Extreme snowfall: now prevention is the cheapest “insurance”

The first week after the holidays brought significant changes in the weather. There was heavy snowfall everywhere nationwide in Hungary, the thickness of the snow layer exceeded 15-20 centimeters, and according to forecasts, more snowfall can be expected.

Around the house: the weight of snow and the movement of ice

According to K&H experts, prevention is the most important thing in current and similar situations. Fresh snow often seems harmless, but when it remains on the roof for days, its mass increases rapidly, and the alternation of melting and freezing further increases the risks. In such cases, icicles often form on the eaves, and the sidewalks become treacherously slippery, which is dangerous not only for residents but also for passers-by. Experience shows that most accidents do not occur during big “winter adventures”, but in the few meters in front of the house: from the gate to the car, from the entrance to the sidewalk. The risk of water damage due to frost also deserves special attention, especially where there are less frequently used rooms, outbuildings or summer houses, because in the cold even a small mistake can quickly grow into a bigger problem.

On foot: one wrong step is enough

The rate of slip-related injuries increases noticeably in winter, and this is not only due to icy sidewalks. Muscles are stiffer in the cold, the soles of winter shoes often have less grip, and attention also wanders more easily. In such cases, it is especially important to be careful at zebra crossings, because on slippery roads, cars have a longer braking distance, and drivers’ reaction time can increase significantly due to poor visibility. It is worth paying even more attention to children and the elderly: the former tend to forget about dangers in the snow, while for the latter, even a simple fall can pose a more serious risk.

On the roads: now it’s the prepared car that really counts

In snowy and icy weather, safety is not determined by whether someone “drives well”, but by how much room they have in an unexpected situation. Due to the longer braking distance, variable grip and slushy and snowy surfaces, even an average maneuver requires more attention and better technical condition. In this situation, winter preparation is especially valuable: working lights, good brakes, suitable tires, antifreeze, and the driver taking into account that road conditions can change from minute to minute.

On snowy, slippery roads, the type of tires on the car matters a lot. According to the K&H Sure Future survey, 71 percent of car owners in the 30-59 age group use winter tires, 24 percent drive with all-season tires, and only 3 percent leave their summer tires on during the winter, while 2 percent could not say what type of tire they use. This distribution in itself indicates that the majority feels the difference, and it is no coincidence: in winter road conditions, the right tires are one of the most important factors that tangibly reduces the chance of skidding and crashing. In these days, when snow and ice do not just “move through”, but even remain permanently, this issue is even more important.

Additional insurance is important

It is important for the protection of homes to know what additional insurance is available for home insurance. Among other things, one of the most popular extra coverages among K&H customers is accident insurance, which covers all persons living in the insured property who are under the age of 70 at the time of signing the contract. This solution also provides coverage in the event of accidents outside the home in the event of an accidental injury that results in a fracture, crack or takes more than 28 days to heal, or may require surgery. According to K&H experts, it is worth carefully compiling the home insurance package for both condominiums and single-family homes.

Insurance: quick review, calmer days

During times of extreme weather, it is important for everyone to know what to do if something goes wrong. Claims can now be filed quickly and easily digitally, 24 hours a day: customers can start the process online, even in K&H mobile banking. It is no coincidence that nearly 90 percent of home insurance claims are now received electronically by K&H, and Kate, the company’s digital financial assistant, can also help with this. In addition, ongoing claims settlements can be easily tracked, and missing documents can also be replaced, so those affected can quickly access compensation.