Australia’s summer is all about road trips, beach days, and long sunny drives. But let’s not forget—summer also brings storm season. Cyclonic winds, flash flooding, bushfires, and hailstones the size of golf balls can all turn up uninvited, and rental cars are often first in the firing line.
It’s unpredictable, unfair, and completely out of your control. So, what can you do to protect yourself (and your rental car) when Mother Nature decides to throw a tantrum?
1. Seek Shelter Fast
Major storms usually come with some warning. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issues alerts with live radar tracking of where and when a storm is likely to hit. Local emergency radio broadcasts are also worth tuning into.
If you’re on the road when a hailstorm or flash flooding is on its way, don’t wait—find shelter for yourself and your vehicle.
Pro tip: When booking holiday accommodation, choose somewhere with undercover parking and at least slightly elevated ground. That way, if the area floods, your car is less likely to become an accidental submarine.
2. Improvise with What You Have
Can’t get undercover in time? Don’t panic—improvisation can help. Customers have used towels, blankets, or even clothes to cover exposed parts of the car (roof, bonnet, and boot). It won’t stop all damage, but it can reduce the impact of hail and save you from paying hefty repair bills.
There are also specialist inflatable “hail covers” you can buy for extra peace of mind if you live or travel in hail-prone areas.
3. Know Redspot’s Natural Disaster Policy
Bushfires, floods, or earthquakes (rare as they are in Australia) can throw your trip plans off course. That’s why Redspot Car Rentals has a fair disaster policy: if you need to return your car early or cancel due to an officially declared natural disaster, we’ll waive penalties and refund you.
For travellers, that’s one less stress when you’re already dealing with bigger worries.
4. Think Twice About Relying on Credit Card Insurance
Many travellers assume their credit card insurance has them covered for everything. In reality, coverage is often limited, delayed, or full of exclusions. Some key catches include:
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Coverage only applies if you pay with that specific card.
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Some cards only reimburse you after you’ve paid the repair costs yourself.
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Exclusions for long rentals, certain car classes, or overseas rentals.
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No third-party liability cover—just the car itself.
In short: check the fine print before assuming your credit card will save you from storm damage costs.
5. Choose Full Protection: Redspot’s Executive Cover
Want the ultimate peace of mind? Redspot’s Executive cover is our most popular option, and for good reason. It includes:
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$0 vehicle damage liability (so you’re not out of pocket if Mother Nature gets aggressive)
- Unlimited kilometres
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Unlimited drivers
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And more extras that keep your trip hassle-free.
For summer driving, especially during storm season, this kind of coverage is worth its weight in gold.
Final Word: Don’t Let Storms Ruin Your Summer Road Trip
Mother Nature might not like rental cars, but with the right preparation, you don’t need to worry about her wrath. Stay alert, plan smart, and protect yourself with the right cover—and your holiday will stay memorable for the right reasons.
Ready to Rent with Confidence This Summer?
With a modern fleet, flexible coverage options, and storm-season-friendly policies, Redspot Car Rentals makes it easy to hit the road without the stress.