Broken down? Here’s what to do
Stay calm and get safe first. Then send us your location and we'll take it from there.
If you're stopped in a live lane, or anyone is hurt or in danger, call 999 immediately. On a motorway, you can also call National Highways on 0300 123 5000.
On a motorway or fast A-road
- Go leftSignal left, move into the left lane and pull onto the hard shoulder, into an emergency area or onto a slip road if you can. Put your hazard lights on.
- Get safeIf it's safe, get out on the left-hand side (away from traffic) with all passengers. Wait behind the safety barrier and well up the bank. Wear high-vis if you have it. Don't go back to the vehicle.
- Stuck in a live lane?Stay in the vehicle with seatbelts on and hazard lights on, and call 999 straight away.
- Get helpOnce you're safe, call us on 07376 322865 or tap Send my location. Tell us the road, direction, nearest junctions and the marker post number.
On a normal road, car park or at home
- Get off the road if you canPull over somewhere safe and visible, away from bends and brows of hills. Hazard lights on.
- Warn other driversOn ordinary roads, put a warning triangle about 45 metres behind your vehicle, but only if it's safe. Never use one on a motorway.
- Stay visible and warmAt night or in bad weather, wear something bright and stay well away from the traffic.
- Send us your detailsYour location, the vehicle, what happened and where you want it taken. A photo on WhatsApp helps us bring the right kit.
What to tell us
- Your exact location (the Send my location button does this for you)
- Make, model and whether it's automatic, electric or hybrid
- What happened, and whether it rolls, steers and brakes
- Where you'd like the vehicle taken
- How many passengers need a lift
Wrong fuel?
Don't start the engine or turn the ignition on. Put the car in neutral, push it somewhere safe if you can do so safely, and call us. We can take it to a garage that can drain the fuel.
FAQs
What should I do first if I break down on a motorway?
Move into the left lane and onto the hard shoulder, an emergency area or a slip road if you can. Put your hazard lights on, get out on the left-hand side if it's safe, and wait behind the barrier. If you can't get out safely, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on and call 999.
Should I stay in my car?
Only if it's not safe to get out, for example if you're stopped in a live lane. Otherwise, get out on the side away from the traffic and wait somewhere safe, behind a barrier if there is one.
Should I use a warning triangle on the motorway?
No. Don't put a warning triangle out on a motorway, because it's not safe to walk along the carriageway. On other roads, use one only if it's safe to do so.
This guide is based on National Highways advice. Always follow instructions from the police, traffic officers and the emergency services.
Need a recovery truck now?
Call, WhatsApp or send your location. You'll get a fixed price before we set off.