It's official. The snow is here, and with it comes fender benders, hit and runs, and insurance claims. 

But don't let it make you feel helpless. There are a few things you can do as a driver to ensure a safe Winter behind the wheel.

First, make sure you have comprehensive coverage. Many claims during the snowy season involve downed  tree limbs due to heavy snowfall. Collision coverage will not cover your vehicle against tree limbs, icicles, and the occasional clumsy snowplow driver, who sideswipes your car and leaves a nice dent under a wall of freshly plowed road slush.

Second, buy some snow tires. Many accidents are caused from losing traction and rearending the car in front of you, something that can be easily avoided by increasing your car's ability to grip the road. Snow tires are pretty inexpensive and can usually be purchased used.

And third, drive carefully. This one's a no-brainer, right? Wrong. Many people think all-wheel drive, for some reason, means "invincible." It doesn't. If there's snow on the road, and you're driving the speed limit as if it's business as usual, then you are taking a major risk. 

So buckle up, bundle up, and stay safe.