Breaking down is never convenient, but if it happens while you’re driving a car club vehicle, the process is simpler than most people expect. Every major UK car club includes roadside assistance as part of its membership, so you’re covered automatically.

The key is knowing what to do and who to contact.

Immediate Steps to Take

If the car develops a fault, warning light, or stops working properly, pull over somewhere safe and switch on your hazard lights. Don’t try to restart or push the vehicle if it’s in a dangerous spot. Once you’re safe, contact the car club’s support line straight away — not an external breakdown service.

Each car club has its own 24-hour helpline, and all recovery and repair work must be arranged through them. They’ll coordinate roadside assistance, towing, or a replacement car if needed.

It’s important to stay with the vehicle unless you’re told otherwise. Recovery teams may need access to the keys or app system to move the car safely.

How Roadside Assistance Works

Car clubs use national breakdown partners, such as the AA or RAC, to handle recovery and repairs. When you call, the support team logs your location, fault details, and membership information, then dispatches help.

If the issue can be fixed on the spot — for example, a flat battery or puncture — the breakdown provider will get you back on the road. If not, the car will be towed to a garage or returned to its base, and the club will arrange a replacement vehicle or end your booking.

All of this is covered under your membership, so you won’t pay for roadside assistance unless the problem was caused by misuse — such as putting in the wrong fuel, running out of charge, or leaving lights on overnight.

What You’re Responsible For

As the driver, you’re responsible for using the car properly and reporting problems immediately. If the breakdown is due to something outside your control, you won’t be charged. But if the issue results from neglect or incorrect use, the club can pass on the cost.

For example, filling a petrol car with diesel, driving while low on oil, or ignoring dashboard warnings could all count as misuse. Always report any warning light or unusual noise as soon as you notice it.

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Aren’t Quite The Same

If you’re driving an electric or plug-in hybrid, breakdown cover also applies — but there are a few differences. Running out of charge isn’t classed as a breakdown, so you’d normally be charged for recovery if that happens.

However, if the car won’t charge properly or the battery develops a fault, that does count as a mechanical issue, and the club will handle recovery at no cost to you.

Most electric car breakdowns are caused by charging errors or faulty cables, so double-check you’re using an approved charger before plugging in.

What Happens to Your Booking

If the car can’t be repaired quickly, the car club will usually cancel your booking and arrange another vehicle nearby. You won’t be charged for any unused time once the problem is confirmed as mechanical.

If you’re far from your starting point, some clubs can help you continue your journey using another car or through alternative travel arrangements. These vary depending on availability, but support lines can talk you through your options.

Reporting the Issue Afterwards

Once the situation is resolved, the breakdown will be recorded on your account, but you won’t be penalised if you followed the correct procedure. Reporting faults promptly helps the club repair vehicles faster and prevents the same issue affecting another member.

If you think the breakdown led to extra costs — such as parking or late return fees — you can contact customer service afterwards to explain what happened. They’ll usually remove or refund those charges if you acted correctly.

When to Get in Touch

In short, contact support immediately if:

• The car won’t start.
• A warning light stays on after starting.
• You hear unusual noises or smell something burning.
• You’ve had a puncture, flat battery, or charging issue.
• The car loses power or breaks down completely.

Staying Calm Helps

Breaking down in a shared car can feel stressful, but the system is designed to handle it efficiently. You don’t need to arrange your own recovery, and you won’t be left out of pocket if the fault isn’t your doing.

Stay safe, report the problem through the correct channel, and follow the support team’s instructions — the rest is handled for you.