Free Vehicle Emergency Kit Checklist: Car Emergency Kit List with Winter and Summer Extras, Car Accident Information Exchange Form, and a Seasonal Kit Check Log (PDF, Word, Excel)

What is on the page

Jumper cables or jump starter

A portable jump starter lets you start a flat battery without a second car; keep it charged.

Spare tire

Check its pressure when you check the kit; many spares are found flat when they are needed. Compact spares usually need a higher pressure, shown on the tire or in the manual.

Other driver details

Name, phone, license, address, insurance company and policy number, and the vehicle's make, model and plate.

Police report number

Your insurer will ask for it. Rules on when police must be called vary by state and country.

Season items swapped

Winter items (scraper, shovel, blanket) in when the weather turns cold; summer items (extra water, sun shade) in spring.

What to keep in your car

The year-round list covers the problems drivers meet most often: flat batteries, flat tires, breakdowns at night and small injuries. Add winter items if you drive in snow and ice, especially a blanket, hat and gloves in case you are stuck for hours, and extra water for summer heat. If you carry children or pets, add what they need for a few hours. Keep the kit in a bag or crate in the trunk so it does not roll around, and check it twice a year. The full home list is on the home emergency checklist.

After an accident

Safety comes first: check for injuries, call emergency services if anyone is hurt and move out of traffic if you can. Exchange details calmly and avoid saying the accident was your fault; your insurer will work that out. Photos are the most useful evidence: both cars, the plates, the damage, the road and signs, and the other driver's license and insurance card. Write down what happened straight away. Then call your insurer. The form in your glove box means you'll not forget anything when you're shaken up. Keep repair invoices with your service log.

Checking the kit

An easy routine is to check every car's kit when the clocks change which also suits the swap between winter and summer items. Check the spare tire pressure, charge the jump starter, replace water and food before they expire, refill the first aid kit and replace anything used. A family or small business with several vehicles can record all of them on one log. Planning a long drive? Use the road trip planner.

Editing the files

The PDFs are fillable. Print the accident form on card stock and fold it into the glove box with a pen.

Questions

What should be in a car emergency kit?

Jumper cables or a jump starter, a flashlight, first aid kit, tire gauge and tools, reflective triangles, a phone charger, water, snacks, gloves and a blanket, plus winter or summer extras.

What information should I get after a car accident?

The other driver's name, phone, address, license number, insurance company and policy number, vehicle make, model and plate, the police report number and witness details.

Should I call the police after a minor accident?

Rules vary by state and country, often depending on injuries or the amount of damage. Many drivers call anyway to get a report for the insurer.

What should I keep in my car in winter?

An ice scraper, snow brush, small shovel, sand or cat litter, a warm blanket, hat and gloves, hand warmers and winter washer fluid.

How often should I check my car emergency kit?

Twice a year is a good rule, for example when the clocks change.