Car Breakdowns and Accidents

What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down

Stay Calm and Safe

• Pull Over: If your car is still moving, gently steer it to the side of the road or a safe spot (like a layby or car park). If you're on a motorway, aim for the hard shoulder (the emergency lane).

• Turn on hazard Lights: Once you’ve stopped, immediately turn on your hazard warning lights (the red triangle symbol). This will alert other drivers that you’re having trouble.

• Stay Inside the Vehicle: If you're on a busy road or motorway, stay in your car with your seatbelt on. Do not try to walk to a nearby phone or other location unless you’re in immediate danger.

Assess the Situation

• Can you identify the problem?: If you feel safe, try to assess the issue (e.g., flat tyre, smoke, strange noises). If you don't know what’s wrong or can’t safely check, it’s best to wait for professional help.

• Is it safe to move?: If your car is in a dangerous spot (e.g., near heavy traffic), call for help immediately.

Call for Help

• Breakdown Assistance: If you have breakdown cover (e.g., through the RAC, AA, Green Flag, etc.), call them for help. Breakdown cover will send a mechanic to your location.

• Check your policy: If you have breakdown insurance, keep the phone number handy (it might be on your membership card or in an app).

• Details to provide: When calling, give them the following information:

  • Your exact location (street name, road, or motorway junction).

  • A description of your car (make, model, registration plate).

  • The nature of the problem (if you know it).

  • Whether you're on a motorway or busy road.

• Roadside Assistance via the Police: If you're stuck in a dangerous location, call 999 and tell the operator you're on the road with a breakdown, especially if you're unable to move the car to a safe place.

Wait for Help

• Stay in your car: Stay inside your car with your seatbelt on if you're on a busy road. Keep your phone charged if possible and stay calm.

• Don’t attempt major repairs: Unless you’re confident in what you're doing and it’s safe, don’t attempt major repairs (e.g., fixing engine parts or changing tyres) yourself.

• If it's a flat tire: If you're able to change it safely, use a spare tyre and jack. However, it’s often best to wait for a professional.

After Help Arrives

• Follow instructions: When the breakdown technician arrives, they will assess the situation and either fix your car on the spot or tow it to a garage if needed.

• Get any paperwork: Make sure to get a receipt or paperwork from the technician for any repairs or tow services, especially if it’s covered under your breakdown insurance.

What to Do If You Get Into a Car Accident

Stay Calm and Ensure Safety

• Stop the Car: Never leave the scene of an accident. If it's safe to do so, pull your car over to the side of the road.

• Turn on hazard Lights: Use your hazard warning lights to alert other drivers that there has been an accident.

• Check for Injuries: Check if you or anyone in your car is hurt. If there are any injuries, call 999 for emergency services.

• Move to Safety: If you’re in a dangerous spot (e.g., on a busy road), carefully move your vehicle to a safer location, but only if it’s possible and safe to do so.

Check for Damage

• Assess the Damage: Take note of any visible damage to your car and to the other vehicle(s). Do not argue or make accusations about fault at this stage—just gather information.

• Check the Other Vehicle(s): If possible, check the other vehicles involved. Ask if they are okay. If anyone is injured, call for medical help.

Exchange Information

• Speak to the Other Driver(s): Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance details, and vehicle registration numbers with the other driver(s). Be polite but don’t admit fault.

• Document the Scene: Take photos of:

• Damage to all vehicles involved.

• The accident scene (if safe to do so).

• License plates and other identifying features of all vehicles.

• Any road conditions or signs that might have contributed to the accident.

• Witnesses: If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information in case you need a statement.

Contact Your Insurance Company

• Call Your Insurer: As soon as possible, contact your car insurance company to report the accident. Provide them with all the details:

  • Date, time, and location of the accident.

  • A description of how the accident happened.

  • Information on the other driver(s) and vehicles involved.

• Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid admitting fault at the scene or over the phone. Your insurance company will help you determine liability.

• Insurance Claim: Your insurer may want to inspect your car or arrange repairs, so make sure to follow their instructions.

Report the Accident

• Police Report: In some cases, especially if there’s significant damage, injury, or you suspect the other driver is uninsured, you may need to report the accident to the police.

• If you didn’t call the police at the scene, you may need to report it within 24 hours at your local police station.

• Accident Details: Make sure you write down any important details you might forget, such as names, addresses, insurance policy numbers, and the accident’s exact location.

After the Accident

• Follow Up with Your Insurer: Your insurer may ask for more details or documentation. Be patient and provide them with everything they need.

• Repair Your Vehicle: If your car is damaged, your insurance company will likely arrange repairs or advise you on how to proceed.

General Tips for Both Breakdown and Accident Situations

• Stay Calm: Take deep breaths if you feel overwhelmed. Break things down into small tasks, and ask for help if you need it.

• Use Your Phone for Help: Don’t hesitate to use your phone to call for help—whether it’s your breakdown service, a loved one, or emergency services.

• Practice Self-Care: After a stressful situation like a breakdown or accident, take time to relax and check in with yourself. Managing mental health during these events is important.

Summary Checklist

If Your Car Breaks Down:

• Pull over and turn on hazard lights.

• Assess the situation (check for safety).

• Call your breakdown service (e.g., RAC, AA) or 999 if you’re in immediate danger.

• Wait for help and stay calm.

• Follow the breakdown technician’s advice or arrange repairs.

If You Get Into a Car Accident:

• Stay calm, check for injuries, and turn on hazard lights.

• Assess damage and move to safety if possible.

• Exchange information with the other driver(s) and take photos.

• Call your insurance company to report the accident.

• Report to the police if needed, and follow up with your insurer for repairs or claims.

Final Thoughts

By following these steps, you’ll be better prepared to handle a breakdown or accident and know what to do at each stage. Take it step by step, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.