Top 7 tips for a summer road trip to remember
![A group of laughing and smiling friends have drinks and a picnic on the grass beside their van as two of them high-five eachother](https://cdn.mozo.com.au/images/atwood/14425/GettyImages-1750320420.png)
Australians are in for a hot and dry summer, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, meaning road-trippers might have to take some extra precautions in order to make their journeys memorable for the right reasons.
Whether it’s formulating the perfect summer driving playlist or making sure your car insurance is up to date, here are the top 7 tips for a summer road trip to remember.
Queue up some quality summer driving music
![Three friends in the back seats of a car dance to music](https://cdn.mozo.com.au/images/atwood/14425/GettyImages-1783978095.png)
Ancient Greek philosopher, Plato, once said music “gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination.” It also makes a long drive a heck of a lot less boring.
Before you hit the road, put together a playlist of your favourite summer driving songs, so you can focus less on what to listen to, and more on the road ahead.
If you feel like passing us the AUX, here are some of the Mozo team’s favourite road trip songs to get you started:
The Mozo team's summer road trip playlist
- 'Oh Caroline' by The 1975
- 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World' by Tears For Fears
- 'New Rules' by Dua Lipa
- 'Titanium' by David Guetta
- 'Can't Get You Out of My Head' by Kylie Minogue
- 'Bad Moon Rising' by Creedence Clearwater Revival
- 'Midnight City' by M83
- 'Down Under' by Men at Work
- 'Cars' by Gary Newman
- 'Always on My Mind' by the Pet Shop Boys
- 'Sunday Best' by Surfaces
- 'Island in the Sun' by Weezer
- 'Tokyo Drift' by Mallrat
- 'Love Shack' by The B52's
- 'Sabotage' by the Beastie Boys
- 'Ring of Past' by Men I Trust
- 'Oysters in My Pocket' by Royel Otis
- 'Twilight Driving' by Methyl Ethyl
- 'Mountain At My Gates' by Foals
- 'She's American' by The 1975
- 'Drive' by Nick Weaver
- 'I've Got a Feeling' by the Beatles
- 'Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)' by Arcade Fire.
Get your car serviced to get ahead of any issues
![A man tinkers under the hood of his car while a woman tries to flag down help on the side of the road](https://cdn.mozo.com.au/images/atwood/14425/GettyImages-1271468723.png)
While the sound from your speakers is important, what’s arguably more important are the sounds coming from your vehicle. Nothing says ‘memorable for the wrong reason’ like your engine spluttering before breaking down on a dirt road, hours from the closest mechanic.
Plus, with the weather tipped to be hotter than usual over the coming months, you’ll want to lower the risk of overheating and triple-check your aircon works like it’s meant to.
If it’s been a while since you’ve had a tune-up, plan well ahead and make sure you get your vehicle looked at by a mechanic you trust.
When it comes to engine troubles or mechanical failures, those sorts of wear and tear issues are not covered by car insurance but may be covered by your car’s manufacturer's warranty.
Check if your car insurance policy still fits your needs
![A woman reads her Product Disclosure Statement on her laptop](https://cdn.mozo.com.au/images/atwood/14425/GettyImages-1490133662.png)
If it’s been a while since you’ve checked what your insurance covers you for, then it’s worth reading through your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to double-check that you’re still covered for what you expect.
You might even consider adding roadside assistance to your policy, if your car insurance offers it as an extra, just in case you wind up in a situation where you run into car troubles. Some car insurance comes with roadside assistance included or as an optional extra.
Share the wheel on longer drives
![A woman hands the car keys to a man inside their vehicle](https://cdn.mozo.com.au/images/atwood/14425/GettyImages-1169341052.png)
If you’re driving with friends or family, make sure you share the driving duties fairly, especially on longer trips.
Just make sure you’re aware of how your car insurance provider treats unlisted drivers – people who you let drive your car, but aren’t listed on your policy. If there’s an accident while they’re at the wheel, you may need to pay an unlisted driver excess when making your claim.
You may be able to register a listed driver by contacting your car insurance provider. But keep in mind it could affect the price of your premium (especially if they’re under 25 years old). However, knowing your car insurance coverage will still apply if there’s an accident makes it a fair trade-off.
If you can’t share the wheel, then make sure you take regular breaks, refuelling not only the petrol tank but your energy too.
Which brings us to planning your route.
Plan where you’re pulling up for some R&R
![A man takes in the view of Australia's Twelve Apostles from a lookout point](https://cdn.mozo.com.au/images/atwood/14425/GettyImages-1255087755.png)
To avoid map-related mishaps, put together a rough idea of what your driving route will look like, including where you might get some rest and relaxation during your trip.
Whether you want to take the scenic route, or just get to where you’re going on time, a little bit of planning can take you a long way. Plus, you’ll keep your eyes on the road, rather than fiddling with your GPS – safety first!
Zoom in on your map to find petrol stations, rest areas, cafés, landmarks, and lookouts to help make your road trip less about the destination and more about the journey.
Check traffic updates to avoid the holiday bottleneck
![A man hangs his bare feet out of the car window while stuck in bumper to bumper highway traffic](https://cdn.mozo.com.au/images/atwood/14425/GettyImages-200184668-001.png)
We’ve all jumped in the car, excited to get moving towards our destination, only to get stuck in the holiday traffic bottleneck, as if half the population had the same vacation idea as you.
That’s where keeping an eye – or ear, if you’re on the radio – on live traffic updates can come in handy.
Depending on what map application or GPS you’re using, you might even have access to live traffic updates, which can be a blessing if you’re trying to avoid the holiday traffic.
Plus, you’re less likely to get stressed if you can avoid it.
Find your zen and avoid road rage
![A man calmly checks his rear view mirror](https://cdn.mozo.com.au/images/atwood/14425/GettyImages-1150967004.png)
A study by Monash University found that almost 50% of Australian drivers engage in aggressive driving behaviours when they feel they’ve been slighted on the road.
Ironically, aggressive driving actually multiplies the odds of being involved in a collision 15-fold.
So, when you’re on the road and you perceive that someone has done the wrong thing, don’t make matters worse by lashing out with your 2-tonne potential death machine on wheels. Besides, your car insurance policy doesn’t cover you if you’re driving illegally.
So, make sure you get your playlist and route planned, make sure your car works properly, give yourself a way to check for traffic conditions, and check that your car insurance policy still fits your needs.
If you find your current policy is lacking, then compare car insurance with Mozo, keeping an eye out for deals and discounts that could save you cash that’s better spent on yourself this summer.
Car insurance comparisons on Mozo
Comprehensive Car Insurance
- Monthly premiums
- Yes Costs Extra
- Choice of repairer
- Optional Extra
- Choice of excess
- $400 - $2,500
- Agreed or market value
- Agreed Or Market
Available discounts
Comprehensive Car Insurance
Youi like to get to know you from the very first conversation, which provides you with the opportunity to find comprehensive car insurance cover that could better suit your lifestyle and your needs. Because we’re all individuals, so we all use our cars differently from day-to-day. Youi is car insurance that’s a bit more you-shaped.
- New car if written off
- Yes - within 2 years and a listed driver is the first registered owner
- Rental car after theft
- Yes - Up to 14 days.
- Rental car after accident
- Not at fault - Yes. At fault - Optional Extra. Up to 14 days.
- Windscreen cover
- Yes - standard excess. Option to reduce windscreen excess to $50 for an additional premium.
- Modifications
- Covered only if agreed in writing.
- Young driver excess imposed
- Unlisted and aged 25 and over: $700, Unlisted and aged under 25: $2,000, Listed and aged under 25: $600
- Roadside assistance
- Yes
- Other benefits
- -
- Other restrictions
- -
- States where offered
- SA VIC TAS NSW ACT QLD WA
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about Youi Comprehensive Car Insurance
Comprehensive Car Insurance
- Monthly premiums
- Yes
- Choice of repairer
- No
- Choice of excess
- $800 Flat Excess Fee
- Agreed or market value
- Agreed Or Market
Available discounts
Comprehensive Car Insurance
ROLLiN’ put their customers in the driver’s seat by offering great value comprehensive car insurance with no additional excess for young drivers. Zero cancellation fees, 24/7 claims support via phone and a policy paid monthly. Plus, you can list multiple cars and drivers under the one policy, as long as they fit the underwriting criteria
- New car if written off
- Yes - within 15,000km of original registration
- Rental car after theft
- Yes - Up to 21 days, max $80 per day after a covered event
- Rental car after accident
- Yes - Up to 21 days, max $80 per day after a covered event
- Windscreen cover
- Yes - one claim can be made per Insurance Period, with $0 windscreen excess
- Modifications
- Covered only if agreed in writing.
- Young driver excess imposed
- No additional excess for young drivers. $3,000 for unlisted drivers
- Roadside assistance
- No
- Other benefits
- Optional benefit to boost the Single Car Value by 15%, it will be shown on your Insurance Certificate
- Other restrictions
- -
- States where offered
- SA VIC NT TAS NSW ACT QLD WA
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about ROLLiN' Comprehensive Car Insurance
Gold Comprehensive Car Insurance
- Monthly premiums
- Yes Costs Extra
- Choice of repairer
- Optional Extra
- Choice of excess
- $550 - $1,900 (varies By State)
- Agreed or market value
- Agreed Or Market
Available discounts
- No Claim Discount
- Online Discount Up To 15%
Gold Comprehensive Car Insurance
Get award winning Car Insurance. Save 15% ^ on your first year’s premium when you purchase a new policy online. Budget Direct offers tailor-made cover, new-for-old replacement, 24/7 claims, a highly-rated claims service, and get a hire car following a theft.
- New car if written off
- Yes - within 2 years or 40,000 kilometres of original registration, whichever comes first
- Rental car after theft
- Yes - Up to 14 days, max $1,000 total.
- Rental car after accident
- Not at fault - Yes. At fault - Optional Extra. Up to 14 days for at fault accidents.
- Windscreen cover
- Yes - standard excess. Option to reduce windscreen excess to $40 on every windscreen claim for an additional premium.
- Modifications
- Covered only if agreed in writing.
- Young driver excess imposed
- $600 for drivers under 21, $500 for drivers under 24, $600 for unlisted drivers, $500 for inexperienced drivers.
- Roadside assistance
- Optional Extra
- Other benefits
- -
- Other restrictions
- -
- States where offered
- SA VIC TAS NSW ACT QLD WA
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about Budget Direct Gold Comprehensive Car Insurance
Comprehensive Car Insurance
- Monthly premiums
- Yes Costs Extra
- Choice of repairer
- Optional Extra
- Choice of excess
- $500 - $2,200
- Agreed or market value
- Agreed Or Market
Available discounts
- Online Discount $75
Comprehensive Car Insurance
Australia Post Comprehensive Car Insurance offers a broad range of coverage and includes cover for anyone who drives your vehicle. It also covers new car replacement if your recently purchased brand new car is written off within the first three years (provided it has travelled less than 60,000km). Get $100 off your first year's premium when you buy Comprehensive Car Insurance online. T&Cs apply.
- New car if written off
- Yes - within 3 years and 60,000 km of original registration
- Rental car after theft
- Yes - Up to 14 days.
- Rental car after accident
- Not at fault - Yes. At fault - Optional Extra. Up to 14 days.
- Windscreen cover
- Yes - standard excess ($0 excess for repair only). Option to reduce windscreen replacement excess to $0 for an additional premium.
- Modifications
- Automatically covered.
- Young driver excess imposed
- $600 for listed drivers under 25, $1,600 for unlisted drivers under 25.
- Roadside assistance
- No
- Other benefits
- -
- Other restrictions
- -
- States where offered
- SA VIC TAS NSW ACT QLD WA
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about Australia Post Comprehensive Car Insurance
Seniors Car Insurance
- Monthly premiums
- No
- Choice of repairer
- No
- Choice of excess
- $500 - $2,500 (varies By State)
- Agreed or market value
- Agreed
Available discounts
- Price Beat Offer Available For Eligible Drivers Over 50 Years Old Switching From A Comparable Policy With The Code ‘SENIORS’. T&Cs Apply.
Seniors Car Insurance
TrueCover is run for people, not profit. TrueCover provides comprehensive cover tailored to Australians over 50 years of age. Includes roadside assistance, ambulance cover, no maximum driver age, death/funeral benefit, new car replacement and an Australian-based contact centre. Insurance not offered in NT.
- New car if written off
- Yes, within 12 months and 10,000 km of original registration
- Rental car after theft
- Yes - Up to 14 days, max $50 per day, $700 total.
- Rental car after accident
- Optional Extra - Up to 14 days, max $50 per day, $700 total.
- Windscreen cover
- Yes - standard excess. Option to reduce windscreen excess to $50 for an additional premium.
- Modifications
- Covered only if agreed in writing.
- Young driver excess imposed
- $1,000 for drivers under 35, $1,000 for drivers that have not held a full license for 5 years, and $3,000 for unlisted drivers.
- Roadside assistance
- Yes
- Other benefits
- Ambulance After Accident; No Maximum Driver Age.
- Other restrictions
- -
- States where offered
- SA VIC TAS NSW ACT QLD WA
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about TrueCover Seniors Car Insurance
Comprehensive Car Insurance
- Monthly premiums
- Yes Costs Extra
- Choice of repairer
- Yes, Optional Extra
- Choice of excess
- $500 - $2,300
- Agreed or market value
- Agreed Or Market
Available discounts
- Online Discount $80 Off New Online Comprehensive Car Insurance Policies.
- $10 Monthly Kogan.com Credit For Every Month For Policy Is Active.
Comprehensive Car Insurance
Covers damage caused in an accident, weather events, fire and theft, plus damage your car causes to other people’s vehicles and property. Choose to add on a number of optional extras. Score $115 off new online Comprehensive Car Insurance policies (T&Cs apply). $10 monthly kogan.com credit (T&Cs apply).
- New car if written off
- Yes - within 3 years of original registration and driven less than 60,00km.
- Rental car after theft
- Yes - Up to 14 days, reasonable daily cost.
- Rental car after accident
- Not at fault - Yes, reasonable costs. At fault - Optional Extra, reasonable costs.
- Windscreen cover
- Yes - repairs to windscreen, sunroof or window glass without excess but excess applies if replacement is needed. . Option to waive excess for windscreen claims for an additional premium.
- Modifications
- Covered only if agreed in writing.
- Young driver excess imposed
- $600 for listed drivers under 25, $1,600 for unlisted drivers under 25
- Roadside assistance
- No
- Other benefits
- $5 Kogan.com credit when a quote is completed. T&CS apply.
- Other restrictions
- Legal liability is an Optional Extra and not included in standard policy.
- States where offered
- SA VIC NT TAS NSW ACT QLD WA
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about Kogan Insurance Comprehensive Car Insurance
* Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
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