Car Emergency Checklist (Including winter essentials)

Cold weather can bring unexpected challenges. These items can help you stay safe and warm when temperatures drop.

Ice scraper and de-icer

• Store them in your car, so they’re always available when needed.
• Clear windscreens safely and quickly to maintain visibility.
• Avoid using hot water, which can crack your windscreen due to rapid temperature changes.

Warm clothes and blankets

• Stay warm while awaiting roadside assistance, especially in freezing conditions.
• Pack gloves, hats, scarves, and extra layers for each passenger.
• Foil or thermal blankets are compact and retain body heat effectively.
• Have warm, durable, sturdy shoes like boots, should you need to walk for assistance.
• Sunglasses can help with visibility in low winter sun conditions.

Bag of salt or grit

• Helps if you're stuck on ice or need to walk safely around your vehicle.
• Store in a sealed container to prevent spills and moisture damage.

Shovel

• Dig yourself out of trouble if your car wheels become stuck
• Compact shovels are better for limited boot space.

These items are useful all year round and can make a big difference in unexpected situations.

Phone and charger

• Keep a car-compatible charger or power bank to keep your phone powered.
• A charged phone is essential for calling for help, checking maps, or receiving updates.
• Remember that it’s illegal to use your phone while driving.

Torch and spare batteries

• Crucial for night-time breakdowns or inspecting your car in the dark.
• Wind-up torches are a reliable backup as their batteries do not run out.
• Useful for reading documents.

Remember the everyday items to make any emergency more comfortable.

Snacks and bottled water

• Ideal for long waits, traffic delays, or remote breakdowns.
• Choose non-perishable items like cereal bars, nuts, or dried fruit.
• Check edible items regularly to keep items fresh and usable.

Cash

• Useful for tolls, parking or places that don’t take bank cards.
• If you usually pay using your phone, some cash can be helpful when your phone battery is running low.
• Don’t leave yourself as a target by having money visible in your car.

Spare change of clothes

• Especially useful if you’re travelling with children.  

Visibility and safety are crucial if you break down or need roadside assistance.

Warning triangle

• Alerts other drivers to your presence if you’ve broken down.
• Not suitable for motorways, but essential on quieter roads.

High-Visibility Vest

• Improves visibility of the driver and any passengers in low light or poor weather conditions.
• Ideally, have one per passenger, especially if you need to exit the vehicle.

First aid kit

• A basic kit may help while you wait for help.
• Everyday items like paracetamol are useful to have to hand. 

Be ready for minor repairs or breakdowns with these essential tools.

Spare wheel or tyre repair kit

• Make sure your spare tyre is inflated and in good condition if you have one. 
• Know how to use the repair kit or change a tyre safely.
• Include a jack and wheel brace in your kit.

Locking wheel nut key

• You’ll need this to remove alloy wheels during a tyre change.
• Store it in the glovebox or boot. Losing it can delay repairs or roadside assistance.

Jump leads or portable jump starter

• Essential for reviving a flat car battery.
• Portable jump starters are ideal if you're alone and/or in a remote area.

Tow rope

• Useful if another vehicle needs to tow your car to safety.
• Choose a strong, durable rope and learn how to attach it properly.

Empty petrol can

• Handy if you run out of fuel and need to refill from a nearby station.
• Store safely to avoid fumes or spills.

Manual

• This will include handy and specific information about warning lights or tyre pressure. 

If you drive an EV, these items help you stay charged.

Charging cable and adapters

• Always carry your main charging cable.
• Include adapters for different charging stations, especially when travelling.
• Keep cables clean, dry, and tangle-free.

Portable EV charger or emergency charging card

• Useful for unexpected low battery situations.
• Know where your nearest rapid chargers are located.
• Consider a backup charging solution if travelling long distances.

Having your car insurance policy details to hand can save time and stress in an emergency.

Policy details

• Keep a printed copy of your insurance policy in the glovebox or have them in an easily accessible place on your phone.

Insurer and breakdown contact details

• Save contact numbers in your phone and keep a written copy in the car.
• Include details for Aviva and your breakdown provider if you have one.

Map or road atlas

• Technology sometimes fails, but good old-fashioned paper maps can save the day. But not so old-fashioned that it’s out of date!

Spare car key

• Avoid being locked out! 

Being prepared will help you set off on any journey confident that you’ve done all you can. Before a long journey, make sure you’ve checked you have fuel and that both screen wash and oil levels are topped up. It’s worth checking tyre pressures regularly, particularly as seasons and temperatures change.   

Store your emergency items in a sturdy box or organiser in the boot. Check everything regularly — especially batteries, food, and tyre kits — and update your kit as needed.

Being prepared doesn’t just help you — it can make a big difference to passengers or even fellow drivers in need.