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Breakdown Advice
Assitance For Emergency Breakdown:
AA UK Breakdown Cover
Breakdown Number: call 0800 887766 or, if calling from a mobile, 08457 887766
GEM Motoring Assist
Emergency breakdown helpline: : Freephone 0500 295 472 (lines open 24 hours)
Green Flag
Emergency Breakdown Number: 0800 051 0636. Open 24 hours a day 365 days a year
MORE TH>N
Breakdown Helpline: 0800 300 988
RAC
Breakdown Assistance: 0800 82 82 82. Call charges: Free Operating hours: 24 hours
Your Breakdown Cover provider will attend to your vehicle and have you back on your way quickly. However, here are some tips to make a breakdown even more manageable.
Trip Preparation
Many drivers make a big deal of preparing for a day-long drive, but never put the same thought into a quick trip across town. But, a breakdown is a breakdown - no matter where it occurs.
Taking a few moments to prepare yourself and your vehicle - before every trip - will ensure your safety and comfort.
Items that you should bring with you:
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Mobile phone
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Breakdown Cover card
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Leash and other restraint items if you are travelling with pets
Items to keep in your vehicle:
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Blankets, water, and a snack
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Games and other entertainment if you are travelling with children
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Reflective jacket for yourself and extras for other passengers
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Warning triangle
During a Breakdown
Not all breakdowns are complete surprises. In fact, most drivers are alerted to a problem when their vehicle emits a strange noise or smell, or when it starts driving differently. This little bit of time is a great opportunity to get your car parked in the safest place
On a Motorway
If you are on a motorway when your car starts to show signs of a breakdown, you should make a decision of whether you must pull over immediately or if you can exit the motorway to a safer location.
If you are able to pull over, follow these tips to stay safe:
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Get as far from moving traffic as possible, by pulling to the far left of the hard shoulder
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Ensure that your wheel is turned to the left to prevent your car from rolling into traffic
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Leave your sidelights on and use your hazard flashers to make yourself visible to traffic and your roadside assistance
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Stay as far from traffic as possible by having all passengers, including yourself, exit the vehicle by the left-hand doors
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Call for help, either by calling your breakdown cover provider from your mobile, or the police from an emergency telephone
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While on the verge keep all children and animals under control
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You should not remain in your vehicle unless you feel threatened by another person. In this case, return to your vehicle by the left hand doors and lock yourself in until the threat has passed
If you are unable to pull out of the carriageway, follow these tips to stay safe:
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Immediately switch on your hazard warning lights
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Wait for a safe break in traffic to exit your vehicle. Have all passengers exit from the side closest to the verge
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Do not attempt to place a warning triangle on the motorway. These should only be used in areas of calmer traffic
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Stay as far from traffic as possible by having all passengers, including yourself, exit the vehicle by the left-hand doors.
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Call for help, either by calling your breakdown cover provider from your mobile, or the police from an emergency telephone
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While on the verge keep all children and animals under control
Not on a motorway
If your car breakdown occurs on a road other than a motorway, you have more options available. Follow these tips to stay safe:
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Pull the car onto a less busy route or as far to the side as possible
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Turn on your hazard lights
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Exit the vehicle safely
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If traffic allows, place your warning triangle at least 45 meters behind your vehicle
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Stay as far from traffic as possible by having all passengers, including yourself, exit the vehicle by the left-hand doors
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Call for help, either by calling your breakdown cover provider from your mobile, or by locating a public phone.
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Keep all children and animals under control, and away from traffic
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