What details to keep in your car so you are never stuck at the roadside
Stuck scrolling through emails or trying to log into an app when you need help fast. This is why you need offline details to keep in your car. Not a folder. Not a pile of paperwork. Just the numbers and references that get you help in minutes.
The principle
Keep contact numbers and reference codes.
Do not keep identity documents or anything that helps a thief clone your car or steal your identity.
Police can ask to see your driving licence, insurance certificate and MOT certificate, but if you do not have them with you you typically have 7 days to produce them. So you do not need to carry everything. You just need enough to get recovered, claim quickly, and keep yourself safe.
The one thing you should do today
Create a Roadside Card and keep it in the sun visor or with the handbook. Laminate it if you can.
What to include on your Roadside Card:
Breakdown cover
- Provider name
- Phone number
- Membership number
- Vehicle covered
Insurance
- Insurer name
- Claims line phone number
- Policy number
- Policy start date
Accident essentials
- Emergency: 999
- Police non emergency: 101
- Your preferred repairer or accident assistance number if you use one
Your car basics
- Registration
- Make and model
- Colour
- VIN if you have space
Emergency contacts
- Two names and numbers
That is it. If you can make a voice call, you can get help even with no data.
What not to keep in the car
The big one is the V5C log book.
Government advice is clear. Do not share the log book document reference number, or photos or copies of the log book, because it can be used to get a fraudulent copy and put the vehicle at risk of being stolen or cloned. So do not leave the V5C in the glove box. Keep it at home.
Also avoid leaving anything that makes life easy for a thief
- Passport or ID documents
- Anything showing your home address and full personal details
- Spare house keys
- Full insurance packs or renewal letters
What the police recommend
Police crime prevention advice focuses on making your car a bad target. Keep valuables out of sight, remove anything worth stealing, and some forces even suggest leaving the glove box open to show it is empty.
That lines up with the Rooster approach. Your Roadside Card should contain phone numbers and reference codes only. No address, date of birth or document reference numbers from DVLA paperwork.
Motorway breakdowns and why offline details matter
If you break down on a motorway, official guidance is to use the free emergency telephone where provided, or call National Highways on 0300 123 5000 for advice and assistance.
If you cannot safely get out, or you are in immediate danger, call 999.
One more important point people get wrong. Do not put a warning triangle on a motorway. Ask the Police
Quick checklist you can add to the glove box guide
Keep in the car
- Roadside Card with breakdown and claims numbers
- A pen and small notepad
- A high visibility vest
- A basic phone charging lead
- A small torch
Do not keep in the car
- V5C log book
- Anything with your full identity and address
- Anything you would hate to lose if the car was stolen
Download Rooster for access to our FREE Accident Assist helpline and advice.
