5 Documents Every Driver Should Keep Handy
Whether you're commuting to work, heading off on a road trip or simply running day-to-day errands, it's worth keeping a few key motoring documents and contact details close to hand.
From roadside checkpoints and breakdowns to accidents, having the right information available when you need it can help save time, reduce stress and make the situation easier to manage.
With this in mind, here are 5 documents and details every driver should keep handy.
Driving Licence
Whatever your reason for hitting the road, your driving licence is the key document that confirms you're entitled to drive. It's a good idea to keep the physical licence card with you whenever you're driving, as you may be asked to produce it.
To ensure this, before getting behind the wheel, make sure to check that:
You have the correct licence category for the vehicle you're driving.
You know how to replace your licence if it is lost or stolen.
You understand any additional licensing requirements that may apply when driving abroad.
Insurance Certificate
If you're involved in an accident or incident, having your insurance certificate to hand can save valuable time. This is because it contains important policy and contact details and may also be requested by An Garda Síochána, although you have 10 days to present it at a Garda station if you can't produce it immediately.
While many insurers make policy documents available digitally, it's worth knowing how to access your certificate quickly if needed, whether that's through a paper copy, a PDF or your insurer's app.
Prior to hitting the road, it’s worth checking that you know:
Where to find your policy number.
How to contact your insurer in the event of an accident or claim.
NCT Certificate
Passenger cars over four years old must have a valid NCT certificate and display an NCT disc on the windscreen. As proof that your vehicle met the required roadworthiness standards when tested, it's important to keep your NCT up to date and readily available if required.
To help make sure your NCT certificate is there when you need it, remember to:
Know when your current NCT is due to expire.
Book your next test in good time.
Address any issues highlighted during previous tests.
Roadside Assistance Details
A breakdown can happen when you least expect it, whether you're a few miles from home or travelling in a more remote part of the country. Having your roadside assistance details readily available can help you get help more quickly and reduce stress at an already frustrating time.
If your breakdown cover is provided through your insurer, a motoring organisation or your vehicle manufacturer, it's worth understanding what assistance is available and how to access it.
Having the following information to hand can make it easier to arrange assistance:
Your roadside assistance provider's contact number.
Your membership, policy or account number.
Details of the services included in your cover.
Accident Checklist
Even a minor collision can be stressful, making it easy to forget important steps in the moment. Keeping an accident checklist on your phone or in your vehicle can help you stay calm, make the situation safer and ensure you have the information needed when reporting an incident or making a claim.
Your checklist could remind you to:
Check whether anyone has been injured and contact the emergency services if required.
Make the area as safe as possible and use warning triangles if it is safe to do so.
Exchange names, contact details, insurance information and vehicle details with those involved.
Record the time, date and location of the incident.
Take photographs of the scene and vehicle damage, where it is safe to do so.
Gather witness details and the names of any Gardaí attending the scene.
Contact your insurer and report the incident as soon as reasonably possible.
A Small Step That Can Make a Big Difference
Most journeys pass without incident, but being prepared can make all the difference if something unexpected happens.
Taking a few minutes to ensure these documents and details are easy to access may help reduce stress, speed up the process of dealing with a problem and give you greater confidence every time you get behind the wheel.
Need More Assistance?
If you have further questions, you can contact Insurance Ireland's Information Services team:
Email: feedback@insuranceireland.eu
Tel: (01) 676 1820