Finland: Improper tire use may reduce insurance payouts

In Finland, failing to use tires appropriate for current weather conditions can lead to significant reductions in insurance compensation. According to Pohjantähti insurance expert Jaana Palonen, insurance companies may reduce payouts by typically 30 percent if a driver neglects protection instructions, such as failing to switch to winter tires when weather conditions require them.

Finnish law mandates the use of winter tires when winter driving conditions prevail. While studded tires may be used from the beginning of November through the end of March, the requirement for winter tires is based on weather rather than a strict calendar. Drivers are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are equipped with suitable, well-maintained tires.

Safety experts from Liikenneturva advise that while most drivers find it easy to judge when to switch tires, the flexibility of the law requires monitoring weather forecasts closely. To ensure safety and compliance, winter tires should have a minimum tread depth of three millimeters, though greater depth is recommended for better grip in slush, ice, and snow.