Car Hire - Snow Cover above The Snow Line

LMonte70 on 28/06/2024 - 21:13
Last edited 01/07/2024 - 11:53

I am heading to the Victorian side of Australian Alps in August & the car hire company are charging an additional $25 per day "Snow Cover". for driving above the snow line. We are taking supplies (food/wine etc) so want our car at the resort.

"Snow Cover" is on top of the vehicle excess insurance as stipulated in terms & conditions on multiple car hire sites.

I normally take out the excess cover with companies such as rentalcover.com but it is not clear whether we are covered for the driving above the snow line money grabbing premium.

Thanks in advance for any info.

Here's the attached terms of rental company

https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/270005/113864/screensh…

https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/270005/113865/screensh…

Automotive Car Rental

Comments

  • Benoffie on 28/06/2024 - 21:43
    +2

    Read the PDS. Personally I wouldn't go without the snow cover and chains if they stipulate it. Number of people that get caught out (both in accidents and then inability to claim from lack of chains) always boggles the mind.

    https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/safety/alpine-safety/sn…

    https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/driver…

    • Randxyz123 on 29/06/2024 - 01:20
      +2

      You MUST carry chains in Victoria.

      If you are heading to Hotham the road is quite dangerous in sections. I would highly recommend you carefully read the PDS to understand what you are covered for.

  • El Capitan on 25/06/2025 - 12:44

    No scam, it is simply a cover that is required when you are driving to the snow fields. All rental companies charge this premium, it's not a 'money grabbing' thing.

  • El Capitan on 25/06/2025 - 12:47

    l found this FAQ ….. Can a rental car be driven to the Snow Fields in Australia?
    Not unless a Snow Cover package has been taken out with your chosen rental company. Driving above the snow line without such a package voids all insurance cover.

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