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Stuart Collins Logo. A black box with the letters S and C in white, to the right of the box, in differing fonts, STUART COLLINS and EUROPEAN MOTOR INSURANCE. in black
EUROPEAN QUOTE
UK QUOTE - EX-PAT AND DUAL RESIDENCY

Car Insurance for a Ski Season in the Alps

Driving out to the Alps for a winter season? A ski season runs four to six months. Most UK insurance policies cap EU driving at 90 days and drop you to Third Party the moment you cross the border. That is not enough cover for a season, and it is exactly the gap we fill.

Stuart Collins & Co has arranged specialist European motor insurance since 1969. We cover UK-registered cars used across the Alps for the full season, with your comprehensive cover staying comprehensive the whole time you are out there.

Who this is for

  • Ski instructors driving their own UK car out for the season
  • Chalet hosts, resort staff and ski technicians on a winter contract
  • Returning seasonaires who take the same car out every year
  • Anyone spending a full season in France, Italy, Switzerland or Austria whose UK policy runs out of EU cover after 90 days

If you are on the road from December to April, a standard policy will not cover the season. Ours will.

Car parked on a beach on the Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales, UK at sunset.

Driving to the Alps in winter: what to know

Mountain driving in winter comes with rules that change by country, and getting them wrong can mean a fine or a rejected claim:

  • France (loi montagne). From 1 November to 31 March, winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory in designated mountain areas across the Alps and Pyrenees. Carry chains even if your tyres are rated.
  • Austria. Winter tyres are compulsory in wintry conditions from 1 November to 15 April, and snow chains may be required where signed. Austria also requires a motorway vignette (Autobahnvignette).
  • Switzerland. No fixed winter-tyre law, but you are liable if your car is not equipped for the conditions, and chains are required where signed. Switzerland requires a motorway vignette too.
  • Italy. Winter tyres or chains are required on many roads, typically from 15 November to 15 April, depending on the region and the road signs.
  • Everywhere: carry a warning triangle, high-visibility vest and first-aid kit, display a “UK” identifier, and fit headlamp deflectors on a right-hand-drive car.

Because you are covering long distances in tough conditions, we would also point you at our European breakdown and accident cover, available as an annual add-on. A breakdown halfway up a mountain pass in January is not the moment to find out you are not covered.

GET YOUR SKI-SEASON CAR INSURANCE

To get a quote for your season in the Alps, use the quote form, or if you have any queries call us on 01792 655562.

GET A QUOTE