What is Roadside Assistance and What NOT to Do if You Break Down

Roadside assistance is an essential service for drivers that provides help if your vehicle breaks down or encounters any mechanical issues. Whether included as part of your car insurance or purchased as a separate plan, having roadside assistance ensures peace of mind knowing that help is always available when you need it most. But what exactly does roadside assistance cover, and what should you avoid doing if you break down on the road? In this blog, we’ll explain what roadside assistance is, what it covers, and focus on what you should not do when you find yourself in a roadside emergency.

1. What is Roadside Assistance?
   

Roadside assistance is a service designed to provide emergency help to drivers when their vehicle fails or encounters issues. This help can range from towing your vehicle to the nearest garage, changing a flat tyre, jump-starting a dead battery, or even unlocking your car if you’ve left the keys inside. The aim is to get you back on the road quickly and safely. However, there are some common mistakes people make in these situations that can worsen the problem or delay the assistance you need.

2. What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?
   

Before diving into what not to do if you break down, it’s important to understand what roadside assistance typically covers:

• Towing: Your vehicle will be towed to a local garage if it cannot be fixed on the spot.
• Flat Tyre Changes: Assistance with changing a flat tyre using your vehicle's spare.
• Jump-Starts: Help with starting your car if the battery is flat.
• Lockout Services: Unlocking your vehicle if the keys are accidentally locked inside.
• Fuel Delivery: Providing a small amount of fuel if you run out.
• Winching Services: Pulling your vehicle out if it’s stuck in mud, snow, or a ditch.
• Trip Interruption Coverage: Cover for expenses like accommodation or meals if you are stranded far from home.

3. Don't Panic: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

If your car breaks down, it’s easy to panic, especially if you’re on a busy road or in an unfamiliar area. However, panicking can lead to poor decision-making. Stay calm and try to assess the situation rationally. Think about what might have caused the breakdown. Is it a flat tyre, an empty fuel tank, or something more serious?

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t slam on the brakes or make sudden movements. This can cause accidents or further damage to your vehicle.
• Don’t get out of the car immediately if you’re on a busy road. Stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until it’s safe to exit.

4. Don't Attempt DIY Repairs in Dangerous Locations

When your car breaks down, your first instinct might be to fix the problem yourself, especially if it seems minor. However, attempting DIY repairs on the roadside, especially in high-traffic areas, can be extremely dangerous.

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t try to change a tyre or jump-start your car on a busy road or motorway. This can put you at risk of being hit by passing vehicles.
• Don’t crawl under your vehicle to inspect it unless you’re in a safe and secure location, such as a lay-by or car park.

5. Don’t Forget to Call for Help Immediately

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when your car breaks down is waiting too long to call for roadside assistance. The longer you wait, the longer you’ll be stuck. As soon as you realise you need help, make the call.

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t assume you can manage on your own if you’re not entirely sure what the problem is.
• Don’t rely on strangers passing by for help; always call a professional.

6. Don't Leave Your Vehicle in a Dangerous Position

If your car breaks down on a busy road or motorway, leaving it in a dangerous position can create a hazard for other drivers and increase your risk of an accident.

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t stop in a lane of traffic if you can avoid it. Try to pull over to the hard shoulder or a safe location away from traffic.
• Don’t forget to switch on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your situation.

7. Don’t Neglect Safety Precautions

When you break down, it’s crucial to take all necessary safety precautions to protect yourself, your passengers, and other road users.

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t stand directly in front of or behind your vehicle, especially in low visibility or bad weather conditions.
• Don’t forget to put on a high-visibility jacket and place a warning triangle a safe distance behind your vehicle if it’s safe to do so.

8. Don't Ignore the Importance of Having a Roadside Assistance Plan

Many drivers assume they’ll never need roadside assistance or that it’s an unnecessary expense. However, breakdowns can happen to anyone, and being unprepared can leave you in a difficult and potentially dangerous situation.

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t ignore the benefits of having roadside assistance. It’s often more affordable than you think and can save you significant time, money, and stress in the long run.
• Don’t forget to keep your roadside assistance provider’s contact details handy in your car or phone.

9. Don’t Rely on Outdated Information

If you’ve had roadside assistance for a while, you might assume your cover is sufficient without regularly reviewing it. Plans can change, and so can your needs, so it’s essential to ensure your coverage is up-to-date.

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t assume your roadside assistance covers every situation; check the terms and conditions regularly.
• Don’t forget to update your provider if you’ve changed your vehicle or travel habits.

10. Don’t Take Unnecessary Risks While Waiting for Help

While waiting for roadside assistance, it’s important to stay safe and avoid taking unnecessary risks.

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t stand too close to the road or your vehicle if you’re waiting outside. Move to a safe spot, like behind a barrier or away from traffic.
• Don’t leave your vehicle if it’s safer to remain inside, especially in poor weather or if you’re on a motorway.

11. Don’t Rely Solely on Your Mobile Phone

While mobile phones are invaluable in emergencies, you shouldn’t rely solely on them for roadside assistance.

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t wait until your phone’s battery is low before calling for help. Always keep a car charger or portable battery pack.
• Don’t assume you’ll have signal everywhere; it’s a good idea to know your route and possible safe spots in case of emergencies.

12. Don’t Assume Roadside Assistance Covers Everything

While roadside assistance covers many services, it’s not a catch-all solution. Understand the limitations of your plan to avoid surprises.

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t expect roadside assistance to cover parts or repairs; it usually only covers the cost of the service call and basic repairs.
• Don’t overlook additional costs that might apply if you exceed mileage limits for towing or require specialised services.

13. Don’t Forget to Use the Additional Perks

Many roadside assistance plans offer additional benefits that can be valuable, such as discounts on travel and accommodation.

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t overlook these benefits; check what’s included in your plan to maximise its value.
• Don’t fail to ask your provider about any extra perks you might be entitled to.

14. Don’t Forget to Familiarise Yourself with the Process

Knowing how to use your roadside assistance can save you time and stress during an emergency.

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t wait until you’re in a breakdown situation to find out how to request assistance.
• Don’t forget to download any apps or save important numbers provided by your roadside assistance company.

15. Don’t Underestimate the Value of Peace of Mind

Roadside assistance is about providing peace of mind. By knowing you’re covered in case of a breakdown, you can drive with confidence, reducing anxiety and stress on the road.

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t underestimate how valuable peace of mind is, especially if you’re driving in unfamiliar areas or late at night.
• Don’t wait until you’re stuck on the side of the road to realise the importance of having a reliable roadside assistance plan.

Conclusion: Stay Prepared and Avoid Common Mistakes

Understanding what roadside assistance is and what it covers is essential, but knowing what not to do if you break down is just as important. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you remain safe and get back on the road as quickly as possible. Don’t wait until an emergency to appreciate the value of roadside assistance—be proactive, choose the right plan for your needs, and always stay prepared for the unexpected.