5 Things in My Car That Saved Me from a Night of Horror
Updated: 7 days ago
A dead battery, a flat tire or a close call with a deer can leave you stuck on the side of the road, often at night and in the cold. A basic emergency kit and the right auto coverage make those nights much easier. This guide covers what to keep in your car, what to do if you hit a deer, and what your auto policy usually covers.
What to keep in a roadside emergency kit
Phone charger that works in your car
Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
Tire inflator and tire repair kit, and a spare tire with air in it. Check the spare's pressure when you check your other tires.
Flashlight with extra batteries
Reflective vest and warning triangles or road flares so other drivers can see you
First aid kit
Water and snacks
Winter extras: blanket, hat and gloves, ice scraper, small shovel, and sand or kitty litter for traction
If you break down
Pull as far off the road as you can and turn on your hazard lights.
Stay in the car with your seat belt on if you're on a busy road and it's not safe to get out.
Put out warning triangles or flares behind the car if it's safe.
Call for help: roadside assistance, a tow company, or 911 in an emergency.
If you hit a deer (or almost do)
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says deer crashes peak in autumn, and drivers should be especially careful from 6 to 9 p.m. Its advice:
Don't swerve. Swerving can cause you to lose control or drive into oncoming traffic. Brake firmly instead.
Slow down in areas with deer, and use high beams at night when there's no oncoming traffic.
Stay away from an injured deer.
Report a deer that's still in the road to a DNR conservation officer or local law enforcement.
Then take photos of your car and the scene and call your insurance company or agent.
What your auto policy usually covers
Hitting a deer: usually covered under comprehensive coverage, minus your deductible.
Swerving and hitting something else (a ditch, a pole, another car): usually collision coverage, minus your deductible.
A flat tire or dead battery: not covered as a claim. That's what roadside assistance is for, if you added it to your policy or have a separate roadside plan.
Towing: covered by roadside assistance or towing coverage, if you have it. After a covered accident, towing may also be included in the claim.
If you only carry liability, damage to your own car isn't covered. Check whether your policy includes comprehensive, collision and roadside assistance before winter.
FAQ
Does auto insurance cover hitting a deer?
Usually yes, under comprehensive coverage, minus your deductible. If you only have liability coverage, damage to your own car isn't covered.
Should I swerve to avoid a deer?
No. Minnesota's Department of Public Safety advises braking firmly and not swerving, which can cause you to lose control or hit oncoming traffic.
Does auto insurance cover a flat tire?
Not as a claim. Roadside assistance coverage can pay for help changing a tire or towing, if you have it.
What is roadside assistance coverage?
An add-on to many auto policies, or a separate plan, that helps with towing, jump-starts, flat tires, lockouts and fuel delivery. What's included varies, so check yours.
What should be in a winter car emergency kit?
A phone charger, jumper cables, flashlight, blanket, hat and gloves, ice scraper, small shovel, water, snacks, and something for traction like sand.
Want to check your auto coverage before winter? Call City Insurance and Financial Services at (763) 582-1888, contact us, or get a quote online. Related: winter tires and auto insurance in Minnesota.
City Insurance and Financial Services, Minnetonka, MN.
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