What to do if your car rental breaks down?

This is a scenario every driver dreads, although it can be particularly stressful if it happens with a rental car. Who do I call? Do I have to pay extra? Can I get a replacement rental car? These are probably some of the questions that might be rushing through your head. In this post, you’ll find all the answers you need as well as guidance on what to do if your rental car breaks down.

Step 1 – Don’t panic

Breakdowns can happen for any number of reasons, many of which are completely out of your control. So, stay calm and prioritise safety first. This means making sure you pull over in a place that isn’t obstructing traffic. It’s then important you turn on the hazard lights and stand with your passengers at a safe distance away from the car.

Step 2 – Call the vehicle provider

Most rental policies will include an insurance policy with breakdown cover. You should receive information on what number to call in case of a breakdown, however it is always best to call if you’re unsure. At The Croxdale Group, we are open seven days a week to take calls. Although it should be noted that cover may only extend to damage to certain areas of the vehicle. For instance:

Tyres and rims.
Windows and windscreen.
Mirrors, roof, and the underside of the car.
Keys and locks.
Misfuelling.
Bodywork damage due to theft or collision.

A member of staff from the rental company will then talk you through what will happen next. This will usually either be that the car is repaired at the roadside, or a new rental car is brought to you, depending on the severity of the issue.

Step 3 – Record evidence of the problem

Taking pictures or videos of the source of the issue is recommended as it may protect you from liability. It’s always best to record as much detail as possible. Although you should also be careful that you aren’t putting yourself at risk while doing this. Therefore, it might be better to skip this step depending on where you have broken down. If you took pictures of the interior and exterior of the car before driving off, then these can also be used as evidence.

Step 4 – Any insurance follow ups

As mentioned earlier, some repair costs may not be covered by the rental insurance policy. This could mean that you have to pay extra to cover the full cost of the repairs. This commonly occurs when mechanical faults develop due to negligence. We offer a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) on all our rental vehicles, along with a flexible Excess that can be agreed on the day of the rental.

Looking for flexi car hire?

The Croxdale Group has a wide range of cars for flexi or daily hire, allowing those around Consett access to vehicles for all kinds of terrain. Regardless of the reasons behind you needing a car, we take the time to discuss your options and what could be best for you. Contact us today to speak to a member of our friendly team. We’ll get you on the road in no time at all.

Whatever your question or feedback we are here to help.
So please feel free to contact us.

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Company Info

A167 Croxdale Durham County Durham DH6 5HS

Head Office: Croxdale Service Station LTD A167 Croxdale Durham County Durham DH6 5HS

Reg. Company Number: 913346

VAT Reg. No. GB176008861

Financial Disclosure

Croxdale Service Station Limited is an Appointed Representative of Automotive Compliance Ltd, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No 497010).

Automotive Compliance Ltd’s permissions as a Principal Firm allows Croxdale Service Station Limited to act as a credit broker, not as a lender, for the introduction to a limited number of lenders.

We can introduce you to a selected panel of lenders, which includes manufacturer lenders linked directly to the franchises that we represent. An introduction to a lender does not amount to independent financial advice and we act as their agent for this introduction. Our approach is to introduce you first to the manufacturer lender linked directly to the particular franchise you are purchasing your vehicle from, who are usually able to offer the best available package for you, taking into account both interest rates and other contributions. If they are unable to make you an offer of finance, we then seek to introduce you to whichever of the other lenders on our panel is able to make the next best offer of finance for you. Our aim is to secure the best deal you are eligible for from our panel of lenders. Lenders will pay a fixed commission to us for introducing you to them, calculated by reference to the vehicle model or amount you borrow. Different lenders may pay different commissions for such introductions, and manufacturer lenders linked directly to the franchises that we represent may also provide preferential rates to us for the funding of our vehicle stock and also provide financial support for our training and marketing. But any such amounts they and other lenders pay us will not affect the amounts you pay under your finance agreement, all of which are set by the lender concerned. If you ask us what the amount of commission is, we will tell you in good time before the Finance agreement is executed. All finance applications are subject to status, terms and conditions apply, UK residents only, 18’s or over. Guarantees may be required.