The winter may not be over, but for many drivers across the U.S., it can hardly get worse. Frequent snowstorms, frigid temperatures and heavy winds have wreaked havoc on traffic across the country, making it incredibly difficult to complete a daily commute or head out on an extended road trip. Even the most cautious drivers may have found themselves stuck with some kind of damage due to the extreme winter weather, and they should be especially careful when surveying their vehicles and filing claims. 

Check the policy
One of the first things drivers should do is double-check their auto insurance policy. Does the coverage extend to falling objects, such as icicles, and collisions? These factors could be important depending on the type of accident motorists were involved in, and understanding the limitations of insurance plans could go a long way toward making the entire situation easier to digest. 

Compare costs
After the insurance policy has been analyzed, drivers should do a comparison of what it would cost to file an insurance claim versus having the repair done separately. Some claims can drive up monthly payments on a car, causing the total expenses to skyrocket. If the problem is a minor one, paying out of pocket for the maintenance may save time, money and frustration in the long run. 

Some problems that normally plague drivers in the winter can be avoided with the right car. If you think it's time to shop for a used car that can meet your needs all year long, check out the wide array of choices at New Jersey State Auto Auction. There you can browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans that cover a range of styles and budgets.