Whether your clients are leaving their prestige vehicles at home while on holiday or taking them on a road trip, there are some safety tips to remember.

We’ll run you through some of the essentials, so you can advise your clients ahead of any upcoming trips.

Be prepared

Dawes Senior Technical Underwriter Tom Hall says preparation is key before a road trip with a classic or prestige vehicle.

"The first thing people should do is always make sure their car is serviced and ready to go in roadworthy condition,” he says.

This includes checking and topping up all fluids if required and ensuring the tyres are in good shape, including the spare.

Pack the essentials 

If your client has an old or rare vehicle or is travelling to somewhere remote, Tom suggests they take additional fluids and small parts such as wiper blades and fuses.

That way, they can fix small problems themselves if it’s difficult to get to a service centre.

Map your route

Road trippers should always plan their route well in advance rather than relying on technology to dictate the way while on the road.

“Google's been known to take people down dirt roads in the middle of nowhere in their exotic or classic cars, which may not be ideal,” Tom says.

Check the available parking

Another tip is to pre-book accommodation and ensure there is off-street parking for their valuable vehicle.

"We recommend making sure clients know where they're going to park their car, so they don't have to park a Ferrari or any other valuable vehicle on the street,” Tom says.

Tom adds that owners are better off doing what they can to prevent a problem from occurring in the first place by being mindful about the parking coverage limits, terms, and conditions in their policy and plan accordingly.

How Dawes can help if things go wrong on a road trip

Tom recommends your clients take out roadside assistance cover with a motoring body before the trip in case they have an accident or suffer a mechanical breakdown while on a road trip.

In the event of a claim, Dawes insureds can take advantage of accommodation and emergency repairs assistance provided by the Dawes Motor Vehicle Insurance PDS and Dawes Motorcycle Insurance PDS, which they can activate by contacting their broker.

“We'd always recommend they take their broker's contact details wherever they go, just in case they need to get in touch.”

Tips for protecting a vehicle that’s left at home 

If your client is leaving their vehicle at home, Tom's top tip is to ensure the car keys are left somewhere secure – and he doesn't mean on a hook by the front door.

“The vast majority of motor vehicle thefts in Australia involve perpetrators breaking into a house to steal keys. So, one of the big things we recommend is a key safe. Removing any access to the keys can be one of the best ways to stop a vehicle going missing.”

He suggests having a friend or neighbour keep up regular routines at the property, such as taking bins in and out or emptying the mailbox. Their visits can help avoid tipping off would-be thieves that the owner of the house is away.

Tom adds that if the car is stored in a garage, it’s essential to ensure it’s as secure as possible. He also recommends ensuring that the vehicle’s battery is disconnected or isolated.

First-class insurance through Dawes

At Dawes, we understand the risks and realities of arranging insurance for prestige or classic cars. Visit our website or call us at 1300 188 299 to learn more about our first-class insurance for first-class vehicles.

Dawes Underwriting Australia Pty Ltd t/as Dawes Motor Insurance (ABN 18 050 289 506, AR No. 342982) (‘Dawes’) is an Authorised Representative of SGUAS Pty Limited (ABN 15 096 726 895, AFSL 234437) (‘SGUAS’) and acts for the insurer, Allianz Australia Insurance Limited (ABN 15 000 122 850, AFSL 234708) (‘Allianz’). Consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination available by contacting Dawes on 1300 188 288 or visiting www.dawes.com.au, before deciding if it is right for you.