What to Do If a Borrowed Car Breaks Down

Insure Car Cover Editorial Team · October 19, 2026 · 7 min read

A breakdown in someone else's car can be stressful because the driver may not know which recovery service, warranty or breakdown membership applies. Put safety first, then contact the owner and check the documents before agreeing to repairs or recovery.

Move to a safe place if possible

If the vehicle can be moved safely, leave the live carriageway and stop in a suitable place. Switch on hazard lights. On a motorway, follow current National Highways advice for the type of road and location; call 999 if there is immediate danger or you cannot reach a safe place.

Tell the owner promptly

The registered keeper may already have breakdown cover, roadside assistance through a bank account, a vehicle warranty or a preferred garage. Ask before authorising non-emergency work, towing or costs on their behalf.

Check what assistance applies

• The vehicle owner's breakdown membership and whether it covers the car or member.
• Any breakdown benefit included in the temporary policy.
• The manufacturer's warranty or roadside package.
• Recovery limits, call-out charges and onward-travel terms.
• Who may authorise repairs and where the vehicle should be taken.

If the breakdown follows a collision

A crash, impact or insured damage is different from a mechanical failure. Follow the policy's accident and claims instructions, exchange required details, report the incident as required and tell the vehicle owner. Do not admit liability or arrange repairs contrary to the insurer's process.

Watch the policy end time

A delay does not automatically extend temporary insurance. Do not resume driving after recovery or repair if the certificate has expired. Arrange valid continuing cover first, even when the breakdown caused the overrun.

Prepare before borrowing

Before a longer journey, ask the owner where the locking-wheel-nut key, spare tyre or inflation kit and breakdown details are kept. Save the policy certificate and assistance numbers offline so they remain available when mobile data is poor.