With Christmas just around the corner, many of us are starting to plan family visits, festive celebrations and trips away. Before the holiday rush begins, take a little time to prepare your car, secure your home and check your insurance.
Whether you’re spending Christmas here in Spain or travelling further afield, a few simple checks now can help prevent unwanted surprises later.
Before setting off, particularly on a longer journey, give your vehicle a thorough check:
Tyres: Check their condition, tread depth and pressures, allowing for any extra passengers and luggage.
Brakes: Arrange an inspection if you notice unusual noises, vibration or reduced braking performance.
Fluids: Check your oil, coolant and screenwash, and have any suspected leaks investigated.
Lights and visibility: Make sure your headlights, brake lights and indicators work properly, and check your wipers.
Journey planning: Check traffic and weather conditions before leaving, especially if your route includes mountain roads or areas affected by winter weather. The DGT provides resources for checking road conditions and planning journeys.
Remember your connected V16 beacon. Since 1 January 2026, Spanish-registered cars must carry an approved connected V16 warning beacon, replacing warning triangles as the legal breakdown-warning device. Older, non-connected beacons do not meet the requirement, so check your model against the DGT’s official list. Different rules apply to foreign-registered vehicles visiting Spain in international circulation, which may continue to use the warning equipment permitted by their country of registration.
If you’re heading away for Christmas, add these practical checks to your departure list:
Lock up carefully: Check doors, windows, shutters, garages and any outbuildings.
Test your security: Make sure alarms, cameras and security lighting work, and activate them before leaving.
Arrange a trusted contact: Ask a neighbour, friend or property manager to check on your home and collect post.
Keep travel plans private: Avoid publicly sharing the dates your property will be empty, and save holiday photos for your return.
Switch off safely: Unplug unnecessary electrical appliances and festive lights, while keeping essential equipment such as alarms and refrigerators running.
Check for potential problems: Look for dripping taps, visible leaks or maintenance issues that are better dealt with before you go.
Rather than assuming everything is covered, use your holiday preparations as a reminder to review your policies.
For your car, check:
Whether your cover includes accidental damage to your own vehicle.
What your breakdown assistance provides and where it applies.
Whether your destination and any countries you drive through are included.
Whether all intended drivers are covered.
How to contact your insurer or assistance provider if something goes wrong.
For your home, check:
Your buildings and contents sums insured, particularly after renovations or significant purchases.
Any limits or conditions for jewellery, valuables and gifts.
Any security requirements stated in your policy.
Any conditions relating to how long the property can be left unoccupied, especially if you’re planning an extended stay abroad.
Cover varies between insurers and policies. If you’re unsure about a condition or exclusion, ask for clarification before travelling.
Christmas should be about enjoying time with the people who matter—not dealing with avoidable problems at home or on the road.
At Sam Campbell Insurance, we can help you review your home and motor insurance and understand what your cover includes before the festive season gets underway.
Enjoy the preparations, travel safely and look after what matters most.