There are driving moments that happen to everyone which seem to come out of nowhere. One day, you're driving along the highway and the next thing you know, you're on the phone calling for a tow truck because of a car breakdown. So, how do you prepare for the seemingly unexpected while driving? What are the necessary items that every driver should have in their car to stay safe?

The answer to both of those questions begins with an understanding that being proactive is a drivers' best defense against anything that can go wrong. Whether it's a breakdown or an accident, you can empower yourself with being proactive.


Making Sure You Have the Essentials

For starters, every driver should have a roadside emergency kit in their car. A roadside emergency kit includes all of the essential items that will help you in the event of a breakdown, and also if you become stranded due to severe weather conditions.

In fact, when you're looking for cheap auto insurance quotes, you're often provided the opportunity to add protection for roadside emergencies. That does not mean that you should not carry a roadside emergency kit. To the contrary, even if you're well-prepared, a tow driver is not going to bring you a warm blanket or snacks when you're broken down for an extended period of time. According to a recent news report, Mid-Atlantic AAA recommends that drivers be well-prepared during severe weather storms, due to the overwhelming need for towing service calls.

Examples of items to add to a roadside emergency kit include:

  • Jumper Cables
  • Duct Tape
  • Tools (screwdriver, hammer, pliers...etc.)
  • Flashlight (store batteries separately)
  • Extra Flashlight Batteries
  • First Aid Kit
  • Water
  • Windshield Washer Fluid
  • Fix-a-Flat
  • Non-perishable Snacks
  • Blanket

Think outside of the box and get creative with your roadside emergency kit. There aren't any rules, other than the rules that you make. During winter months, you should also carry a standard shovel and an extra ice scraper. Many drivers become stranded on the road during heavy snow conditions due to simply being unable to shovel their way out. An extra ice scraper is always a good idea in case the primary one breaks.


Keeping Important Documentation is Vital

Most people choose not to carry important documents around and that is a wise decision. However, when you're driving, it's another ball game altogether. You should always have your insurance card in your car. A good place to keep the insurance card is in the same place you keep the car registration, which for most people, is in the glove box. In most states, you can even be ticketed for not providing proof of insurance to police. It's also a good idea to have your insurance agents' phone number in the same place, or if you need to make a call to obtain cheap auto insurance quotes, such as when you're trading in your current car. It's always a wise idea to check insurance rates prior to purchasing a newer car, and by having everything in the same place, you never need to be concerned about finding the information.


Choose Something Extra During Extended Traveling

Often times, if a breakdown occurs while on the road, you will need a rental car. Therefore, you should have rental company phone numbers available, prior to departing. If you're looking for cheap auto insurance quotes, it's also a good idea to ask about rental reimbursement coverage when traveling for an extended time, such as for a vacation or a long-distance trip. Additionally, be sure to take along an extra battery for your car. The most needed repair when traveling long distance is a new battery. There's a good chance that you may never need it, and if so, most retailers will accept the unused battery as a return without any questions. However, if you're stranded, you're looking at costs that could be very expensive, as well as the major inconvenience. Other items that you should consider with extended travel include engine coolant, a gallon of gas, and at least two bottles of motor oil.

All of the items that you need to have in your car not only help to keep you safe, but they also help you drive with more confidence. The empowerment helps to keep your focus while on the road, by knowing you're absolutely ready for the unexpected.