what to do if your car breaks down and you have no phone

If you don’t have a mobile, walk to an emergency phone on your side of the carriageway. Follow the arrows on the posts at the back of the hard shoulder – the phone is free and connects directly to the police. We provide 24/7 roadside assistance. Buy breakdown cover Things not to do: Don’t put yourself in danger by attempting even simple repairs.

Full Answer

What to do if your car breaks down?

You can still call a breakdown company and ask for emergency assistance. But you might have to pay the cost of any help you get – and this could run into hundreds of pounds. As an alternative, you could call a local garage to see if they can help.

What should I do if I am in a car accident?

When you are safe, call for help. If you have a roadside assistance provider, give them a call. If you don’t have a provider, call for a tow truck if you need further assistance, or call 911 if it is an emergency. If you don’t have a cellphone, hang a white cloth or piece of paper out of your window and wait for the highway patrol.

What should I do if my car catches on fire?

Call for help – if you don’t have the number for a local towing company or roadside assistance, call 911. If you’ve made it to a safe spot on the side of the road and traffic is clear, you should: Move a safe distance away from your car if you see smoke or flames .

What to do if you don’t have a cell phone?

If you don’t have a cellphone, hang a white cloth or piece of paper out of your window and wait for the highway patrol. If you are driving alone at night, be careful about accepting help from strangers, and stay inside your car if you can. Make sure your doors are locked and your windows are up.

What to do if your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere with no service?

Even if your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, call 911. Even if you don't have cell service in the spot where your car broke down, some cell towers will likely be nearby.

Who do you phone when your car breaks down?

911Call for help. Call or use an app to get a tow truck, mechanic or roadside assistance to come help. your insurance company or other provider who may be able to help. If you're in an emergency situation or are not sure who to contact, call 911 or the local police for help.

How do you get home when your car breaks down?

If possible, move your vehicle to the right shoulder as far over as you can. Then, turn on your hazard lights and notify the authorities. If you must exit the vehicle, do so with caution and stay out of the lanes of traffic. You should also have a good roadside emergency kit on hand in your trunk when you break down.

What should you do if your car break down?

Broken down on a motorwayTake your car off the motorway. Try to leave the motorway at the nearest exit or by pulling into a service station. ... Leave your car safely and stand away from traffic. Turn on your hazards and if you've broken down at night or visibility is low, use your sidelights too. ... Give us a call.

Can you call 911 if you are stranded?

If possible, call 911 when stranded. Make sure to prioritize being warm and safe if you are ever stranded during winter. Always be cautious when deciding whether to drive during harsh weather conditions. If you ever do find yourself stranded while driving during winter, always try to call 911 first.

Can I leave my broken down car?

To help you stay safe until you get help, follow these additional motorway breakdown rules: If you can't leave the motorway, pull over to the hard shoulder and turn your wheels to the left. If you can, stop near an emergency telephone. Leave your car through the left-hand door and make sure any passengers do so too.

Can I join AA and use it immediately?

How soon can I use my cover? Your cover starts 24 hours after the start date you choose (which can be up to 60 days from when you buy).

Can you call the AA if your not a member?

We'll come and rescue you, even if you're not a Member yet. If you're already with us, you can also report a breakdown and pinpoint your location using our app. It's the fastest way to ask us for help and track our arrival.

What do you do if you break down at night?

What To do If Your Car Breaks Down At NightTry To Remain Calm. ... Call A 24-Hour Towing Service. ... Turn On Your Hazard Lights. ... Share Your Location With Someone. ... Stay Inside Your Car & Keep An Eye Out. ... About Action Towing.

How long does AA take to arrive?

The AA said the average time between when they receive a call and when they arrive at the breakdown is under 50 minutes while the RAC said it gives each member an individual expected time of arrival.

Is AA breakdown 24 hours?

We provide 24/7 roadside assistance.

Should you call 911 if your car breaks down?

Call the police, or 911. For that reason, you'll want to make sure that emergency services are notified as soon as possible. When you speak to the dispatch operator, make sure to tell them that your car is blocking traffic so that they know to send an officer to direct traffic immediately.

What is the first thing to do if your brakes fail?

How to stop a vehicle that has total brake failure. Pump the brake pedal continuously. This could build residual pressure in the brake system to slow the car, but will most certainly warn trailing traffic you are attempting to stop. If you feel brake pressure return, gradually press the brakes until you come to a stop.

What does Texas roadside assistance cover?

This service is open to you 24 hour hours a day, seven days a week. It applies to all cars that you drive, whether you're the passenger or the driver, and services anywhere in Texas. While free, auto services and repairs are your responsibility to cover.

What happens if your car breaks down and you still owe money?

When your car breaks down and you still owe money to the bank for the vehicle, you have a few options: Roll it over. You can add the debt from your old car to a new car loan and pay both cars off simultaneously. Pay off the loan.

What to do if your car is still moving?

If your car is still moving, try to steer to the right to pull over as far away from travel lanes as safely as possible. Once stopped, activate the emergency brake to keep your car from rolling. Call for help. If you can't find a number for a local tow company or roadside assistance, call 911.

How to stop a car from causing damage?

Stay in your car until traffic has cleared. Exit the vehicle when safe and pop the hood. Get out briefly to pop the hood. (It signals to other cars that you're having car trouble.) Avoid checking for damage or making repairs if you're on a busy roadway or in the line of traffic.

What to do if your car has a flat tire?

Get off the road. If your car engine is stalling or has died, or you have a flat tire, your first move should be to get your car to a safe spot if you can. Avoid the temptation to slam on the brakes and instead use your momentum to safely edge to the side of the road.

How to stay safe during a breakdown?

If you’ve made it to the side of the road or are still in the road, there are several steps you can take to stay safe, including: Turn on your emergency blinkers, Activate your emergency brake, Secure a hanging white piece of cloth or paper in the window, and. Call for help – if you don’t have ...

How to get out of a car when you're stuck?

Put out reflective triangles, cones or flares. Place them behind your car one about 10 feet from your vehicle, and another about 200 feet away. Walk as far right as you can, out of traffic, while you wait for help. If you've stalled, activate the emergency brake. Wait until traffic has cleared to get out of your car.

What to do if you don't have a towing number?

Call for help – if you don’t have the number for a local towing company or roadside assistance, call 911.

How long should you stay in your car?

Stay in your car until traffic has cleared.

What to do if your car is going to be there for some time?

If your car is going to be there for some time speak to a parking attendant or a member of staff of the business where the car park is located .

What to do if your car is obstructing the road?

Call for help. This could be your breakdown provider if you have one, or a local garage. If your car is obstructing the road, call the police on 101 (the non-emergency number) and let them know. They may need to divert traffic or make the area safe.

How to get a breakdown cover?

As well as the advice given above, here are some extra tips: 1 Consider getting breakdown cover. 2 Keep a breakdown kit in your car at all times. This should include essentials such as a high-visibility jacket, a warning triangle and a torch. 3 Have your car serviced before you set off on any long journeys. 4 Don’t ignore any dashboard warning indicators or unusual noises that your car make. Get them checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible, before they develop into more serious problems.

How to stop a car from going in the dark?

If it's dark, switch on your sidelights too. Pull over to a safe place away from traffic. Leave the car through the door furthest away from traffic. If you have one, put on a reflective vest or jacket. If you have one, put a red warning triangle at least 45 metres behind the car.

Why are smart roads dangerous?

Smart motorways are particularly dangerous because there's no hard shoulder. But here's how you maximise your safety: Switch on your hazard lights. If visibility is poor, switch on your fog lights too. If you're able to, move the car to an emergency refuge area.

How to keep a breakdown kit in your car?

Keep a breakdown kit in your car with a few essentials. They take up little space and could make a real difference. Take your car for a free health check before you set off on any long journeys. Watch out for any early warning signs and get them looked at as soon as possible.

What to do if you can't make it to an emergency refuge area?

If you can't make it to an emergency refuge area: Pull up as close as you can to the left-hand verge. Leave the car from the passenger's side and get clear of the car. If you've broken down in the middle or right lanes, or if it's not safe to leave the car: Stay inside. Keep your seat belt on. Call 999 straight away.

How to stop a car from causing problems while driving?

If you experience vehicle problems while driving, your first priority is to pull off to a safe location away from the flow of traffic . Take your foot off the gas pedal. Do not brake suddenly. Ideally, aim for the right shoulder of the road — pulling into the left-hand shoulder is a last resort. Be sure to park with your wheels turned to ...

How to avoid a breakdown when your car breaks down?

How to Avoid a Breakdown When Your Vehicle Breaks Down. It’s stressful when your car breaks down, but there are steps to take to stay safe and get help quickly. Vehicle breakdowns are bad enough without the added stress of being unsure what to do if you experience one. Whether your vehicle is having a mechanical failure, ...

What to do if you are driving alone at night?

If you are driving alone at night, be careful about accepting help from strangers, and stay inside your car if you can. Make sure your doors are locked and your windows are up. Remember, safety must take precedence over your schedule or other concerns you may have.

What to do if you don't have a tow truck?

If you have a roadside assistance provider, give them a call. If you don’t have a provider, call for a tow truck if you need further assistance, or call 911 if it is an emergency. If you don’t have a cellphone, hang a white cloth or piece of paper out of your window and wait for the highway patrol.

What to do if you have a roadside assistance provider?

If you have a roadside assistance provider, give them a call.

Is it stressful to drive a car when it breaks down?

It’s stressful when your car breaks down, but there are steps to take to stay safe and get help quickly.

What to do when your car breaks down on the highway?

When out of harm’s way, assess the situation and call for help, such as from Nationwide’s Roadside Assistance, which will be there when your car breaks down on the highway, when you have a flat, need a jump or get locked out.

How to stay safe when your car breaks down?

Keep them in your phone as well as on a paper attached to your insurance and registration info. Staying calm, steering out of traffic if possible, and being prepared for an emergency can help you stay safe when your car breaks down on the highway. Auto. Coverages. Discounts.

What to keep in car for emergency?

Consider keeping the following items in your car: 1 Cell phone with charger 2 Notebook and pencil 3 Extra medications 4 Vehicle operating manual 5 Emergency service info, such as phone numbers 6 Flashlight and extra batteries (these should be checked often) 7 Drinking water and preserved food 8 Jumper cables 9 Tire-pressure gauge 10 Reflectors or flares 11 Signal flag or reflective vest or scarf 12 Windshield-washer fluid and wiping cloth 13 Coolant 14 Fire extinguisher 15 Ice scraper, snow brush, snow shovel and cat litter, in lieu of sand, where needed 16 Heavy gloves 17 Thermal or safety blanket 18 A chemical heat source such as hand warmers 19 Candles and waterproof matches 20 Jack and a flat board for soft surfaces 21 Lug wrench for changing flats 22 Toolkit with screwdriver, pliers, duct tape and adjustable wrench 23 Umbrella 24 Extra fuses and fan/alternator belt 25 First-aid kit

What to do if you can't remove a vehicle from the travel lane?

If you can’t remove the vehicle from the travel lane and can’t exit, contact emergency services, turn on your hazard lights and keep your seatbelt on.

How to exit a car when pulling over?

If you can pull over to the side of the road, exit through the passenger-side door, away from traffic, then stand far away - behind the guardrail, if possible. Many oncoming drivers tend to steer toward whatever they’re looking at, whether it's a crash ahead or a car breakdown on the roadside.

What to do when your car breaks down?

At the first sign of car trouble, gently and smoothly take your foot off the accelerator. Do not brake hard or suddenly. Carefully work your vehicle toward the breakdown lane or the side of the road.

How to get help when your car is beyond repair?

However, when the car is beyond repair, it is best to get professional help. Do not try to flag down other vehicles. Raise your hood and tie something white to the radio antenna or hang it out a window so police officers or tow truck operators will know help is needed. Don’t stand behind or next to your vehicle. If the car is in the roadway, stand away from the vehicle and wait for help to arrive.

How to change lanes on a highway?

Carefully work your vehicle toward the breakdown lane or the side of the road. If you are on an interstate, try to reach an exit. Signal your intentions to drivers behind you. If it is necessary to change lanes, watch your mirrors and the traffic around you closely. Once off the road, make your car visible.

How to get help in a car accident?

If your car is safely out of traffic, wait inside the vehicle with the doors locked. Use your cellular phone to call for help.

What to do when someone stops and offers to help?

If someone stops and offers to help, open the window slightly and ask them to call the police. Watch for a uniforme d police officer or other emergency personnel. All interstate highways and major roads are patrolled regularly. Also, some highways have special “call-for-help” phones.

Can you change a flat tire without being in traffic?

When you have a flat tire, be certain that you can change it safely without being close to traffic. If that is possible, change the tire as you normally would. Remember, safety must take precedence over your schedule or whatever other concerns you may have.

Can you walk on an interstate?

Also, some highways have special “call-for-help” phones. It is inadvisable to walk on an interstate, especially during inclement weather. However, if you can reach a source of help on foot, without jeopardizing your physical or personal safety, try the direct approach by walking.