Car Hire in Lapland: What’s Really Included & Why You Need Travel Insurance

If you’re planning to rent a car in Finnish Lapland – to chase the Northern Lights, visit reindeer farms, or drive between snow-covered villages – it’s easy to assume your car rental includes everything you need.

But the truth is… it rarely does.

Even when the booking says “insurance included”, there are often exclusions, high excesses, or extra costs that can leave travellers thousands of dollars out of pocket if something goes wrong.

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Here’s what to look out for in your Lapland car hire – and why pairing your rental with Cover-More Travel Insurance gives you the best peace of mind.

What your Lapland car rental might not include

Most car rental companies in Finland (like SIXT, Europcar, Hertz or Green Motion) include some form of insurance – but that doesn’t mean you’re fully covered. Always check the fine print for these key inclusions and exclusions:

Collision damage waiver (CDW)
This limits how much you pay if the car is damaged, but it usually comes with a large excess. Some policies exclude damage to the roof, wheels, or interior.

Tyre, windscreen and undercarriage cover
These are commonly excluded, yet they’re the parts most likely to be damaged in Lapland’s icy, gravelly, or snow-packed conditions.

Theft protection
Usually included, but only for the vehicle itself – not personal belongings or accessories.

Excess reduction / zero excess options
These are often optional (and expensive). They reduce or remove the excess you’d pay after an accident – sometimes costing more than the rental itself.

Why travel insurance still matters – even with “Full Cover” car hire

Even the best car hire package can’t protect you from everything that could go wrong on the road in Lapland. That’s where a quality travel insurance policy (we love Cover-More Travel Insurance) comes in.

Rental vehicle insurance excess cover

If your hire car is damaged or stolen and you’re liable for an excess, Cover-More can reimburse you up to the limit of your policy.

• Many policies include up to $10,000 rental vehicle excess cover.
• This means if your car skids on an icy road or a rock chips your windscreen, you won’t be stuck paying the excess out of pocket.
  Learn more: Cover-More Rental Car Excess Cover

Comprehensive cover for your rental vehicle

If you choose the International Comprehensive+ Plan, you can also get comprehensive cover for your hire vehicle – protecting against collision, loss, or theft beyond just the excess.
Details: Cover-More International Comprehensive+ Plan

Protection for delays and missed connections

If your hire car breaks down, gets stuck, or causes delays that make you miss your next flight or connection, your travel insurance can help cover additional transport or accommodation costs – something car rental companies rarely include.

What to check before you drive away

Before you hit the road in Lapland, take a few extra minutes to protect yourself:

1. Inspect the car thoroughly. Take timestamped photos of every side (including tyres, windscreen and undercarriage if possible).
2. Confirm what’s included. Ask your rental company to explain your CDW, excess and optional cover add-ons.
3. Read your travel insurance policy. Make sure you’ve chosen a plan that includes rental vehicle excess cover or comprehensive car hire cover.
4. Keep all paperwork. In the event of a claim, you’ll need your rental agreement, police report (if relevant) and photos of any damage.

Lapland-specific challenges to be aware of

Driving in Lapland is magical – but it’s also remote, icy, and unpredictable. Here’s why extra coverage is especially important here:

• Slippery roads: Black ice, snow and slush increase the risk of accidents – even for experienced drivers.
• Wildlife: Reindeer frequently wander across roads, particularly at dawn and dusk.
• Remote areas: Many towns are far apart and towing or recovery can be extremely expensive.
• Missed connections: A breakdown or snowstorm can easily cause you to miss your next flight, ferry, or accommodation booking.

Final tips for peace of mind

• Buy your Cover-More Travel Insurance when you book your trip – not the day before you leave. This ensures you’re protected for cancellations and early incidents.
• Choose a plan that includes Rental Vehicle Insurance Excess Cover (or upgrade to Comprehensive+ for even greater protection).
• Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before travelling:
  Cover-More PDS (PDF)
• Save the emergency number from your policy in your phone – Cover-More provides 24/7 emergency assistance worldwide.

It’s easy to think your Lapland car rental includes everything – but in most cases, it doesn’t. Protect yourself from unexpected excess charges, breakdown costs, or missed connections with Cover-More Travel Insurance before you go.

Because when you’re driving through a snow-covered wonderland, the last thing you want to worry about… is what’s not covered.

Disclaimer:
This article contains general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always read the Cover-More Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination before purchasing.