Aussies Skip Vehicle Checks Before Summer Road Trips

Allianz research finds most motorists do not check their vehicles or severe weather forecasts before long summer drives.

Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Severe Weather

Wide photograph of a dusty highway running through flat Australian scrubland, with a worn car tyre in the foreground. — Allianz research found 56 per cent of Australians skip basic vehicle checks before summer road trips, ahead of a risky El Nino season. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you check your tyres and the weather before long summer drives?

Allianz research found 56 per cent of Aussies skip basic vehicle checks before summer road trips, and 64 per cent skip checking severe weather forecasts before highway travel. The findings were published in its Summer Risk Report 2026.

Why it matters

Aussies lodged more than $161 million in car-related claims last summer, with storm-related vehicle damage among them, suggesting preparation gaps carry real costs. With a monster El Nino system in effect, the survey points to a risk that drivers may be underestimating heading into the season.

Allianz's survey data shows 56% of Aussies skip basic vehicle checks and 64% skip severe weather forecast checks before summer travel. Insurer claims for the last summer exceeded $161 million, of which about $9.88 million was storm-related, though the figures do not show how this compares with earlier summers.

The players

Allianz

Allianz is a German multinational insurance and financial services company that operates in Australia and publishes road safety and risk research.

The details

Allianz's research found 42 per cent of drivers do not examine their tyres before driving, while fatigue affects 46 per cent of motorists on summer trips. Distractions from screens and phones affect 25 per cent of drivers on long summer trips, and 29 per cent of car owners say touchscreen use has put them in a critical situation behind the wheel.

Last summer: Aussies lodged more than $161 million in car-related claims.
2026: Allianz published its Summer Risk Report 2026.

Seasonal Patterns

The Allianz Summer Risk Report 2026 places these driver preparedness findings within its annual summer risk assessment, which tracks how motorists prepare for the season. The survey's warning about severe weather comes as a monster El Nino system is in effect.

Before long summer drives, check your tyres, vehicle condition and the severe weather forecast for your route. Plan rest stops to manage fatigue and keep phones and screens out of reach while driving.

The takeaway

Most drivers skip the checks that matter most before a summer trip, so a few minutes on tyres, fatigue and the forecast can reduce both risk and claims. Small preparation steps are often the easiest way to avoid a costly storm-related incident on the road.