What to Include in a Car Emergency Kit

Stranded, cold, and hungry along the highway is no way to reach your destination. A well-stocked emergency roadside kit could help you get back on the road quickly—or at least remain safely stranded.

Pre-assembled kits are available to purchase, but you might want to assemble your own or customize a purchased kit. Consider including the following items:

Contents

The Basics

Cell phone and car charger, with a list of emergency numbers
Fire extinguisher
Two roadside flares
Quart of oil
Small first aid kit
Flashlight
Multipurpose tool or pocket knife
Tire pressure gauge
Tire inflator
Duct tape
Rags
Your car’s manual
Pen and paper
Help sign
Jumper cables or a portable battery booster

Pre-assembled kits are available to purchase, but you might want to assemble your own or customize a purchased kit. Consider including the following items:

The Basics

Extras

If your car has more trunk space, or if you’re planning a long trip, add these to the mix:

Jumper cables or a portable battery booster
Gallon of antifreeze
Extra fuses
Extra flashlight batteries
Basic tools: Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench
Spray bottle with washer fluid
Ice scraper
Granola or energy bars
Bottled water
An approved gas container
A road atlas

Additional Items

Think about the weather, too. Will you need extra water or a warm blanket? If icy roads are likely, a bag of sand or cat litter could provide traction for a stuck tire. You might also be glad to have a folding camp shovel or warm gloves and a hat.

Think about your passengers, too. If you have kids and they ride in your car often, think about having items in the emergency kit that will keep them occupied if you’re stopped for a while. Also, consider additional blankets and snacks.

Check your kit occasionally to ensure it’s shipshape, the spare tire is inflated, batteries are charged, first-aid supplies are stocked, water is fresh, and food is dry. Be familiar with how each tool works before using it in an emergency. Also, remember that the most important tool you have is common sense; stopping to change a tire in the fast lane is an accident waiting to happen.

One other important tool for your kit is a solid auto policy. Check in with your local agent and make sure you’re covered for wherever your travels take you.

ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.

The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of January 2024 and may be changed at any time.

Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.

The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.

Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.

Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.