If you have made the investment in roadside assistance services but have never before had to call on your service for assistance, you may be wondering how such a service works and what to expect if you do eventually rely on their help.  Factors such as how long you have to wait for help to arrive, what problems you can actually ask for help with, and how the breakdown cover mechanics operate are a few of the questions you may ponder if you are confronted with a car problem. 

Most breakdown cover in the UK operates around a central call centre.  If you need to make a call for assistance, use the phone number that is provided on your membership card, in the pamphlets supplied by your company, or on the car-stickers that are sent out to you when you initially sign up.  This number will put you through to the control centre where they will establish the severity of the problem, give you simple safety advice (such as to make sure your car is visible to other motorists if it is on a verge), and establish whether or not you need immediate assistance (for instance, if you are stranded somewhere remote or if you have had an accident).  They should also be able to give you an estimate of how long you will have to wait before the roadside crew can make it out to you.  If there is a van in the local area you shouldn’t have to wait too long, however if it is during peak-hour traffic or you are somewhere remote it may take longer for the team to get out to you.

Once your breakdown assistance mechanic arrives they will make a preliminary examination of the vehicle.  If the damage is not immediately obvious they may conduct some simple tests.  If you have been in an accident and the car cannot be moved they may immediately advise calling for a roadside recovery truck.  If the problem is simple - such as a flat tire or a flat battery - the mechanic may be able to fix it straight away and get you back on the road.  Keep in mind that breakdown mechanics will not try to fix serious problems themselves, they will instead refer you to a nearby mechanic and organise for your car to be recovered from the roadside.  Breakdown mechanics aim to help as many people as they can, in as short a time as possible - so for this reason alone if the problem with your vehicle is determined as being more serious than a quick fix situation, you will find that you will need to obtain alternative means of transport.

Some people are uncertain as to when they can call a breakdown recovery crew.  In general, if your car simply will not start, is causing you serious concern or is a danger to yourself and other motorists, it is advisable that you enlist the help of a professional.  Even if it turns out that the problem is easily fixed or that there is no real issue at all, it is better to be safe than sorry.  After all, you pay for the service so you may as well make use of it!