What to do if your car breaks down and how does breakdown cover work?

Experiencing a breakdown can be frightening. In these difficult moments it helps to know what you need to do to ensure your safety and that of your passengers too.

If your car breaks down, this is what you need to do:

• Try to remain as calm as you can
• Move your car off to the side of the road if you can, and turn your wheels all the way to the left
• Switch on your hazard lights, and if its dark your sidelights too
• Leave your car by the left hand door, but only if it’s safe to do so. If you can’t safely exit your vehicle keep your seatbelt fastened and call 999 immediately
• Put on a hi-vis vest or jacket
• If you’re not on a motorway, put down a warning triangle about 45 metres behind your car. 45 metres is about 60 paces. Don’t do this if you’ve broken down on a motorway
• Step off the road and wait to the rear of your car behind the barrier if there is one. If there is nowhere safe to wait, call 999
• Call your breakdown provider
• Do not attempt a repair yourself if you are on a motorway or dual carriageway

What information do I need to give when I call my breakdown provider?

You’ll typically need to provide your full name and policy number, your exact location and the make, model and registration number of your vehicle. You can use your GPS or the map app on your smartphone if you have one, or road markers if you’re on the motorway to determine your location.

Download the what3words app for a more precise location

The what3words app is free to install on your smartphone from the Apple App Store and the Google Play store. Using what3words you can get a very precise location to share with your breakdown provider or emergency services which is easy to relay. The app has mapped out every 3x3 metre square on the globe and given each a unique three word address.

What kit do I need in my car in case of breakdown?

You should keep the following in your car:

• Hi-vis jackets or vests
• A warning triangle
• Water
• A torch
• Warm clothing and a blanket in the winter
• A charged mobile phone
• Jump leads
• An empty fuel can in case you run out of petrol and breakdown close to a petrol station
• A spare tyre, a sturdy jack and a wheel wrench but only if you are confident in using them. Never attempt to change a tyre on a motorway or dual carriageway

The best way to avoid breaking down is to regularly check your car, and particularly so if you are planning a long drive. This article outlines general maintenance skills that every driver should know and this one covers the essential checks you should make before setting off on a long drive.

Types of breakdown cover explained

Home Assistance, also known as Home Start Cover typically covers you if your car won’t start at home or within a ¼ mile of your home.

Roadside Assistance covers you if your car breaks down away from home and usually involves a mechanic coming to fix your car and if that’s not possible on the spot to take it away to a local garage. On some policies this is only available if you break down more than a set distance from your home, typically less than ½ a mile.

National Recovery covers the towing of your vehicle to any location in the UK.

Onward Travel will enable you to continue your journey if a roadside fix isn’t possible. You may get access to a hire car, a taxi or overnight accommodation.

European Breakdown will provide a range of breakdown assistance in Europe.

What type of breakdown cover can I get through Age Co?

Age Co works with our breakdown partner Britannia Rescue who provide breakdown cover around the UK and beyond. Motor breakdown cover can be bought as an Optional Extra with all Car Insurance policies bought through Age Co. You can also get standalone breakdown cover through Age Co, which is available at 3 different levels:

Standard cover includes roadside assistance and recovery throughout the UK and a relief driver, someone who will step in to drive your car if no able drivers can continue the journey after a breakdown. This cover will only apply if you break down more than ¼ mile away from your home.

Comprehensive cover includes all the same features as standard as well as Home Assistance and Onward Travel. This means that even if you break down within a ¼ mile of your home you’ll be covered, and if your car can’t be fixed by the end of the day, you’ll be reimbursed for your travel and accommodation costs.

Deluxe cover is the highest level of breakdown protection available through Age Co. This offers the same features as comprehensive cover and adds European breakdown features. This means that you’ll be protected while driving abroad and offered alternative transport if your vehicle breaks down within 7 days of your trip starting.

Find out more about the Motor Breakdown Cover available through Age Co and get a quote here

What to do if you don’t have breakdown cover

If you don’t have breakdown cover you should follow all the steps above to keep yourself safe and call an emergency breakdown provider, such as Britannia Rescue. Without cover in place, the cost of recovering and repairing your vehicle will cost you more.

Common reasons cars break down and how to avoid them

Cars break down for a variety of reasons. The most common ones are:

Flat Battery: The best way to avoid a flat battery is to regularly drive your car. A good way to maintain battery health is to turn off lights and electronics before you switch off the ignition. You can also use a trickle charger to keep your battery going if you haven’t driven your car much.

Tyre Problems: The best way to avoid a flat or blown tyre is to regularly check tread and pressure. You can find more information on how to do this in our guide: Essential car maintenance skills every driver should know.

Misfuelling: It’s surprisingly easy to put the wrong type of fuel into your car. If this has happened to you, the best thing you can do is to not start the car and call your breakdown provider. If you have taken out car insurance through Age Co, you’re automatically covered for misfuelling.

Broken Clutch or Electronic Control Unit: These are best avoided by regularly having your car checked and serviced.

Overheating Engine: This happens more regularly over the summer with increased air temperature. Where possible try to park in the shade and consider using sun screens. Carry extra coolant in your car and top it up regularly.

Oil Levels: Regularly check your oil levels using the dipstick. Take out the dipstick and wipe it clean, before reinserting it. Take it out again and check to see that the oil level is between the top and bottom notches. Top it up as needed.

In summary

• If you breakdown your safety is the number one priority. Call 999 if you feel unsafe, otherwise calmly exit your vehicle on the passenger side, turn on hazard lights and call your breakdown provider.
• It’s worth making sure that you are as prepared as possible in case of a breakdown.
• The best thing to do is to avoid breaking down in the first place. To do this perform regular maintenance and checks on your car.
• Depending on the type of breakdown cover you have, you may be able to claim an overnight stay and onward travel, as well as alternative transportation.

Motor Breakdown Cover is provided and underwritten by Liverpool Victoria Insurance Company Limited. Britannia Rescue is a trading name of Liverpool Victoria Insurance Company Limited which is a part of the Allianz Group, registered in England and Wales number 3232514. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, register number 202965. Registered address: 57 Ladymead, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1DB.