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What to do if your car breaks down on a busy highway?

Wish

Written by Sharad Bajaj

Updated Jan 03, 2024

What do you need to do if a car breaks down on a highway? Read this article to find out.

Busy highways have become the norm in most Indian metropolises, and many of us use them as daily commuting routes. The notion of a car breaking down in the middle of one of them is frightening, but it is a real possibility. 

On such congested roadways, making the incorrect move might have fatal consequences. In such a case, knowing exactly what to do is critical. This article will give you all you need to know if you ever find yourself in such a position.

What to do if your car breaks down on a busy highway?

What is Roadside Assistance Cover (RCA)?

Roadside Assistance (RSA) coverage provides much-needed assistance to automobile owners in case the  vehicle breaks down or suffers a technical malfunction on the road or at home. Being stranded in an unknown location with no access to a mechanic can be quite irritating. This is where the RSA cover can help.

Car insurance companies allow you to report an emergency event via SMS or phone call. Once the insurer is contacted, a mechanic/patrol vehicle will be dispatched to the vehicle's location as soon as possible . The vehicle will receive the necessary service before being restarted or transported to the nearest garage for repair.

Some automobile insurance providers include this coverage as part of a comprehensive car insurance policy. Others provide it as an optional add-on insurance coverage that the automobile owner can choose. 

Things To Do If Car Breaks Down In Middle of Highway

These are some pieces of advice that can be followed in a situation where your car breaks down in the middle of a highway. 

  • Get Off The Road

If you are travelling on the highway and you notice that your car is giving you difficulties, pull over. Take your foot off the pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking. Take your vehicle to the side of the road or, if available, a breakdown lane. Before doing so, make sure to offer warn  the people driving around you. Turn your caution lights on.

  • Call for Help 

You can contact the traffic police, emergency services, or your car insurance company for roadside assistance. Check the coverage for roadside assistance.

  • Wait for Help

The police, towing service, or other emergency services will arrive and remain with your vehicle. You can take the automobile to a cashless garage affiliated with your car insurance carrier. This ensures that the entire procedure runs smoothly.

  • Stay in Your Automobile

If you are stuck in the midst of a busy highway, it is best not to get out of your car until help arrives. In such cases, hazard lights are critical since they alert other vehicles to the fact that your vehicle has broken down and allow them to react accordingly. If you were able to pull over to the side of the road and it is safe to step out, do do, but do not leave your car unattended.

  • Do Not Experiment

If you have a flat tire or something similar and have the necessary experience, you can try to repair it. However, if you have no prior experience, you should leave the rest to a mechanic.

  • Keep Calm 

In the event of a breakdown in a busy area, everyone's situation is unique. You must respond with common sense and extreme prudence. You must be able to determine whether or not the vehicle can be stopped.

Conclusion

To conclude, if your car becomes stranded on a busy highway, pull over if possible, stay with your car, and request assistance. If you have no experience fixing cars, now is not the time to try. Because every circumstance is unique, remember to utilise common sense.

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Conclusion

In a nutshell, if your car is stranded on a busy highway, pull over if you can, stay with your car and ask for help. This is not the time to try your hand at fixing the car if you have no experience. Everyone’s situation is different so remember to use your common sense. In this sort of situation having a standalone own damage or comprehensive car insurance policy can be very helpful. You can get help with towing or other help with the roadside assistance cover. In case of a mishap, the insurance will compensate for damages. A Zero Depreciation Cover can help you in this situation as well. No calculating insurance premium, getting quotes and browsing car insurance companies can be done with a few clicks. Click here for more articles.

Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.

Wish

Written by Sharad Bajaj

Sharad is an insurance industry veteran who has managed motor insurance products for over a decade. Read More

Disclaimer

This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.
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