Snow Cover | Protection Against Snow | Budget Car Rental

 

Get to the ski slopes first to enjoy the snow more this ski season from June - September. Australia’s east coast (as well as Tasmania) has a range of snowy mountains to explore and experience, but getting there can be tricky, especially if you’re driving into the ski fields. 

To get there, we suggest to always do your research and map out the safest way to the fields. If you’ve booked with a specific ski lodge, check their website for any updates and their best routes. With Budget, we have specific vehicles and Snow Cover that allow you to travel beyond the snow line.

 

Where are the Snow Regions in Australia?

New South Wales

Above the Snow Line; being Jindabyne, from the beginning of June until the end of September.

Victoria

Above the Snow Line; being Bright, from the beginning of June until the end of September.

Tasmania

Above the Snow Line; around Cradle mountain and any other areas that receive snow in Tasmania all year round.

 

Products available for Ski

The last thing you want on your trip is to worry about driving in the snow and if you have the right gear for it too. Snow Cover is applicable on selected vehicles which allows you to drive where there is Snow. This does not replace your Excess Reduction cover, so be sure to add this on too. 

To add Snow Cover onto your booking, make sure you have selected the appropriate vehicle group and select Snow Cover on Step 4 of the booking flow.

 

What is Snow Cover?

Snow Cover reduces the financial responsibility for loss or damage to the vehicle when you drive in snow or above the Snow Line.

If an incident occurs above the Snow Line, you will be covered by their chosen/applicable excess level.

Snow Cover is not available at all locations and the price of Snow Cover may vary from location to location. 

 

Am I allowed to drive the vehicle to the snow?

You are permitted to drive approved vehicles on the snow or above the Snow Line PROVIDED:

(a) You have accepted and paid for Snow Cover at the time of collecting the vehicle;

(b) You use appropriate driving equipment (such as snow chains) suitable to the vehicle;

(c) It is otherwise reasonably safe and responsible to drive the Vehicle on snow or above the Snow Line in the circumstances and weather conditions.

 

What types of vehicles are allowed to the snow?

Only certain vehicles are approved for snow travel. These include AWD/4WD vehicles such as:

Car Group

Current Vehicles

K

Subaru Forester

Kia Sportage

Nissan X-TRAIL

Toyota RAV4 AWD

etc.

H

Toyota Kluger 

Hyundai Santa Fe

Isuzu MUX

L/W

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Prado GXL

Pajero Sport

etc.


Safe driving in snow

  • Allow for rest every 2 hours.
  • Plan your journey ahead by checking traffic, the travel updates, and weather forecast.
  • Reconsider travel if the weather is undesirable.
  • Drive during the day where visibility is better.
  • Keep warm and have a survival kit in the vehicle.
  • Make sure you have filled up with at least half a tank of fuel.

For more information check out Driving in Snow.

For more information on Safe Driving, check out our page here.


Frequently Asked Questions

The climatic snow line is the boundary between a snow-covered and snow-free surface. The actual snow line may adjust seasonally, and be either significantly higher in elevation, or lower.

The permanent snow line is the level above which snow will lie all year.

If you have declined, or have not purchased Snow Cover, you will be liable for any incident or damage that takes place above the snow line.

Any incident that takes place above the snow line is not covered by Loss Damage Waiver or any reduced excess that has been purchased.

The recovery cost for the vehicle can exceed the standard liability amount in this case.

In an emergency you should call 000, for Mechanical or any breakdown issues call our Roadside Assistance number. Stay with vehicle and keep warm until help arrives.

Snow chains, or tire chains, are devices fitted to the tires of vehicles to provide increased traction when driving through snow and ice.

We do not provide advice on how to fit Snow Chains.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate driving equipment (such as snow chains) suitable to the vehicle and that they are fitted as per manufacturers instructions.


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