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Originally Posted On : https://hinkleinsurance.com/blog/4-things-that-should-be-kept-in-and-out-of-your-vehicle/

 

 

I’m not sure about you, but for me, there aren’t many things more annoying than finding out something is out of place.  If I had a dollar for every time I left my pitching wedge on Hole 6 and didn’t figure that out until Hole 12, well I wouldn’t be walking golf courses anymore that’s for sure.  The same goes for when you need something in your car, only to find out that it’s still at home.  Today, we’re going to look at some things that you should always keep in your car and some others that you should avoid keeping in your car at all costs.

SEE ALSO: Am I the Only One Losing My Keys?

 

What to Keep:

• The Perfect Storm

Whether it’s hot-as-blazes, or as cold as you-know-what, it pays to be prepared for inclement weather.  And yes, I see what I did there.  Depending on where you live, weather can drastically change with little to no warning.  Being prepared for that unseen change could be a difference of convenience, but it could also be the difference between life and death in other circumstances.

• Sunglasses
• Umbrella
• Blanket
• Ice Scraper
• Gloves (Winter or Driving)

 

• Very Important Data

Sometimes a light goes off on your dash.  If you don’t know what that light means, how do you know if it’s serious or not?  Well, what I do when that happens is open my vehicle manual and search for what I’m seeing.  That way I can assess the problem and determine my next course of action.  Maybe it’s just a  loose gas cap, but it could also be something that needs to be looked at immediately.  Having your manual in your vehicle always allows you that peace of mind.  Even the best and safest drivers can be pulled over by a police officer.  Maybe your headlight went out during your commute.  Maybe you’re in a new city and got turned around.  A thousand different things could happen.  Your up-to-date vehicle’s documentation can end up being the difference between a conversation, a headache, or even a citation.  So, these come with a caveat; they have to be in your vehicle AND be up to date.

• Auto Insurance Card
• Vehicle Registration
• Vehicle Owner’s Manual
• Your Insurer / Agent Contact Information

 

• Accident Essentials

Accidents happen, and that’s a fact of life.  There are some things you can do to be prepared for one, and some things you can’t prepare for.  In an automobile accident, stress and emotions run high, so preparing what you can make a world of difference at the moment.  Remember, the best insurance companies are there to make you feel at ease, and take care of making you whole again, whether in Lancaster, PA, or Timbuktu.

• First-Aid Kit
• Emergency Tool
• Road Flares
• Reflective Vest

 

Sometimes a pen and paper can also be a lifesaver.  It’s a great thing to have in case your cell phone dies.  One more thing you can do to keep yourself prepared is to regularly check your spare tire air pressure should you need to use it.  I can tell you from experience that finding out you need a spare for your spare is no fun at all.

 

SEE ALSO: Local Company wins Best Insurance Agency in Lancaster, PA

 

What to Keep OUT:

 

• DANGER EXPLOSIVES!

Let’s get this out of the way: things can go wrong inside a vehicle.  We’ve already established how weather can drastically change with little to no warning, causing temperatures to skyrocket or plummet depending on the situation.  These sudden changes of temperature can make things expand or contract in their containers, making big messes in your vehicle and outside as well at times.  And it isn’t just dangerous containers, as even a wine bottle can re-detail your car if you are unlucky enough.

• Gas Canisters
• Lighters
• Wine Bottles
• Soda Cans
• Aerosols

 

• From Riches to Rags

There’s an old proverb that says, “opportunity makes a thief”.  Basically, this means that the more you open yourself up to treachery, the more you will experience it.  It may seem like common sense to not leave diamonds and expensive jewelry in your vehicle, but people still do.  This is an extreme example and will quickly get your vehicle broken into if left unattended.  However, leaving an unassuming gym bag or briefcase visible inside your car can have it broken into just as easily and just as quickly.  Other valuables that should never be left in your car are your young children or pets.  This should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway.

• Jewelry
• Personal Identifiable Information (SSN, Bank Account)
• Children
• Pet

• Perishables

Is your refrigerator running?  No, seriously, because if it isn’t and you have food in there, some of that food is going to spoil.  The same goes for food left in your car on a hot day.  Now, if you’re fridge has ever stopped running, and you weren’t there when it happens, you’re going to come home to a stinky mess.  The same goes for your car, and no one wants to drive in something that smells like an old garbage can (I mean maybe you do, I’m not here to judge).  One perishable you might not think about though is your medication.  While your pills won’t rot and stink if left in your car, they can become much less effective if left in the heat for extended periods of time.  For a bottle of Advil, that may not be a big deal, but for more important life-sustaining prescription medications, keeping the medicine at its correct effectiveness is imperative.

• Food
• Medicine
• Chapstick