Trips in the car are part of everyday life in the Territory. From the school run and errands around town to weekend dog park visits and big family gatherings, some drives are routine, others are more memorable, but all of them matter when you’ve got your loved ones on board.
That’s why it’s worth making sure your car is set up to keep everyone safe and comfortable. From kids and grandparents to pets in the back, a few thoughtful tweaks can make every drive, even the everyday ones, a little easier, a little safer and a lot more enjoyable for the whole family.
Start with storage that suits your routine. A plastic tub or soft-sided crate in the back seat area can hold all the everyday items like wipes, tissues, sunscreen, hats, or snacks. Secure it with Velcro tape so it stays put while you drive, and when you need the space, it’s easy to lift out and pop in the boot.
Seat-back organisers are great for kids, they keep things like toys, books, and drink bottles tidy and within reach. For the boot, collapsible crates help manage everything from shopping bags to muddy shoes without things sliding around.
If you’re after a quick and clean rubbish solution, a cereal or bread container with a lid makes an easy DIY car bin. It fits neatly into a door pocket or footwell, seals shut and keeps mess to a minimum.
For families with pets, seat covers, or boot liners are a smart investment. They protect from dirt, fur and scratches, and are easy to remove and hose off. Add a sunshade and a spare water bowl and you’re sorted for dog park trips too.
For adults jumping in the back seat, don't forget the headrests. Most people leave them pushed right down for the kids, but if you're giving a grown-up a lift, take a second to adjust them to a proper height, or set them once to suit an average adult and leave them there.
Mobility is another thing to consider. A small grip bar that hooks onto the door latch can help older passengers or those with mobility issues get in and out more confidently. They’re cheap, easy to store in a side pocket, and can make all the difference on family outings.
Little accessories can go a long way, like a boot organiser for loose gear, a dash mat to stop items sliding around, or even a phone mount so you can use maps safely if you don’t have an inbuilt navigation system.
Don’t forget comfort, either. A compact hand fan for backseat passengers, reusable car-friendly spill-proof cups, or a spare pair of sunnies stashed in the glovebox can turn a chaotic trip into a more relaxed one.
Whether you're driving the kids to school, heading out bush, or taking everyone to Sunday lunch, these small changes help your car work for whoever needs a seat — so you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the ride.
Taking these simple steps to prepare your car for every member of the family can make a real difference in keeping everyone safe and comfortable on the road. But even with the best preparation, accidents and unexpected events can still happen.
That’s why it’s important to make sure your car insurance suits your needs.
Here at AANT, we’re proud to support the Territory community and encourage you to explore car insurance options through AANT and consider getting a quote to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Important information:
This insurance product is distributed by Automobile Association of Northern Territory Inc ABN 13 431 478 529, an authorised representative of the issuer Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722, AFSL 227681 under the CGU Brand. Any advice provided is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs (“your personal circumstances”).Before using this advice to decide whether to purchase a product, you should consider your personal circumstances and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement. The Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations are available from aant.com.au
