| Most insurers will offer you the option of additional cover in case you break down. There are various levels of cover which range from a home start recovery to a basic roadside recovery and a nationwide recovery. Travelling to Western Europe can have its problems if you breakdown and are unable to speak the language.
If you are expecting to make a trip abroad it is a good idea to find out if your provider can add an endorsement which could cover you for the breakdown of the vehicle and roadside assistance and for any accommodation you may require until your vehicle is roadworthy. Some policies will include the use of a hire car.
If you are planning a long trip you should make sure you have the following on board;
- An up to date road atlas
- A charged up mobile phone
- A red warning triangle
- A torch, ice scraper, pen & paper
- Bottled water, especially in the summer months
- A travel rug
If you do breakdown you should observe the following;
- Try to pull off the road and park in a safe place
- Put your hazard warning lights on
- Put a warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres behind your broken down vehicle.
- Keep your sidelights on if it is dark or visibility is poor
- Lock the doors and call for help from mobile or from a payphone
If you breakdown on the motorway;
- Try to stop near an emergency phone pulling onto the hard shoulder as far from the inside lane as possible. These are free and will connect you to the police.
- Switch on your hazard warning lights
- Face oncoming traffic when you phone
- If you are travelling alone or feel at risk wait inside your car with the doors locked
• Make sure you and your passengers do not remain inside the vehicle |
