News Photo by Mike Gonzalez A truck is taken out of the scene of a car collision by a tow truck, on the corner of South Bagley Street and West Washington Avenue, on Tuesday night. At least two vehicles were involved in the collision. As the roads grow slicker and temperatures drop down, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services gives tips to minimize costs for winter-related accidents or damages.

ALPENA — As the roads grow slicker and temperatures drop down, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services gave tips to minimize costs for winter-related car accidents or other potential risks and damages.

Anita Fox, MDIFS director, said that one of the most important things Michiganders should do is to review the terms and benefits that agencies and companies are providing.

“Protection for water coverage can be different among different policies,” Fox said. “And some of these insurance policies can either be voluntary coverage, meaning these are optional and you should check to see if you currently have it or should consider purchasing it.”

She said that the best thing would be for any Michiganders to talk to their agent and fully understand what they own and what those policies give them.

Fox said insurance policies change from company to company and while they may have the same title and use, terms may vary and the insurance owner may not have the plan that they need.

In a press release sent out by MDIFS, a voluntary coverage for car owners is collision coverage, which according to MDIFS, “provides coverage for damage to your vehicle while driving, should your vehicle collide with another vehicle or object, like a tree or utility pole, from loss of traction due to ice and snow.”

Fox also recommended homeowners check insurance on their property and take measures to minimize any winter-related risks, such as water damming, building collapses, and burst pipes.

She said homeowners dshould keep their houses heated to at least 65 degrees to prevent any frozen pipes and to keep the house heated even when out of the house for a long duration. If the homeowner is gone for a long period of time, she recommends asking someone to check the house to see if any pipes burst.

Fox also recommended homeowners clean their gutters in the case of ice damming and remove any trees that have died or started to rot in case any branches fall from the weight of snow or ice.

“Talk to your neighbors to see what can happen with any trees that might fall on your property,” Fox said. “And talk to your agent. Taking a few steps to go over your coverage and looking around your house to minimize damage risks can help you and your family.”

If any insurance owners are having trouble understanding what is covered, Fox recommends going to the insurance company or agent, but she also said that questions or concerns can go to the Department of Insurance and Financial Services by contacting 877-999-6442.

Complaints can also go to the department by going to the website michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints.

“Heavy snowfall, winter winds, and cold temperatures can damage your home, vehicle, or other property, and it is important for Michiganders to understand their insurance coverage before the snow flies,” said Fox in a press release.