Family Car Trip: What to do if there is an accident?
Planning a family trip of any type can be exciting and a bit overwhelming at times. Thinking ahead about all of the basics, necessities and emergency items you might need requires a good deal of forethought. Taking a family road trip, or using a rental car to explore your vacation destination, requires additional planning. Packing an accident kit will provide the peace of mind that comes when you know you are prepared for anything.
Packing an Accident Kit
What needs to be included in your auto accident kit? Below is a list to help you get started.
- Proof of insurance: All states require that you have auto insurance and not having it may result in hefty fines. Make sure your coverage is up-to-date before you leave. (And while you’re checking your coverage, it’s a great time to make sure you’ve got the most affordable auto insurance available.) Contact your insurance agency to learn if you are covered when driving rental cars, or when you’re driving in other states and foreign countries. If not, you’ll need to find temporary cheap car insurance coverage for these circumstances from other sources.
- Emergency numbers: This list should include the names and telephone numbers of the family doctor and pediatrician, as well as the numbers for local emergency services. Keeping the number of your hotel on hand can also be helpful.
- First Aid Kit: Purchasing a prepackaged first aid kit from the Red Cross can save time. Add any medicines your family may need – like an asthma inhaler or heart medication, to customize the kit.
- Disposable Camera: Use the camera to take pictures of the scene and any damage that occurred.
- Pen and pad of paper: Talk to those who witnessed the accident. Write down what they saw. Be sure to include their name and contact information. The notepad can also come in handy for recording your own thoughts, those of your family and any contact and/or auto insurance information you get from the other driver.
- Every car should have flares, a spare tire and a car jack in case of a flat. Stocking the car with water is another must.
- Remember to keep calm when giving an account of the events to police. Avoid taking or placing blame. Instead, leave it to the insurance companies to sort things out.
Car accidents are stressful, especially when you’re on a family road trip in another state or a foreign country. Keeping a fully stocked accident kit on hand can help keep stress to a minimum.