As we approach the time of year when the temperature drops and snow appears, more people head to the slopes or aim to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. It can be a great time to escape the usual tourist crowds and snag some unique Christmas gifts from markets abroad. Or you can experience Christmas from another country! When hiring a car during the winter periods, you may be surprised to see “Winterisation Fee” appear on the terms of your car hire booking. We discuss the winterisation charge and what this covers.
The information below is correct at the time of writing.
Photo by: spiritofamerica/Stock
What is Winterisation?
Many countries recommend driving with either winter tyres or snow chains when driving in wintery conditions. In some countries, adapting a vehicle for such conditions is the law.
Where this is required by law, some car hire suppliers will include the cost of winter tyres or snow chains in the rental price. However, where this charge is not included, be prepared to pay a local charge, which is sometimes mandatory. This is called a ‘winterisation fee’ which covers use of this equipment. It’s payable to the supplier upon collection of the vehicle.
Where they are compulsory, a request for winter tyres or snow chains may have been automatically added to your booking. Make sure you check your booking thoroughly though. You may have to request winter equipment if you need it and it has not already been added.
Read our guide below on where you should expect to face this fee.
Photo by: jozsitoeroe/Stock
What are winter tyres?
Winter tyres are made from a specially created rubber compound that has a high silica content. They also have a specific tread pattern. This means that when used in wintery conditions, the wheels retain flexibility and maintain a good braking traction. These special tyres usually have either a snowflake symbol printed on them or an icon of snow-capped mountains.
If you want winter tyres on your vehicle, this request should be made upon booking. This enables the provider to ensure a set is available and is fitted to the vehicle before collection. In some cases, you will have to have a vehicle with winter tyres already fitted.
Snow chains. Photo by: meineurlaubswelt/Stock
What are snow chains?
Snow chains should only be used if the roads have a layer of compacted snow or ice on them. Using them in normal road conditions can cause damage to vehicle and the road. These can’t be used on every vehicle as they can come into contact with bodywork, suspension, brake parts and sensors. If you’re unsure, seek advice from us or the supplier before requesting or fitting snow chains.
Snow chains won’t be fitted to the vehicle by the supplier. If requested, they will be provided in the vehicle in a sealed bag. Hire for these is usually charged per rental day that you have the vehicle.
Where will my hire car need to be adapted for winter?
Austria
Winter tyres must be used between 1st November-15th April and in some mountainous areas snow chains must be accessible. Enterprise in Austria charge a mandatory fee for winter tyres during their winter season between 1st November and 15th April. Buchbinder classifies their winter period as 1st November to 15th April and offer free winter tyres during this time. Hires with Alamo will incur a mandatory local charge for winter tyres between 1st November and 15th April. Thrifty and Europcar provide winter tyres free of charge between 1st November and 15th April. Enterprise, Buchbinder, Alamo, Europcar and Thrifty charge a fee for the hire of snow chains.
Bosnia
Winter tyres or snow chains must be used between 15th November-15th April. Enterprise provide snow chains for a small fee.
Denmark
Winter tyres are recommended but not a necessity during winter. These are available with hires from Alamo and Europcar for an additional charge per day, payable locally.
Finland
It is compulsory to use winter tyres between 1st December to the end of February. Green Motion supply winter tyres free of charge between 1st November and 31st March.
Photo by: RobertNyholm/Stock
France
Mountainous regions will contain signs where winter tyres or snow chains must be used and, so it is recommended that you carry snow chains in the vehicle. Europcar, Flizzr, Interrent and Keddy charge a fee per rental day for hire of snow chains. Flizzr also have winter tyres available for an extra charge per rental day.
Germany
If your car becomes stuck in wintery conditions because the tyres are unsuitable you will be fined. Therefore, you should use winter tyres that are marked with the M + S symbol. This fine is doubled if your vehicle causes an obstruction. Europcar, Keddy, and Buchbinder all offer winter tyres free of charge between 1st November and 31st March. Snow chains are also available from certain suppliers for an additional cost.
Hungary
Winter tyres or snow chains must be used when signs indicate. Budget provide winter tyres free of charge from 31st October to 15th March. There is an optional charge for winter tyres on hires with Buchbinder. Snow chains are available from Buchbinder, Alamo and Enterprise for a charge per rental day. Enterprise and Alamo charge a mandatory fee for hire of winter tyres between 15th October and 31st March.
Iceland
It is compulsory for winter tyres to be fitted between 1st November-14th April. These are provided free of charge by Thrifty between 1st November and 14th April, and by Alamo between 15th November and 15th April. Europcar provide winter tyres free of charge between 14th October and 14th April, whereas Green Motion provide them free of charge between 15th October and 1st May.
Italy
Local signs will warn when snow chains must be fitted but are recommended between 15th October and 15th April. Europcar, Keddy, Sicily by Car, Green Motion, and Maggiore supply snow chains for a cost per rental day. In specific locations, these are supplied free of charge between the above period. B-Rent and Ecovia supply snow chains free of charge throughout the year. Interrent supply snow chains in northern locations free of charge, and at other locations for an optional charge per day.
Poland
Winter tyres are recommended for rural areas. Enterprise supply winter tyres free of charge when requested in advance. Both they and Green Motion have snow chains available for a fee. Green Motion have winter tyres available free of charge between 10th November and 25th March.
Photo by: tawatchai1990/Stock
Slovakia
You must accept responsibility for any accidents in your vehicle during wintery conditions if your hire car doesn’t have winter tyres fitted. Alamo charge a mandatory fee for winter tyres between 1st November and 31st March. Buchbinder’s winter period runs from 15th November to 31st March where winter tyres are provided free of charge. Enterprise have a mandatory charge for winter tyres between 1st November and 31st March. Keddy enforce a mandatory fee for winter tyres between 15th October and 15th April. These suppliers also have snow chains available for a cost.
Sweden
Winter tyres are mandatory between 1st December-31st March. Alamo supply these free of charge during their winter season (1st October to 30th April). Europcar supply them free between 1st December and 31st March and Green Motion between 1st November and 31st March.
Spain
Local signs will advise when winter tyres or snow chains must be fitted. Europcar, Keddy, CarGest and Marbella Rent a Car have snow chains available for a locally payable fee.
Switzerland
Local road signs warn when winter tyres should be fitted. If you’re in an accident in snow/ice and it’s deemed that the tyres were unsuitable, you will be fined. Dollar in Switzerland hire winter tyres and snow chains free of charge in the winter period between 15th November to 31st March. Europcar enforce a mandatory charge for winter tyres between 15th November and 30th April. Alamo offer winter tyres and snow chains free of charge between the period 1st December to 31st March. Thrifty offer winter tyres free of charge between 15th November and 31st March.
Preparing for winter
There are other locations where winter tyres or snow chains maybe be mandatory or an option, so if you’re unsure what regulations are in place when hiring throughout winter, don’t hesitate to contact Zest. We can advise on what equipment is needed and what the charges will be. We’re also on-hand to answer any queries regarding winterisation fees or procedures throughout your hire.
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