Car Breakdown services

Breakdown advice

A breakdown can happen to anyone, and it can take even the most experienced of drivers by surprise.

Investing in our car breakdown cover means that comprehensive car recovery services to assist you and ensure you get home safely should be just a phone call away.

What to do if you break down

It is vital for your safety and wellbeing that you try to remain as calm as possible and follow recommended procedures.

If your car breaks down or develops a problem that prevents you from continuing your journey:

• Try as far as possible to get off the road and to steer yourself into a safe position on the verge.
• If this is not possible and the engine suddenly dies, switch on your hazard lights.
• If you breakdown at night, also remember to switch on your sidelights.
• If you have a mobile phone and a signal, call us or your breakdown cover provider immediately.
• Do not ring 999 for police and other emergency services unless anyone has been injured, you believe that you are in danger or that your vehicle presents a hazard to other motorists.
• If you have a reflective warning triangle stored in the boot, and you think it's safe for you to walk on the road, place it at least 45 metres (50 yards) behind your vehicle.
• If you have to walk to a pay phone, take all passengers with you and lock all your doors leaving your hazard lights on. (Never leave children alone in the car).
• When you make contact with your car breakdown services, try to give them clear instructions regarding your location, including any landmarks such as a church or roundabout to help them find you.
• If you've been unfortunate enough to have broken down in the middle of the road, then you must get out of the car safely and quickly. Leave from doors closest to the verge and wait in a safe place as far off the road as possible.
• Don't forget to retrieve your warning triangle if you've used one, after the assistance from your breakdown cover services have got you back on the road.

What to do if you break down on a motorway

• If you are approaching an exit, try to get off the motorway or pull into a service area. If that's not possible, steer your vehicle onto the hard shoulder, as close you can to the nearest emergency telephone (located approximately every mile along the hard shoulder).
• Pull in as far as possible. Also turn your steering wheel hard left to avoid slipping back onto the carriageway.
• Switch on your hazard lights but do not attempt DIY repairs, however simple, as this could put you and other passengers in danger.
• It is safest to get out of your vehicle to await car recovery. If you have a reflective vest put it on and exit via the left-hand side door. Tell all passengers to stay well away from the carriageway and try to get everyone up the bank and ideally behind a barrier. Keep children under close supervision at all times.
• Once you're in a safe place, use your mobile phone to call us or your car breakdown service provider.
• If you don't have a mobile or can't get a signal, walk on your side of the carriageway to the nearest emergency phone. You'll find arrows on the posts at the back of the hard shoulder to direct you. Never attempt to cross the carriageway.
• Free emergency telephones connect you direct to the police or Highways Agency. Tell them where you are and also advise them of your situation, particularly if you are a female or elderly motorist travelling alone.

For further information about car breakdown advice and Highway Code rules and regulations, visit the Directgov website. www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069863

Breakdown insurance with 24-hour emergency cover can save you money in the long run - and give you great peace of mind.

Click to read more details of Zurich Connect's car breakdown cover and car recovery services.