Inexperienced drivers may panic when their car breaks down in the middle of the highway. It’s a nerve-wracking experience, especially since other motorists on the road may be inconvenienced. Panicking may also cause a massive traffic jam, adding to the anxiety.
Luckily, there are steps you can take and people you can call to prevent being a bother to other drivers. Knowing these should help you stay calm in the middle of the highway.
What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down on the Highway
If your car breaks down on the highway you should move the car and stay inside, alert other motorists, and call for help.
Move Your Car
The first thing you should do is to pull to the shoulder before your car breaks down. To do this, you’ll have to look for signs that the vehicle is about to break down. These include stalling, hissing, hard starting, unusual sounds, and more.
It’s crucial to spot the signs before a major breakdown. Once you notice any symptoms, avoid braking hard or making sudden movements.
Get off the road quickly by coasting and braking gently. Moving to a flat surface away from traffic ensures you’re not causing a jam and bothering other motorists. Set your emergency or parking brake once you’re safe on the shoulder to prevent your car from moving.
Stay In Your Car
If possible, stay in your car and assess the situation and your options. The Insurance Information Institute advises staying inside the vehicle and avoiding getting out to make repairs or examine the damage on a busy highway, presumably because it’s dangerous to leave a broken down unattended since it might roll if parked on an uneven surface.
Once your vehicle is set, look for landmarks that might be good information, such as the nearest exit, rest area, mile marker, etc. The only times you should leave the vehicle is if someone can help you within walking distance or if you have someone inside the car that can guard it for you.
If you’re alone and need to go outside, leave a note on the dashboard with information, including your name, cell number, destination, the time you left, and the reason for leaving.
Alert Other Motorists
You should warn other drivers, even if you’re not on the road. Some may offer help or assistance, but the warning is so they proceed with caution. According to the National Motorists Association, you should turn your emergency lights to communicate with the other motorists that you need space.
Leave the hazards on until help arrives or set out an emergency triangle for better visibility, if available. Another thing you can do is raise the hood and tie something white to your antenna to notify police and tow operators that you need help. If you smell gas or suspect a fuel leak, avoid using flares as they may cause a fire.
Call for Help
Lastly, you should call for help. Whether it’s roadside assistance, a tow truck, the police, or your insurance company, anyone who can offer assistance and is in the vicinity will do. After all, they’re the only ones that can get you out of your predicament, especially if your car can’t start/move.
Who to Call When Your Car Breaks Down on the Highway
As mentioned, you should call roadside assistance, a tow truck, the police, and your insurance company.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance is a service that helps you get your car back on the road in case of a breakdown. You generally want to call a provider and wait for their help over the phone. If they can’t assist you through the call, they’ll usually send a mechanic or a tow truck for help.
The number differs per state. For example, you can call California’s Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) by dialing 5-1-1 on your mobile phone or using a freeway call box.
Tow Truck
You can contact a towing company if you want to go straight to the source. You can request a tow truck if you’re an AAA member by calling 800-922-8228. The FSP program is also an option, as it’s a free service of privately owned tow trucks that patrol designated routes in California freeways.
Police
Of course, you can also call the police or 911 for other emergencies you’d like to report. For example, an injured passenger may need medical assistance, something tow trucks and roadside assistance may not be able to help with. Calling 911 guarantees you get the help you need, depending on the situation.
Insurance Company
Lastly, you should call your insurance company if your car breaks down because they may help with towing services, temporary car coverage, or repair costs if it’s covered under your comprehensive coverage.
Does Insurance Cover a Break Down on the Highway?
In most cases, car insurance doesn’t cover breakdowns. However, there are policies you can add to get assistance if your vehicle breaks down on the highway. You can add roadside assistance coverage, rental car coverage, and extended warranty/mechanical breakdown insurance.
Roadside Assistance Coverage
You can ask your insurer to add roadside assistance coverage, which includes towing, jump-starting, changing a flat tire, and delivering fuel when you run out. These services are useful in the event your car breaks down on the highway.
Rental Car Coverage
There’s a chance your policy has rental car coverage. This coverage gives you a temporary replacement in case your vehicle breaks down or is in the shop. You can check your policy details to see the scope of the coverage and whether it’s included.
Extended Warranty/Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
Lastly, extended warranty/mechanical breakdown insurance is another option to consider. These policies cover repair costs for specific mechanical or electrical issues. They’re also separate from your standard auto insurance policy.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
