Green Flag

How to make an insurance claim after a breakdown

A black car with a small dent and scratches is parked.
Sometimes a breakdown can lead to damage that needs an insurance claim.

After a breakdown, you may find you need to make an insurance claim. This could be because your breakdown led to damage, you need to recover certain costs, or there’s been an accident or incident connected to the breakdown.

So, once the car and everyone in it is safe, here’s a few simple steps to making an insurance claim.

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What to do if you break down far from home

A woman and child are stood outside their car, calling their breakdown provider for help.
You might not know the roads, but knowing what actions to take if you break down will help ease the worry.

Breaking down is never ideal, but it can be especially difficult if you’re far from home in an area you don’t know. In these situations, knowing what to do next can help make things that bit easier. A few calm, practical steps can help keep you safe and get help on the way.

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Roadside assistance explained: what’s included and what isn’t

A car is at the side of the road after the couple driving it broke down.
Roadside assistance will provide cover when you break down away from home.

Breaking down is one of those things you never really expect to happen. You set off thinking about where you’re going, what time you’ll get there, and whether you remembered everything – then, you’re at the side of the road, hazards flashing, wondering what to do next. That’s exactly where roadside assistance can help.

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What to do if you lose your car keys

Many people will misplace their car keys at some point, but thankfully they’ll usually show up after a bit of a rummage.

But what if the keys really are gone? This guide will help you understand exactly what to do if your keys are lost or stolen, as well as sharing advice on how to keep them safe in the first place.

A car key fob is on the ground.
A lost car key isn’t a fun time for anyone.
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What happens if you put the wrong fuel in your car?

Take a few seconds longer to make sure you pick up the correct fuel pump.

Misfuelling your car is an easy mistake to make. All it takes is a distraction at the pump, or you’re driving an unfamiliar rental car or a work vehicle, and the damage can be done before you know it.

What might seem like a relatively small mistake can lead to stalling, engine damage and even complete engine failure. While these are serious issues, there are some immediate steps you can take if you misfuel.

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How long does roadside assistance take to arrive?

A lady in a coat and scarf is on the phone to her breakdown provider, while a man is seen behind her looking at the broken-down car.
Knowing how long help will take to arrive will ease anxiety about the breakdown.

There’s never a convenient time for your car to break down, and no one wants to be stuck, not knowing how long help will take to arrive.

Understanding what happens after you’ve asked for help can make sure you stay calm and informed while assistance is on the way. Even though every situation is different, there are several common factors which affect the estimated time of arrival (ETA) of roadside assistance.

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What is the best breakdown cover for daily commuters?

Image of cars on motorway to illustrate what kind of breakdown cover is best for commuting

In 2024, the average commuting time in Great Britain was around 28 minutes. While that may not sound long, it adds up to several hours on the road each week.

For many people, their daily commute is the journey their car makes most often. Having breakdown cover in place for regular journeys could help minimise disruption and get you back on the road as soon as possible.

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How to handle a motorway breakdown safely

A motorway is jammed with cars, stretching out into the distance.
Safety is your number one concern when breaking down on a motorway.

Breaking down on a motorway can feel far more intimidating than stopping on a local road. Not only does traffic move faster on a motorway, but it does so over multiple lanes. Knowing exactly what to do in this situation will help keep you safe.

Motorways are designed for high-speed travel, which means safety decisions must be quick, calm and deliberate. The Highway Code provides clear guidance for dealing with breakdowns on these roads, and following it carefully is essential.

Let’s look at some of the key recommendations.

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How to check your car’s engine oil: a step-by-step guide

A Green Flag technician checks the engine oil using a dipstick.
Checking your car’s oil is a simple task which helps maintain peak protection and performance of its engine.

Checking your car’s oil level is a simple yet key task which will help to keep your car running at its best. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about checking your car oil.

We explain what oil does, why it’s important, how to see if your car’s running low on it, how to top it up, and much more. All this, plus our step-by step guide and expert video. Very slick!

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How to check car engine coolant: the complete UK guide

A Green Flag technician points to the coolant reservoir under the hood of a car.
Car coolant is a mixture of antifreeze and water which helps to stop your car’s engine from overheating.

Checking your car’s coolant level is an important task to help keep your car healthy and on the road.

Our frequently asked questions, step-by step guide and expert video have everything you need to know about car coolant, how to check the level, and how to safely top it up.

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What towing & recovery actually covers

A black car is moved onto the back of a tow truck.
There’s more to a breakdown service than you might think.

Breaking down is stressful enough without also having to wonder: Will I have to pay for recovery? What happens if I’ve had an accident? Does my breakdown cover include towing?

Many drivers assume towing is automatically included in every breakdown policy. But the truth is, the level of support you get depends on what’s covered in your specific roadside assistance plan.

This guide explains what towing and vehicle recovery services usually include, what they don’t, and who pays for towing after an accident.

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How to change your windscreen wipers

Windscreen wiper blades play a vital role in giving drivers a better, clearer view of the road.

Being able to change your car’s windscreen wiper blades is a vital car maintenance skill. The process varies from car to car but there are similarities between all of them which we’ve covered below with a step-by step guide and a handy video showing how our experts do it.

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Enjoy a summer break, not a summer breakdown.

Avoid a summer breakdown

As motorists across the country are packing their suitcases, we’re predicting a seven per cent increase in breakdowns during summer. That means around 150,000 callouts for our mechanics to provide support over the summer.

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Expert advice on how to avoid a car key catastrophe

Taking better care of your car keys can save time, money and plans being cancelled this summer.
Taking better care of your car keys can save you time, money and stress.

Our research reveals that a car key-related callout took place every seven minutes in 2024. According to our data, two-thirds (62 per cent) of car key callouts were a result of drivers locking their keys in the car. A further fifth of callouts were for keys being jammed in the lock or ignition, whilst 12 per cent were a result of lost keys.

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How to fit a bike rack to your vehicle

Yellow-ish green 4x4 with roof rack and bike rack attached. Luggage container and red box on roof rack and three bikes on bike rack. Greenery and mountains in the background.

Bikes can be a great way to explore while you’re camping, on a road trip, or visiting a specific trail. But if you’re taking your own bike(s), fitting a bike rack can be a bit of a hassle.

So, to help cut down that hassle for you, here’s our handy guide on how to fit a bike rack to your vehicle.

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Learning to drive: be confident before your test

reflection of traffic and tall buildings in side mirror of a car

Learning to drive is a big achievement. You can bask in your independence. You can do late-night big Tesco trips. You can drive yourself to training, work, wherever, whenever (with or without Shakira playing).

No pressure, right?

It takes a lot of confidence to take your driving test. So, we’ve put together some tips to help you get in the zone.

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