Winter in spring
When does the liability also pay for summer tires?
Updated on March 29, 2025 – 07:06 a.m.Reading time: 1 min.
It is not uncommon for snow and smooth roads to be found again in spring. What does the insurance company say when you cause an accident with summer tires?
When the winter returns briefly with snow and smooth roads in spring, many drivers are already on summer tires. What does the insurance company say if you have already changed the tires and cause an accident on a smooth road?
In this situation, the vehicle liability insurance also takes over the damage of the accident victim in this situation, explains the overall association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV).
On the other hand, if you drive with summer tires permanently in road conditions, require the winter tires, you have to expect to be recharged up to 5,000 euros by the liability insurer after an accident caused by it, the association explains.
The following applies to the fully comprehensive insurance of the car: Anyone who would have had to recognize before driving or on the way that summer tires are completely unsuitable in view of the road conditions, according to GDV, that the comprehensive insurance has to be shortened its benefits or in severe cases. This applies at least if the insufficient tires were the cause of the accident.
