.
Don’t Forget About CAA Your Benefits
Not all wintertime issues on the road result in collisions. Your CAA membership can help you out of a lot of minor jams, like spinning out and getting stuck in a ditch. Your membership includes roadside assistance services, such as:
- Car battery boosts and replacements
- Spare tire installation
- Fuel delivery
- Extraction services
- Minor or temporary adjustments and emergency repairs
- Lockout services
- Towing services
Call Your Insurance Company
When it comes down to it, the largest winter collisions will be too expensive to fix on your own. You’ll need to contact your insurance company if your accident causes major property damage or personal injuries.
Remember these tips if you’re unlucky on the roads this winter.
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