Green Flag

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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Do you need European breakdown cover?

A white car is driving through the European countryside.
European breakdown cover could be the right choice for you.

Driving your own car in Europe can make travelling feel easier and more flexible than using public transport or relying on a hire vehicle. You can pack what you need, follow your own route, and explore new places in the comfort of a car you’re familiar with.

What might not be so familiar is how you’d manage a breakdown while abroad. This is where European breakdown cover comes in, giving you the help you need should your car suffer a problem.

This guide explains what European breakdown cover includes, and how to decide whether it’s the right option for your trip.

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How to keep passengers calm and safe during breakdowns

A family waits by their car for roadside recovery.
No one wants to deal with a breakdown, but there are ways to stay on top of the situation.

Breakdowns happen. Whether it’s a flat tyre, an overheated engine, or an unexpected mechanical fault, being stranded on the side of the road can be a stressful experience. And this is not just true for the driver, but for every passenger in the vehicle. Preparation, clear communication, and staying calm can all help to keep the situation under control.

This guide explains practical steps drivers and passengers can take to stay safe and composed while waiting for help. The goal is to help everyone remain as comfortable and informed as possible during a breakdown.

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Ageing cars fuel a rise in breakdowns

Cars of different ages, makes, and models driving on a busy road.

The number of cars breaking down each year is on the rise, fuelled in part by the increasing average age of vehicles on the road.

Our data shows the average age of cars on British roads has risen by 42% over the past 20 years, from 6.6 years old in 2003 to 9.4 years in 2023.

They say that with age comes wisdom. Well, it can also come with the occasional breakdown…

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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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Driving holidays on the up: great places to stop on British road trips

a silver car driving past hills next to an expanse of water in the UK

Forget sweltering in a steamy sun-baked airport departure lounge; the driving holiday is the favoured way to take a summer break for many British travellers.

It coincides with the increase in popularity of the ‘staycation’, that sees a whopping 52% of Brits choosing holidays within in the UK. Furthermore, 34% love it so much they’re holidaying here more multiple times a year.

If you’re one of the millions planning a road trip this summer, we’ve compiled a list of places to enjoy while on the road around the UK.

Great places to stop during a UK driving holiday

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EV home charging: get the right charger for your vehicle

EV home charging cable plugged in to back left red light of a matte silver  car on a driveway.

As electric vehicles become more popular, EV charging points are popping up in more public places.

But there’s nothing quite like the luxury of having a personal EV charging unit at home.

After the effort of finding the right car, finding the right charging unit shouldn’t be a hassle. That’s why we’ve connected with Rightcharge to help you find the right charger for your vehicle, from the right installer, and all for the right price.

Here’s everything you need to know about EV home charging units.

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How to check if a car is insured

white car in foreground with blurred house in background

It’s illegal to drive without car insurance in the UK, so if you’re ever wondering “is my car insured?” it’s crucial to check. If your car isn’t insured, the penalties can be pretty expensive.

Police have seized over 2 million uninsured vehicles since 2005 and uninsured drivers cost over £2 billion to the UK economy. If you don’t check your car insurance, the police will.

Here’s all the important info you need to know.

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Supporting our customers with EV qualified technicians

EV technician next to a Green Flag van buzz-ing to see a customer, both waving at each other.

The electric vehicle market is growing. Quickly. And with government plans to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, the charge of the EV is showing no signs of slowing down.

EVs are exciting, but from a breakdown recovery perspective (one of our favourite perspectives), they are one of the biggest challenges in our industry right now.

Luckily, we like a challenge. That’s why we’re proud to announce that at the end of 2022, more of our technicians became Institute of the Motor Industry Level 3 and 4 qualified to work on EVs.

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Four driving habits you didn’t know were illegal

dog leaning out of car window

Right, we’ll get straight to the big one here – is driving in flip-flops illegal? Or is it illegal to drive barefoot?

No, these aren’t illegal, they’re just not recommended. It’s much safer to drive in normal, flat shoes.

Now that the illegal flip-flop myth is out of the way, here a few things that could catch you out.

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Breakdown cover: the what’s, why’s, and how’s

Nobody expects (or wants) their vehicle to break down. It’s stressful, it takes up time, it can cost you money if your vehicle needs repairs. Not a great list…

Unfortunately, it happens quite often. Here at Green Flag, we helped with over 500,000 jobs in 2021 alone.

Even though no driver wants to be in that situation, there’s a good chance you’ll have to call on a breakdown cover provider at some point in your life. So, if you don’t have cover already, now may be the time.

That’s why we’ve put all the important info you need about breakdown cover in one place.

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