As of January 1st 2022, Italy has introduced a law requiring all skiers and snowboarders using mountain ski slopes in the Italian Alps, must have civil liability insurance.
Civil insurance is essential to cover any civil liability for loss or injury you may cause to third parties. This one the law applies to anyone participating in winter sports activities, including skiing, snowboarding and sledding, on the slopes of the mountains in Italy, regardless of age.
In the law, which is specifically mentioned in Legislative Decree no. 40/2021 in Article 30, equipped ski area (except distance intended for skiing) managers are obliged to offer users civil liability insurance policy when purchasing a transit permit. This insurance, known in Italy as RCT (Responsabilità Civile Terzi) insurance is readily available and can be activated on the same day at the resort if not completed before departures from the home country, for example Latvia. A policy usually costs around €2-3 per day and there are options to buy plans that refers to a longer period, such as an entire season, week, or month.
Doesn't the standard policy already include civil insurance?
It is important to note that although many travel insurance policies civil liability coverage is included, this is not always the case, especially when the simplest travel insurance policy program is purchased. Therefore, it is very important to check your travel insurance policy to make sure that it includes liability insurance. Yes your current policy does not include this cover, be sure to check with your insurer before you travel to find out what there are options to add civil liability to your policy or issue it separately. There will definitely be such opportunities, you will just have to pay extra for it.
Penalty for being in a mountain resort without civil insurance
If you haven't purchased civil insurance, you may face a fine of 100 to 150 euros and a ski pass cancellation if caught in the mountain resort. The law also includes conditions for skiing under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as helmets requirements for persons under the age of 18.
The introduction of this compulsory insurance is a response to the number of accidents that occur every year on the tracks in Italy, in order to to ensure that, for example, in the event of a collision between two skiers, the damages caused to all parties are covered, as well as to emphasize the shared responsibility for safety on the slopes.
Sources:
- International Travel & Health Insurance Journal (ITIJ)
- SOS International
- Voyager Insurance
- Trowers & Hamlins