Items to Keep In Your Car

How much time do you spend in your car? Whether you have a short commute, feel like you live in your car, or are somewhere in between, there are some items you should always keep in your car.

1. Car safety kit. In case of emergency, items such as a flashlight, a small fire extinguisher, a multi-tool, a towel, reflective triangles, or road flares can be crucial until help arrives. Purchase a pre-assembled kit or create your own.
2. First-aid kit. Be prepared with bandages, burn cream, antibacterial ointment, pain reliever, an ice pack, and rubber gloves to provide immediate medical attention. Again, buy one off the shelf or DIY.
3. Car repair kit. A breakdown can happen at a moment’s notice. Keep your owner’s manual in the glove compartment for convenient reference. The following items can help fix a flat or be used until your vehicle can get to a repair shop: jumper cables, spare tire, tire iron, tire jack, tire pressure gauge, tire sealant, duct tape, and WD-40.
4. Weather safeguards. Prepare for changes in weather with a poncho, umbrella, sunscreen, insect repellent, and blanket. In winter climates, have an ice scraper, snow brush, kitty litter, shovel, gloves, and boots in the car before the snow flies.
5. Legal stuff. Have proof of insurance for the vehicle you are driving as well as a copy of the vehicle registration. If you have or transport young children, keep a properly installed, age-appropriate child safety seat in your vehicle.
6. Convenience items. I often wonder, what did we do before smartphones? A smartphone can provide a solution to almost any situation—provided you have it with you, it is charged, and can get reception. So keep a phone charger in your car to ensure you have enough juice in case of an emergency. Also, it is a good habit to have sunglasses and/or a hat to protect from glaring sun as well as paper money and coins for parking or tolls.
7. Paper. If (or when) your phone doesn’t work, pull out that map to help get to your destination, or use that notepad and pen to leave a note.
8. Entertainment. Books, music, movies, and games are great to entertain passengers—especially children.
9. Cleaning products. Tissues, paper towel, wipes, and garbage bags help contain messes. Hand sanitizer can help prevent future ones from happening.
10. Nourishment. Bottled water and snacks like granola bars, energy bars, dried fruit, beef jerky, and trail mix can be important if you get stranded, stuck in traffic, or miss a meal. Also, these are great for road trips!

This may seem like a laundry list of items, but you shouldn’t need a laundry basket to store it all. Utilize the trunk for larger car safety items, the glove compartment for legal items, and the center console for convenience items. Use hidden areas like inside the doors, backseat pockets, and under the seats as well.

When you prepare your car, you can free your mind to focus on the journey ahead. When you have car insurance with Acuity, worries can be left in the rearview!