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Broken Down Car? Here’s What To Do
Broken Down Car? Here’s What To Do
Written by
Kervin Mathew
Edited by
Ellie Garran
Reviewed by
Adrian BennettCompare car insurance policies the easy way
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Long story short
If your car breaks down, stay calm and stay safe
Turn on hazard lights, pull over if possible, and exit through the passenger side away from traffic.
If you can’t move the car, stay inside with your seatbelts on
Call for help immediately, especially if your car is blocking traffic or someone needs medical assistance.
Consider roadside assistance for added peace of mind when you’re on the road
A service provider will come to your car’s location to help you get back up and running.
Help prevent breakdowns with regular maintenance and checks
Service your car on time, monitor warning lights, and keep an emergency kit handy.
What should I do if my car breaks down?
In a country like Australia, where driving is a way of life (and ‘down the road’ can be anything between a kilometre and a three-day drive!), breakdowns can certainly happen – the key is to be prepared.
Whether your car’s carked it on the motorway or in the middle of city traffic, it’s important to look out for the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other motorists.
Basic steps to follow
Use your hazard lights
If you find something going wrong with your car, make sure your hazard lights are turned on so other motorists are aware of the situation.
Get your car off the road
Pull over to a safe place on the side of the road if you can, ensuring that you’re a safe distance from moving traffic. Use emergency lanes or stay as far to the left as possible.
Exit your vehicle carefully
If you’re leaving your car, do it through the passenger doors to avoid passing traffic. If it isn’t safe to leave your vehicle, stay inside with your seatbelts on.
When conditions get tricky
On a highway or motorway
Try to exit the highway as soon as you can. If you can’t, pull over to the side of the road as far away from traffic as possible. If you don’t feel safe to leave your vehicle, stay inside.
At night or in low visibility conditions
Along with the hazard lights, keep your interior lights on so other motorists have a better chance of seeing you. It also helps to have reflective clothing if you need to leave your car.
If you can’t move the car
Turn on your hazard lights, and if it’s unsafe to leave the vehicle, stay inside. Call emergency services if your car is disrupting or blocking traffic.
Note: It might help to carry an emergency kit with things like medical supplies, a high-vis vest, a torch or emergency light, power bank for your phone, and a hazard sign.
Helpful tip
Choosing a car insurance policy is about balancing your budget and the cover you need. A third-party car insurance policy might be cheaper, but a comprehensive policy covers more, including the option of roadside assistance. You might also find features such as hire car after an accident or emergency transport and accommodation, which could end up being super convenient.
Adrian Bennett
General Manager for General Insurance
What’s roadside assistance?
Roadside assistance is a service you can use to help with car-related issues that leave you and your vehicle stranded on the road – the name pretty much gives it away!
You can sign up with a roadside assistance package and get year-round cover or get a one-off service when you need it.
Most roadside assistance providers offer Australia-wide coverage, whether it’s in metropolitan Melbourne, Noosa, down in Lonnie, or whichever side of the Nullarbor your car breaks down.
Bear in mind, roadside assistance doesn’t cover car issues caused by accidents. Nonetheless, some car insurance policies include roadside assistance as a standard feature or as an optional add-on.
How much does roadside assistance cost?
A standard roadside assistance package could start at around $50 annually. Or if you want specialised roadside assistance with more features or wider coverage, it might cost you as much as $300 a year. Of course, if you get roadside assistance as part of your car insurance policy, all you’ll have to pay is your premiums.
How can roadside assistance help with breakdowns?
| Common breakdown causes | What roadside assistance can do |
| Mechanical or electrical fault | Perform minor repairs or tow your car to the nearest mechanic |
| Out of fuel | Provide emergency fuel to help get your car to a servo or charging station |
| Dead battery | Perform a jump-start or replace your car battery |
| Punctured tyre | Replace it with your spare or tow your car to a nearby service centre. |
There may be limits to how far your car can be towed or the amount of fuel you’re given. So, be sure to read the terms and conditions for any roadside assistance service you’re considering signing up with.
How do I prevent my car from breaking down?
Here are some tips to help keep your car in good running condition and minimise the risk of breakdowns.
- Keep an eye out for warning lights on your dashboard. These indicate when systems such as engine temperature, battery charge, and oil or brake pressures are out of the normal range.
- Get your car serviced on time to make sure everything from the battery to spark plugs to fluid levels are up to the mark. Also check your tyre pressure regularly.
- To keep the battery from going flat, drive your vehicle over a longer distance from time to time. Shorter, more frequent trips tend to drain your car’s battery faster.
- If you’re dangerously low on fuel, you could try driving slowly and accelerating smoothly while trying to get to the nearest servo. You could also turn your air-conditioner off save that little bit of fuel.
- To keep your engine from overheating, find a safe spot and give your car a breather. Try making regular stops if you’re on a road trip or turning off your engine if you’re stuck in a traffic jam.
So, the answer is simple: look after your car and your car will look after you!
Frequently asked questions
Can I track my roadside assistance service?
If you call for roadside assistance, you’ll usually get an SMS with a link. You can use this to track your service person though your phone’s GPS and see how long they’ll take to get to you.
Can roadside assistance cover multiple cars and drivers?
Yes, but it depends on your service provider. Some roadside assistance plans can cover up to five vehicles. You can also add multiple drivers and the cars that they own.
Can I get roadside assistance at my home?
Yes. Though it’s called ‘roadside’ assistance, a service person can come to where you live and assist with issues such as a flat battery, a punctured tyre, or a tow to a mechanic.
What should I have in my emergency kit?
An ideal emergency kit should have:
- a torch and spare batteries
- a phone charger, charged phone, and power bank
- a hi-vis vest
- jumper cables and basic tools
- a first-aid kit
- a fire extinguisher.
You could also try carrying some extra fuel, water, and any spare parts you can work with. Remember to save your roadside assistance provider’s phone number in case your mobile internet drops out.
How do I get a car insurance policy with roadside assistance?
With all the ‘what ifs’ around choosing car insurance, it helps to compare policies so you can drive with peace of mind.
While we don’t compare roadside assistance, you can use the iSelect comparison tool to compare policies from a range of well-known car insurance brands in Australia. A number of these policies may include roadside assistance as an optional extra, and if you find one that suits your budget, we’ll help you sign up and you can explore any available add-ons directly with the provider.
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