Originally designed to house drivers’ gloves, today’s glovebox is the place for important items that you need in arm’s reach and readily accessible. All too often though, this handy compartment turns into a receptacle for outdated registration cards, empty wrappers, condiment packets, and other forgotten items.
Get in the Spring Cleaning spirit and take a little time to organize your glovebox—you’ll be so glad you did! A neat, tidy, and functional glovebox will serve you well when you need it (which is usually unexpectedly or in an emergency).
Here are some of the must-have and nice-to-have items for your glovebox.
Glovebox Must-Haves
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- Owner’s Manual. Who hasn’t wondered what that weird symbol that just lit up on your dash means? From maintenance guidelines and emergency information to understanding every specific detail about your vehicle, your manual is the go-to guide.
- Proof of Insurance. This is required in almost every state, and if you get in an accident or pulled over you’ll be glad you have it handy. Vehicle registration is best kept in your wallet.
- Emergency Contact Numbers. These are probably already programmed into your phone, but it’s smart to have a printout just in case.
- Medical Information. If you’re injured in an accident or have trouble communicating, having a written list of medical conditions, medications, or allergies could be a lifesaver. Better yet, add info for all your family members.
- Pen and Paper. If you’re in an accident, you’ll need to exchange information (while under stress and possibly shaken up). Good ole fashioned pen and paper to the rescue.
Glove Box Nice-to-Haves
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- First Aid Essentials. Think of it as a pared-down emergency kit: just the basics. With band-aids, tweezers, antibiotic ointment, and alcohol swabs at the ready, you can take care of minor cuts or scrapes. Carry a complete first aid kit in your trunk.
- Spare Phone Charger. Thank goodness for USB plugs in our cars. Still, if something goes wrong, or if you arrive at a destination with a dead phone, you’ll thank yourself for carrying an extra.
- Small Flashlight or Headlamp. LED technology has allowed small bulbs to cast big light. If you find yourself stranded in the dark, you’ll be happy to have it. Be sure to also have a couple of extra batteries, as well as another flashlight in your trunk (also with spares).
- Tire Gauge. Tire gauges at gas stations are often damaged or inaccurate. Get a good quality gauge and make sure you know your vehicle’s PSI rating for tires (hint: it’s in the manual and on the tire wall).
- Money. How many of us have run to the store for just one thing and realized at checkout that you left your wallet at home. Twenty to forty dollars should be enough.
- Snacks. You never know when you’ll be stuck in traffic at mealtime—stash a few high-protein bars as a back-up.
- Sunscreen. A small tube goes a long way in a pinch.
While you are organizing your glovebox, don’t forget to give the rest of your vehicle a spring cleaning and disinfect all of your services to prevent harmful viruses and bacteria, like coronavirus.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
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