Unpredictable weather in Missouri can turn even short drives into a safety concern if you’re not prepared. So if you’re planning a Thanksgiving road trip or visiting family, take the time to winterize your vehicle before you hit the road. But what are the tips for safe driving in winter?
To start with the basics, having the right auto insurance policy is just as important as snow tires and a flashlight. In this article, we’ll walk through practical steps Missouri drivers can take to prepare for anything the season brings.
Review Your Auto Insurance Coverage
Your car may be winter-ready, but is your insurance keeping up?
Before heading out, it’s a good idea to review your auto insurance policy to ensure it still fits your needs. Coverage that worked during summer months might not hold up once temperatures drop and roads get slick.
Here’s how standard coverages work:
- Liability coverage helps pay for bodily injuries or property damage you may cause in an accident. Missouri law requires minimum limits, but many drivers choose higher coverage for better protection.
- Collision coverage helps pay for repair costs or replacement if your vehicle is damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. It’s typically optional unless your vehicle is financed or leased. A deductible usually applies.
- Comprehensive coverage protects you against unexpected, non-collision losses like theft, hail, vandalism, or hitting an animal. Like collision, it also comes with a deductible.
If you’re unsure whether your policy includes the right mix of protections, ISU Sine Insurance can help you identify and fix coverage gaps. Unlike automated quote tools, we assess your actual risks (e.g., local deer strike zones, icy backroads) to build a policy around your driving patterns.
Moreover, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported an encouraging 8.2% drop in roadway fatalities in 2025, accidents remain common during high-traffic holiday periods. A single incident could become a financial setback if you’re underinsured.
Don’t Overlook Roadside Assistance
Cold weather has a way of testing your car — and your patience. Battery drains, tire blowouts, and frozen locks are all more likely when the temperature dips.
That’s why roadside assistance can be a game-changer.
More than just towing, this service offers reassurance that help is available when your car won’t start, you run out of gas, or you’re locked out.
At ISU Sine Insurance, we offer emergency roadside assistance as an optional add-on to many of our auto insurance policies. It includes services like jump-starts, tire changes, fuel delivery, and locksmith access.
If your holiday trip takes you off the beaten path, this coverage can help you avoid spending hours stranded in freezing conditions.
Keep Documents and Safety Plans Ready
No one likes scrambling to find their ID or insurance card during a traffic stop or after an accident. So before you drive off, make sure your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance ID card are easily accessible. Missouri allows digital proof of insurance, so check if your insurer supports this option.
Also, pack a winter-friendly emergency kit. Include a blanket, flashlight, phone charger, ice scraper, jumper cables, and nonperishable snacks. These items may seem small, but they can provide comfort and safety if you’re delayed or stuck.
If an accident occurs, call 911 first. Then, contact your insurance provider. Keep ISU Sine Insurance’s number on hand so our team can walk you through the claims process calmly and clearly.
Drive Confidently With ISU Sine Insurance
Since 1991, ISU Sine Insurance has helped Missouri families stay protected through snowy commutes, Thanksgiving getaways, and everything in between. Whether you drive a family SUV, a fuel-efficient sedan, or something sportier, we tailor coverage to match how you drive and where you travel.
Our auto insurance options offer more than basic protection. You can add:
- Medical payments coverage, which pays for medical expenses regardless of fault
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, in case you’re hit by someone without adequate insurance
- Rental reimbursement coverage, if your vehicle is being repaired after a covered claim
- Roadside assistance, so you’re never far from help even in the dead of winter.
Drive confidently this holiday season — from our family to yours. Contact ISU Sine Insurance today for a personalized auto insurance quote and peace of mind wherever the road takes you.
About Sine Insurance
At Sine Insurance Group, we are dedicated to providing you with custom-tailored insurance policies to protect your assets. Our comprehensive packages have been expertly crafted to serve St. Louis and the surrounding areas for the past 25 years. For more information about our products, contact us today at (855) 700-0889.