Breakdowns are a nuisance for every driver, but there’s no escaping them. No matter how new or well-maintained the car is, it can break down.
If your car doesn’t start or breaks down on the side of the road, you should ring your insurer, as most will have a breakdown assistance team to assist you back on the road.
If you’re with KennCo Insurance, then breakdown assistance comes with all of our car insurance policies.
What Does KennCo’s Breakdown Assistance Include?
- 24-Hour Roadside Assistance
- Recovery Service
- Get-you-to-your-destination Service
- Message Relay
- Home-Start
Who Should I Call if I Breakdown?
24-Hour Breakdown Assistance Number: 01 499 8316
What Details Do I Need?
Please have the following information at hand before you call:
- Policyholders’ name
- Policy number and car registration number
- Make, model and colour of your car
- Location of breakdown
- Contact phone number
Your breakdown assistance only covers repair work from one of our approved agencies. You must call KennCo so they can arrange for your vehicle to be fixed.
What Should I Do If I Breakdown?
If you can, pull off the road and park in a safe place- Turn on your hazard warning lights
- Put a warning triangle on the road 45m behind your broken-down vehicle
- Lock the doors and call for help on either your phone or a nearby payphone
Breakdown Advice
The following is advice if you have broken down in any of these areas.
Remote Area Breakdown
It may be scary and lonely if you break down in a remote area away from people, and it is a lot safer than you think.
You should do this:
- Call your insurance provider to send help to your location
- Call a friend/family member who can come and wait with you
- Stay in the car and wait for the breakdown assistance. Lock the doors if it makes you feel safer
- Switch on hazard lights
City Area Breakdown
When you break down in a city, it can be stressful. You may be obstructing other drivers or delaying road users.
You should do this:
Get your car into a safe spot away from others
- If causing an obstruction, put on your hazard lights
- Call your insurance provider for help
- Call a family member/friend and let them know where you are
- Show others you have broken down by opening the bonnet. Otherwise, people may think you’ve stopped for a call
Motorway Breakdown
Busy roads are the most dangerous to be stranded, so you must try to follow these steps.
You should do this:
- Pull onto the hard shoulder
- Turn your front wheels towards the hard shoulder
- Stop near an emergency phone if possible
- Get out on the passenger side of the car
- Keep passengers or pets away from the motorway
- Walk to an emergency phone if you can. These phone calls are directed to the police, who can find where you are. It is advised to use these over the phone if you can
- Place a warning triangle 45m behind your broken-down car
- Wait outside the car behind a barer if there is one there
Car Breakdown FAQs
What should I do if my car breaks down on the road?
If your car breaks down on the road, the first thing you should do is move your car off the road, if possible, to a safe location. If you cannot move your car, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
Can I leave my car if it breaks down?
It is generally not a good idea to leave your car if it breaks down, especially if it is on the side of a busy road. If you must leave your car, lock it and take any valuable items. If you cannot safely leave your car, it is best to stay with it until help arrives.
What should I do if I break down in a remote area?
If you break down in a remote area, try to remain calm and assess the situation. If you have a phone with you, try to call for help. If you do not have phone service, try to find a way to attract attention, such as using reflective materials or a flashlight to signal for help. If you are unable to get help, it may be necessary to try to walk to a nearby location for assistance.
What should I do if my car breaks down and I am stranded in bad weather?
If your car breaks down and you are stranded in bad weather, try to stay with your car if possible. Run the engine and heater for short periods of time to stay warm, but be sure to crack a window to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. If you have a blanket or other warm materials, use them to keep yourself warm. If you must leave your car, dress in layers and seek shelter from the elements.
Get a car insurance quote here.