Why Winter Is a High-Risk Season — and What Agents Can Do About It

Winter doesn’t introduce new risks — it intensifies existing ones.

Cold temperatures, reduced daylight, and changing work conditions create an environment where everyday tasks are more likely to result in injuries or property damage. For insurance agents, winter is one of the most important seasons to focus on risk awareness and prevention, not just coverage placement.

Why winter increases claim exposure

Winter changes how people move, work, and drive. Even without major storms, seasonal conditions can increase risk through:

• Slippery entrances, sidewalks, and parking areas

• Reduced visibility during early mornings and evenings

• Heavier clothing that limits mobility and reaction time

• Cold-related fatigue and rushed schedules

• Winter driving conditions during routine job duties

Individually, these factors may seem manageable. Combined, they create a higher-risk environment across workers’ compensation, commercial auto, and property exposures.

Why January matters for agents

January is when winter risk becomes routine — and routine is where losses often happen. By this point in the season, clients may be operating as usual, even though conditions remain hazardous.

This creates an opportunity for agents to check in and ask thoughtful questions:

• Have winter safety expectations been reinforced?

• Are employees prepared for winter driving conditions?

• Are properties being monitored consistently during cold weather?

These conversations don’t require technical expertise. They require timing and awareness.

The agent’s role during high-risk seasons

Agents who address seasonal risk early help clients:

• Reduce preventable losses

• Improve preparedness and confidence

• View insurance as part of an ongoing risk strategy

Winter risk conversations position agents as proactive advisors — not just placement resources. While winter may be predictable, its impact doesn’t have to be.