Do you need to pay for snow tires on your European rental car? In Germany, the answer is yes.
German law now requires winter tires when driving on snow, though rental car companies do not require their use. The penalty if your rental car doesn't have winter tires, and you are caught driving in snow, is $40. Worse, however, you may be financially liable if you don't have them and are involved in an accident on snow. And since you would be breaking the law, driving without winter tires might also void your insurance coverage.
The problem is winter tires are expensive. They don't come as standard equipment, so you must request them prior to U.S. departure. Avis charges $20 per day to a maximum of 12 days. Europcar and Hertz also charge $20 per day, but their maximum is about $135. National wants $23 per day to a maximum of 20 days.
The good news is if you're not in the mountains, your chances of actually driving on snow are pretty small. And when it does snow in Germany, roads are quickly cleared.
If you are picking up a car and haven't ordered-or don't want-winter tires, be sure you aren't charged for them. One of our editors rented a car in Germany from Avis in late November and only discovered the charge later on his credit card bill.
When Renting a Car in Austria
Winterization in Austria is much less expensive, though of course basic rental car rates are much higher than in Germany. All Europcar rentals, for example, are equipped with winter tires at no charge from November 1 to March 31. Avis imposes a $5.50 per day fee to a maximum of seven days.
When Renting a Car in Switzerland
Here, winter tires are mandatory. National charges $6.15 per day and offers winter tires on request from November 1 to March 31. Europcar charges $6.50 per day to a max of $64, November 1 through April 30. Avis get $7 per day from December 1 through March 31, and Hertz charges is $6 per day to a maximum $115, November 15 to March 31.
When Renting a Car in France
Europcar, which dominates the France rental car market offers winter tires only on 4x4 vehicles at a cost of about $38 per day, minimum five days. Hertz has snow equipment on request at only a few, mostly high altitude, stations.
Other Winterization Options
Four-wheel drive vehicles in all countries are scarce and expensive. Several rental companies no longer offer tire chains as extra equipment. Some drivers feel more comfortable with front-wheel drive cars in ice and snow, though no rental company will guarantee front-wheel drive vehicles.
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