
A car breaking down is something we hope we never have to experience, but when we do, it’s important to know how to handle it.
Your first steps after your car breaks down depend entirely on where and when it happens. A quiet suburban street is one thing, but a busy highway during rush hour is a whole other animal. Either way, your safety and the safety of those on the road with you always comes first. Here are steps that will help you when your car breaks down.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
This alerts other drivers that everything is not okay. Keep your hazard lights blinking until your car is safely towed. - Pull to the side of the road (if it can still move).
Ideally, when your car breaks down, it will still be able to move. If this is your car, be sure to pull over to the side of the road. It will make everything safer for you, your passengers, and the other drivers behind you. - Triple-check it’s clear before you get out of the car.
Make absolutely clear that the coast (or road) is clear before you get out of the car. This can lead to your door being ripped off, or worse, you being hit by another vehicle. - Call for help!
If you have a roadside assistance provider, give them a call. This is usually provided by your insurance company so check with them to see if they provide this roadside service in your policy. - Pop Your Hood
This is the universal sign of a car breakdown. Once you’re safely out of the car, pop your hood to let others know what the situation is.
These tips should help you know what to do if your car breaks down. Contact Risk Management LLC in Brookfield, Wisconsin for all of your auto insurance needs.