Essential Items to Keep in Your Car
It is important to be prepared no matter what happens on the road. You’ll never know when an emergency will arise. Do an inventory of your car’s emergency kit before hitting the open road!
Tire Pressure Gauge
Keep a tire pressure gauge handy and check your tires often. Routine checks can extend the life of your tires and reduce the risk of driving on improperly filled tires.
Cellphone Charger
We rarely leave home without our phones, but don’t forget about the charger! If you use your phone for directions or music, charge it while driving so you’re never left without enough battery life. Bring a fully charged portable battery pack as a backup.
Flashlight
Do not rely on your phone’s light. Keep a heavy-duty, waterproof flashlight with extra batteries handy.
First-Aid Kit
Purchase a prepackaged kit or make your own including the following basics:
- Assorted bandages
- Gauze
- Antibiotics cream and antiseptic wipes or cream
- Pain relievers and allergy medicine (stored as directed)
- Latex-free disposable gloves
- Hand sanitizer
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Extra prescription medication (stored as directed)
- Bottles of water and non-perishable food
Check your kit often and replace expired or used items.
Jumper Cables
If you or someone else has a dead battery, jumper cables will get you back on the road quickly. Make sure you learn how to properly use them, first!
Toolkit
Put together a basic toolkit with a screwdriver, hammer, wrench, pliers and a thick pair of work gloves. A multi tool can be helpful in many situations. Include reflective triangles or flares to enhance visibility to oncoming traffic.
Car Hammer
Store in a place where you can easily reach it in case of an emergency. This gadget makes it easy to break a window to escape. Many also include a seat belt cutter.
Cold Weather Gear
While you may not need these items year round, they are important in chilly weather.
- Blanket, hat, scarf, gloves, socks, warm clothing
- Spare shoes or boots for snow and rain
- Ice scraper and snow brush
Owner’s Manual, License, Insurance, and Other Important Documents
Store the owner’s manual in a safe place in your car so you are able to quickly refer to it for important information such as recommended fuel level and tire pressure.
Keep the following up-to-date documents in your vehicle:
- Auto insurance cards, insurance claim forms
- Registration
- Car repair information, maintenance receipts
- Emergency contact information
- Vital medical information
When you receive new auto insurance cards, remember to put them in your car! Contact us today if you have questions about your auto insurance.