Protecting your Car While on Holiday
Vacations mean many things to different people. They might conjure visions of stress-free relaxation, sightseeing, or bonding with family or partners. The one thing you don’t want on vacation is to be worrying about your car.
If you are holidaying in the UK or Europe and taking your car, check out our article on protecting your paintwork from summer woes. If you are leaving for sunnier climates, you want to know that your car is safe, secure and ready for your return.
Here are some excellent tips for protecting your car while you are on holiday
Know where it is parked
If you are leaving your car at home and using alternative transport to the airport, think carefully about where you leave your vehicle. If you have a secure garage or gated parking, use it. If you need to leave it on the roadside or your driveway, consider letting a trusted neighbour know that you are away and asking them to keep an eye on it.
If you are driving to the airport, ensure you use a reputable website to book your parking. Most airports either provide parking services or outsource their parking to reputable companies. Don’t be tempted to use cheaper parking that the airport does not recognise.
Take note of where your car is when you leave it. Knowing that information might not make your car safer while you are away, but it will make finding it again easier and less stressful.
Lock it when you leave it
Even if you leave your car in a locked garage or secure car park, ensure you lock the vehicle and check the windows. Not only will this deter opportunists, but it ensures that your insurance is valid if your car is broken into or stolen.
Talking of insurance, check your paperwork before you go away. Some insurance cover may have caveats about where you can leave your car while you are away and how long you can leave it unattended without needing to inform your insurance company.
Empty your car
Leaving valuables on display increases the chances of someone breaking into your car. Take everything you don’t need out of the vehicle before leaving for your break. If you need to leave anything in the car, place it out of sight under the seats or in the car boot.
Keep your insurance and driver documents and logbook safe at home. Don’t leave valuable documents in the car. If you need any of them for airport parking, take copies and then take them with you. A little extra paper is a lot easier to carry than the weight of knowing your documents were forged.
Simple security measures
Most new cars have immobilisers and GPS trackers installed, so your lease vehicle should be secure. While a determined criminal can bypass many security measures, they slow them down and help track your car. More importantly, they act as a deterrent to most opportunists.
Consider motion sensor lights if you are leaving your car outside your home. If someone attempts to enter your vehicle, the lights will deter them or alert your neighbours. If your car has an alarm system, ensure it is engaged and consider leaving a key with a trusted neighbour or family member so it doesn’t become a nuisance.
Final thoughts
Having your car broken into or stolen is not the end to the holiday anyone wants. Taking a few extra steps and precautions before you go can make all the difference and give you peace of mind.
We can’t secure your car for you while you take a break, but we can find you the best leasing deal so you have more money to spend on enjoying your vacation. Contact Express Vehicle Contracts today to learn more about our personal and business leases. We can access a wide variety of new cars straight from the manufacturer and built to your needs. Call us today to find out more.
