This guide from Vern Fonk will help you understand exactly what to keep in mind during the winter months up here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why February Is the PNW\u2019s Most Chaotic Month for Drivers<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nFebruary is when winter gets bored and starts improvising. The roads pay the price. And bad roads, bad drivers, and everyone looking to just get through the darkness and gloom lead to some unique situations for claims adjusters during this month. Here\u2019s what to keep in mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Temperature Swings That Crack Roads and Sanity<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nPotholes are basically a freeze\/thaw magic trick. Water gets into cracks, freezes and expands, then thaws and leaves gaps. Now your car comes along and decides to get caught in one of those big gaps, and now you\u2019ve busted up your transmission pan and are late for work. Might be one of those things where you want to have some on-call roadside assistance<\/a> in your policy (especially if it is sleeting). <\/p>\n\n\n\nSudden Storms, Flooding, and Zero Visibility Moments<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nRain in the PNW isn\u2019t rare. But February loves the pop-up storm, the kind where the sky goes dark at 2 p.m. and the road turns shiny. Add standing water, fog, and early darkness, and you get the classic slick road + low visibility + people still driving like it\u2019s July when it\u2019s clearly not, because the sky doesn\u2019t even have the concept <\/em>of sunshine. If you want truly practical rainy season<\/a> driving tips, start with the boring stuff: more space between cars, slower turns, lights on, and fewer last-second lane changes. That\u2019s how you survive winter driving in Washington without becoming someone else\u2019s dashcam content. <\/p>\n\n\n\nCommon Winter Claims Vern Fonk Sees Every February<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nVern Fonk sees its fair share of claims every February. They fall along a lot of the same lines noted above \u2014 pothole damage to transmissions, wrecks from forgetting what to do when you\u2019re on a slick road, that sort of thing. If you\u2019re wondering how to avoid these calamities, this section can help you sort it out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pothole Suspension Damage<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nA pothole hit can mess up more than a tire. Wheels, alignment, steering, suspension \u2026 yeeeeep. All of the above! Usually, you\u2019ll handle this type of damage with collision coverage, surprisingly. That\u2019s because insurers see this as hitting an object. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fender Benders on Wet Roads<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nWithout getting back into your old physics class from high school, the basic idea here is that slick roads mean you have less traction. And less traction means it takes longer to come to a stop, even if you slam on your brake pedal. Now up here in the PNW, people sometimes forget this simple fact of life, and maybe you have too once or twice. That\u2019s how a fender bender typically happens. Unfortunately, some of these accidents can be more serious and cause significant bodily damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Washington State Department of Transportation recommends that you slow down on slick roads and leave more room for braking if you have to, and to be particularly careful when you\u2019re at an off-ramp for the highway. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Small](\"https:\/\/www.vernfonk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/VF-why-february-is-the-plot-twist-month-for-pnw-car-insurance-2.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIce-Related Slide-Offs<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe biggest thing to worry about when it comes to ice in February in the PNW is \u201cblack ice.\u201d That\u2019s just ice that you have trouble seeing on the roadway because water is clear, even when it\u2019s in solid form. It often pops up on bridges, intersections, and off-ramps. The key is to just slow it down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One question a lot of drivers have for us is this: Are slide-offs \u201cat-fault\u201d type accidents? Well, it depends, and the answer is a dissatisfying \u201csometimes.\u201d Insurers usually look at whether you drove safely for the conditions. Ice isn\u2019t an automatic free pass. It\u2019s a reason to drive like you\u2019re carrying a soup pot with no lid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coverage You\u2019ll Be Glad You Had This Month<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nFebruary is a great time to check your policy BEFORE it checks you. Luckily, we\u2019ve prepared a quick checklist of things you should take a look at on your own Vern Fonk auto coverage (if you already have it; if you don\u2019t, it might be time to get a quote!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Collision vs. Comprehensive<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nCollision and comprehensive sound like the same thing to some drivers. But they are definitely different. The basics: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Collision<\/strong> pays for damage to your car from a collision with another car or an object (including potholes), or a rollover. <\/p>\n\n\n\nComprehensive<\/strong> pays for non-collision damage like theft, fire, windstorm, flood, falling objects, or hitting an animal. It can also cover windshield damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, February brings both: potholes (collisions) and weather chaos (often comprehensive). If you\u2019re not sure what you have, this is the month to find out or ask an agent for more help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Roadside Assistance for Weather Surprises<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nDead battery. Flat tire. Locked keys. A tow because you slid into a ditch at 6 mph, and now you\u2019re stuck. Sometimes winter doesn\u2019t crash your car, but just makes your day as annoying as possible. A good roadside assistance plan can help you get back up and running \u2014 a friendly employee can come jump your battery, bring a spare tire, or get you back into your car if you\u2019ve locked yourself out! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bundled Home Insurance for At-Home Disasters<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nFebruary storms\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0stop at your driveway. Roof leaks, fallen branches, and water problems can show up, too. It might make sense to bundle your\u00a0homeowners\u00a0insurance with your auto policy. Or, if you rent, you can bundle that policy too. Be sure to talk to your agent!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stay Protected This February: Get a Quote from Vern Fonk<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nSo take five minutes and review your February car insurance in the PNW. Do you have collision? Comprehensive? Roadside? A deductible you can actually handle? If the answer is \u201cuhhh,\u201d go grab a quote for auto insurance today. You can get a quote from Vern Fonk Insurance online<\/a>, give us a call at (800) 455-8276<\/a>, or visit one of our PNW offices<\/a> today near you. <\/p>\n\n\n\nFAQs<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nDoes Car Insurance Cover Pothole Damage in Washington?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nUsually, yes, if you have collision coverage. Pothole damage, insurance-wise, is commonly treated like hitting an object, so collision may help (minus your deductible). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are Slide-Offs on Ice Considered At-Fault?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nSometimes. Insurers often look at whether you drove safely for conditions. Slowing down and being careful on bridges\/ramps matters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does Rain Damage Count as a Claim?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nIt can. Flooding or falling objects are often comprehensive situations, while a crash caused by hydroplaning is usually collision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Coverage Helps Most During Winter Months?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nCollision, comprehensive, and roadside\/towing tend to do the most heavy lifting in winter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Should Drivers Increase Coverage for February or the Winter Months?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf your current policy would leave you sweating after a winter surprise, it\u2019s worth reviewing. The right answer depends on your car, budget, and how much you could pay out of pocket if something happens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Potholes are basically a freeze\/thaw magic trick. Water gets into cracks, freezes and expands, then thaws and leaves gaps. Now your car comes along and decides to get caught in one of those big gaps, and now you\u2019ve busted up your transmission pan and are late for work. Might be one of those things where you want to have some on-call roadside assistance<\/a> in your policy (especially if it is sleeting). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Rain in the PNW isn\u2019t rare. But February loves the pop-up storm, the kind where the sky goes dark at 2 p.m. and the road turns shiny. Add standing water, fog, and early darkness, and you get the classic slick road + low visibility + people still driving like it\u2019s July when it\u2019s clearly not, because the sky doesn\u2019t even have the concept <\/em>of sunshine. If you want truly practical rainy season<\/a> driving tips, start with the boring stuff: more space between cars, slower turns, lights on, and fewer last-second lane changes. That\u2019s how you survive winter driving in Washington without becoming someone else\u2019s dashcam content. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Vern Fonk sees its fair share of claims every February. They fall along a lot of the same lines noted above \u2014 pothole damage to transmissions, wrecks from forgetting what to do when you\u2019re on a slick road, that sort of thing. If you\u2019re wondering how to avoid these calamities, this section can help you sort it out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A pothole hit can mess up more than a tire. Wheels, alignment, steering, suspension \u2026 yeeeeep. All of the above! Usually, you\u2019ll handle this type of damage with collision coverage, surprisingly. That\u2019s because insurers see this as hitting an object. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Without getting back into your old physics class from high school, the basic idea here is that slick roads mean you have less traction. And less traction means it takes longer to come to a stop, even if you slam on your brake pedal. Now up here in the PNW, people sometimes forget this simple fact of life, and maybe you have too once or twice. That\u2019s how a fender bender typically happens. Unfortunately, some of these accidents can be more serious and cause significant bodily damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Washington State Department of Transportation recommends that you slow down on slick roads and leave more room for braking if you have to, and to be particularly careful when you\u2019re at an off-ramp for the highway. <\/p>\n\n\n The biggest thing to worry about when it comes to ice in February in the PNW is \u201cblack ice.\u201d That\u2019s just ice that you have trouble seeing on the roadway because water is clear, even when it\u2019s in solid form. It often pops up on bridges, intersections, and off-ramps. The key is to just slow it down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One question a lot of drivers have for us is this: Are slide-offs \u201cat-fault\u201d type accidents? Well, it depends, and the answer is a dissatisfying \u201csometimes.\u201d Insurers usually look at whether you drove safely for the conditions. Ice isn\u2019t an automatic free pass. It\u2019s a reason to drive like you\u2019re carrying a soup pot with no lid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n February is a great time to check your policy BEFORE it checks you. Luckily, we\u2019ve prepared a quick checklist of things you should take a look at on your own Vern Fonk auto coverage (if you already have it; if you don\u2019t, it might be time to get a quote!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Collision and comprehensive sound like the same thing to some drivers. But they are definitely different. The basics: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Collision<\/strong> pays for damage to your car from a collision with another car or an object (including potholes), or a rollover. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Comprehensive<\/strong> pays for non-collision damage like theft, fire, windstorm, flood, falling objects, or hitting an animal. It can also cover windshield damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, February brings both: potholes (collisions) and weather chaos (often comprehensive). If you\u2019re not sure what you have, this is the month to find out or ask an agent for more help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dead battery. Flat tire. Locked keys. A tow because you slid into a ditch at 6 mph, and now you\u2019re stuck. Sometimes winter doesn\u2019t crash your car, but just makes your day as annoying as possible. A good roadside assistance plan can help you get back up and running \u2014 a friendly employee can come jump your battery, bring a spare tire, or get you back into your car if you\u2019ve locked yourself out! <\/p>\n\n\n\n February storms\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0stop at your driveway. Roof leaks, fallen branches, and water problems can show up, too. It might make sense to bundle your\u00a0homeowners\u00a0insurance with your auto policy. Or, if you rent, you can bundle that policy too. Be sure to talk to your agent!<\/p>\n\n\n\n So take five minutes and review your February car insurance in the PNW. Do you have collision? Comprehensive? Roadside? A deductible you can actually handle? If the answer is \u201cuhhh,\u201d go grab a quote for auto insurance today. You can get a quote from Vern Fonk Insurance online<\/a>, give us a call at (800) 455-8276<\/a>, or visit one of our PNW offices<\/a> today near you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually, yes, if you have collision coverage. Pothole damage, insurance-wise, is commonly treated like hitting an object, so collision may help (minus your deductible). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes. Insurers often look at whether you drove safely for conditions. Slowing down and being careful on bridges\/ramps matters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It can. Flooding or falling objects are often comprehensive situations, while a crash caused by hydroplaning is usually collision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Collision, comprehensive, and roadside\/towing tend to do the most heavy lifting in winter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your current policy would leave you sweating after a winter surprise, it\u2019s worth reviewing. The right answer depends on your car, budget, and how much you could pay out of pocket if something happens. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSudden Storms, Flooding, and Zero Visibility Moments<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Common Winter Claims Vern Fonk Sees Every February<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pothole Suspension Damage<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fender Benders on Wet Roads<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIce-Related Slide-Offs<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Coverage You\u2019ll Be Glad You Had This Month<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Collision vs. Comprehensive<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Roadside Assistance for Weather Surprises<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bundled Home Insurance for At-Home Disasters<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Stay Protected This February: Get a Quote from Vern Fonk<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FAQs<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Does Car Insurance Cover Pothole Damage in Washington?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Are Slide-Offs on Ice Considered At-Fault?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Does Rain Damage Count as a Claim?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Coverage Helps Most During Winter Months?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Should Drivers Increase Coverage for February or the Winter Months?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n