Nothing in life can be predicted, but that by no means implies, that we cannot be prepared for unforeseen situations.

While travelling for instance, be it for work or a short weekend road trip, it would serve us well to be prepared to face any unfortunate incidents, should they occur. For starters, having up-to-date car insurance to ensure that every passenger in your car is well taken care of, and that your car itself is indemnified against any potential damage or unforeseen situation that may arise.

Here's a list of some other must have items in your car.

Car tools

Whether you consider yourself a handyman or not, keep the basics tools to deal with flat tyres and basic electrical functions of the car. So an axle, a set of pliers, wrenches, a torch and other implements can be really handy in sticky situations.

First aid kit

A first aid kit in the dash board or trunk of your car is an excellent idea. Bandages, disinfectants, essential medications and anti-inflammatories are all an essential part of a good first aid kit.

Maps

Sure your car is kitted with the latest in sat-navigation technology and you have Google maps on your smart phone to rely on. But in case of a breakdown involving the battery of your car, you will still need to know how to get from point A to point B. That's why it is always a good idea to have paper maps of your destination as a failsafe measure.

An autonomous light source

This could be an emergency lantern, a flashlight or any other source of light that you can use in the dark, to solve problems with your car, or signal oncoming traffic for help.

Cell phone battery pack

Smart phones are powerful tools to help you in case of emergencies. But they are big battery consumers and can often die, when you least expect them to. It makes great sense to invest in a portable USB battery pack, for your smart device. This way you will have the means to make that critical phone call or send your location to a friend if you find yourself stuck in a sticky situation.

Seatbelt cutter/emergency window breaker

Seat Belts and reinforced car windows save countless lives every year. The fact of the matter is that it is a felony to drive without a seat belt. The problem is that sometimes when you're in a perilous condition, your seat belt might actually prevent you from exiting the vehicle. At such a time the seat belt cutter comes in extremely handy. In the same device is a tiny metallic hammer that will help you shatter the window glass in order to get out of a car in the event of an accident.

Jumper cables

30% of all car troubles have to do with the electronics and wiring of a car, which are powered by the battery. The battery's charge may wind down sometimes, affecting not just the electronics but the movement of the vehicle itself. In such a situation your battery will need some shock therapy which will involve you being able to jump it, with a set of cables and another car's battery.

It is always best to be prepared for any and all eventualities. Investing in comprehensive car insurance keeps you and your car safe from most indemnity. Similarly, these 7 must haves in your car's trunk will keep you equipped for delivering the right kind of assistance at the right time.