You steer through a steep Alpine pass as snow thickens across the windscreen. The road winds between frozen cliffs and dark pines and the air sharp and thin. A few minutes of falling temperatures can lead to turning wet tarmac into ice or close a whole route altogether after heavy snowfall. That is why you need to understand your car, equipment and what your coverage can protect if you happen to skid into a barrier or get stranded in a storm. For many travellers heading to the Alps, the question you must ask is: what does your car insurance cover when driving in winter conditions?
Legal requirements & minimum cover when driving in the Alps
Your UK car insurance includes the legal minimum third-party cover required in EU countries, meaning you’re covered for damage or injury to others but not for your own vehicle unless you have comprehensive or extended cover. Many regions require you to carry warning triangles and high-visibility vests as well as using bean deflectors if you’re driving a UK-spec vehicle. In France and Austria snow zones, winter tyres or snow chains are often required when roads are covered in snow or ice. In Switzerland, winter tyres aren’t mandated outright, but you could be held liable if your tyres don’t match conditions and you cause an obstruction or accident.
What kinds of damage & situations are typically covered or excluded?
Most comprehensive policies provide cover for collisions, theft, and vandalism. However, if you were sliding into a snowbank or damaging the underside on ice it might not be covered unless you have proof of using winter tyres or chains when required. Insurers usually exclude tyre damage. Normal wear and tear, or losses from leaving valuables visible from their policies. If you only have third-party cover, none of these costs come back to you.
Paperwork, documents & “green card” rules
Make sure to carry your driving license, V5C, registration document, proof of insurance, and breakdown cover details with you at all times. Post-Brexit, most EU countries no longer ask for a Green Card, but it’s wise to check with your insurer before you travel. It is important to keep digital and paper copies on hand, as some areas may require paperwork confirming your winter tyres or snow-chain fittings.
Additional risks & cost implications: winters, roads & insurer expectations
Driving in the Alps adds many unpredictable risks such as road closures, sudden storms, or avalanches that block access. If you needed recovery from a mountain pass, the cost could exceed standard roadside limits. That’s why before approving claims, insurers check whether drivers have used the correct tyres or chains.
With UK premiums on the rise, due to the high costs for repair and labour. Unnecessary risks abroad can potentially push those prices higher in the future, which is why it is important to invest in proper winter gear and comprehensive car insurance to protect yourself from any costly surprises.
Photo by Michael Lammli on Unsplash
