[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.kornbluthginsberg.com\/blog\/essential-things-to-keep-in-your-car-at-all-times\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.kornbluthginsberg.com\/blog\/essential-things-to-keep-in-your-car-at-all-times\/","headline":"Essential Things to Keep in Your Car at All Times","name":"Essential Things to Keep in Your Car at All Times","description":"As Americans, we spend a lot of time in our cars. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the average person puts 13,476 miles on the odometer a year, roughly the equivalent of driving between New York and Los Angeles five times. At an average speed of 45 miles per hour, that’s almost 300 hours, or […]","datePublished":"2026-09-17","dateModified":"2026-09-17","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.kornbluthginsberg.com\/blog\/author\/kevin-ginsberg\/#Person","name":"Kevin Ginsberg","url":"https:\/\/www.kornbluthginsberg.com\/blog\/author\/kevin-ginsberg\/","identifier":32,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8a09736a672ec7d4459dedd2effd22a7073fba0d602fab96d464b650f774a6f3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8a09736a672ec7d4459dedd2effd22a7073fba0d602fab96d464b650f774a6f3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Kornbluth Ginsberg Law Group, P.A.","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.kornbluthginsberg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/logo-footer.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.kornbluthginsberg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/logo-footer.svg","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.kornbluthginsberg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/essential-things-to-keep-in-your-car-at-all-times.png","url":"https:\/\/www.kornbluthginsberg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/essential-things-to-keep-in-your-car-at-all-times.png","height":900,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/www.kornbluthginsberg.com\/blog\/essential-things-to-keep-in-your-car-at-all-times\/","about":["Car Accidents"],"wordCount":611,"articleBody":"As Americans, we spend a lot of time in our cars. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the average person puts 13,476 miles on the odometer a year, roughly the equivalent of driving between New York and Los Angeles five times.At an average speed of 45 miles per hour, that’s almost 300 hours, or a little over two weeks. Given how much time drivers spend on the road, it pays to have some car essentials on hand for unexpected situations.What Should You Keep in Your Car at All Times?There are a few things to keep in your car in case you run into trouble.A basic emergency kit should include:A flashlight with spare or extra batteriesA phone charger and portable power bankA basic first-aid kit (e.g., Band Aids, gauze, hand sanitizer, etc.)Jumper cables or a portable battery chargerDrinking water and nonperishable snacksA tire-pressure gaugeA spare tire, jack, and lug wrenchA paper map or atlasDuct tape and a utility knifeAn ice scraper and snow brush for winter weatherPaper towelsReusable shopping bagsWet wipesIf you make frequent road trips, add the following essential items to your car kit:A basic tool kitA reflective vest, warning triangles, and\/or road flaresA blanket, gloves, and rain ponchoLip balm, hand cream, nail file, and hair tiesA fire extinguisher rated for automotive useAn empty gas container\t\t\tNeed Help?\t\t\t\t\tCall Now\t\t\t\t\t\t\t919-401-4100\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSchedule a Consultation\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDo You Have Your Car Accident Kit?While some items in your car address routine situations, you also need accident-specific supplies.Here\u2019s an important car essentials list:Current insurance cards and vehicle registrationA written list of emergency contactsA pen and a notepad for recording critical informationA card listing your medical conditions and allergies, any medications you\u2019re on, and the contact info of regular healthcare providersA small tape measure for recording skid marks, debris locations, and visible damage (if possible)Sealable envelope or folder for storing exchange forms, receipts, and other paperworkAn extra car seat, in case one gets damaged in the collisionEssential Steps to Take After a Car Accident in North CarolinaIf you\u2019re involved in a car accident in North Carolina, knowing what to do is crucial in case you need to file an injury claim later.Start by:Calling the authorities \u2012 North Carolina law requires you to notify the appropriate law enforcement agency when a crash results in injury or death.Take photos and gather information \u2012 If possible, take photos of the accident scene and get the contact info of the drivers involved and any witnesses.Seek medical attention \u2012 Even if you don\u2019t feel hurt, seeing a doctor may detect early signs of serious injuries. Tell the doctor you were in a crash.Check your auto insurance policy \u2012 Most insurers have notification deadlines for accident claims. Failure to do so could cause you to lose protections in your policy. Keep your statements simple and factual. Don\u2019t provide a recorded statement, make guesses about fault, or accept a settlement offer without talking to a car accident lawyer first.Organize the evidence \u2012 Keep any evidence you were able to gather at the scene, as well as your own written account of what happened, in a folder. Get copies of your medical bills and the police accident report of the crash.Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers TodayWith nearly 100 years of combined experience, the car accident attorneys at Kornbluth Ginsberg Law Group, P.A. represent clients in Durham, throughout the Triangle, and Sanford. Call or contact us today for a free consultation."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.kornbluthginsberg.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Essential Things to Keep in Your Car at All Times","item":"https:\/\/www.kornbluthginsberg.com\/blog\/essential-things-to-keep-in-your-car-at-all-times\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]