Although cars today are safe, efficient and pretty reliable, they do break down. And not always in the most advantageous areas. That’s why it pays to have good breakdown coverage, in case something should happen.
But what if you don’t?
Your first job would be to find a local garage. This might not be easy. You’d probably need good internet service on your mobile phone, which is not always a given. Most local garages aren't open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you’d likely need to arrange overnight accommodation and onward transportation to your destination.
The garage would probably send someone out to try and fix the vehicle, or arrange for a tow truck to take you back to their base.
This can be extremely expensive, even before a mechanic looks at the vehicle, and can run into hundreds of pounds.
Dangerous situation
If you, or other road users are in a potentially dangerous situation, then it might be best to call the emergency services. On motorways, there are emergency telephones that you can use to contact the Highways Agency, who can also contact the police for you. The direction of the nearest emergency phone should be shown by arrows on the posts supporting the barrier of the hard shoulder.
You will need to put your hazard lights on, exit your vehicle and stand well away from it, on the far side of the crash barrier, preferably wearing hi-visibility clothing.
Of course, you may be a mechanical expert, and think you can fix the car yourself. However, if it’s a technical issue, which it often is, it is best to leave it to the experts at a local garage.
If you have broken down, you can, of course, arrange breakdown cover on the spot, but this can be extraordinarily expensive.
Europe
If you break down while travelling in Europe, your problems are multiplied. You'll need to contend with the local language, the problems of getting the correct spare parts, and repatriation can be messy and difficult.
Your best option is to have arranged breakdown cover before encountering a problem. Trusted Bear is here to make your breakdown issues more bearable. We offer a variety of packages tailored to fit your needs before you start your journey.
As well as Roadside Assistance, we offer local towing; we cover caravans and trailers; nationwide recovery; alternative transport; emergency accommodation and repatriation from Europe.
Contact Trusted Bear today to find out more about how we can support you on your journeys. Use our Contact Form or go to our Products page to find out more.