A roadside breakdown or emergency is a scary experience. Here’s what to do to stay safe while waiting for help.
This post was published on 27 May, 2019

Getting stuck on the side of the road is a scary experience – and no car is exempt from the possibility. Luckily, if you are an Old Mutual iWYZE car insurance policyholder, you have free 24/7 roadside assistance included as part of your policy. While you wait for your iWYZE hero to arrive after a roadside breakdown or emergency, here are a few valuable tips to help you stay safe.

1. Get to a safe place as soon you spot trouble

While total breakdowns can happen unexpectedly, your car will sometimes give you a warning sign before disaster strikes. If you notice anything unusual about the way your car is handling, or a strange sound, rather get to a service station or somewhere safe to have it checked out before you get stuck next to a mielie field in the middle of nowhere. Should the problem leave you immediately stranded, make an effort to remove your car from traffic and contact your insurance immediately – they will send help to you as soon as possible.

2. Ensure you’re visible

When the towing service truck or the insurer’s help comes to your rescue, it will be easier for them to identify you if you’re parked in a visible spot. Other drivers will also be able to see you, turn the hazard lights on and activate the parking lights.


3. Be vigilant when getting out of the car

Before stepping out of your car, check your surroundings carefully. In a stressful time such as this it’s important to remain calm and double check for traffic or other dangers outside your car. Lock your doors and stay inside the car if possible. Contact your insurer to send out someone who can wait with you while you wait for a towing service as soon as possible.


4. Provide as much detail as possible

When contacting emergency roadside assistance, be sure to let them know of your exact location. This will help them to assist you quicker and more effectively and ensure that the tow truck, technicians or someone to wait with you is sent to the correct place. Make sure that you have your car insurance details on you to speed up the process.


5. Be prepared

Before taking the road, make sure you’re prepared for any eventuality. Keep an emergency kit in your car that contains first aid elements, as well as a reliable flashlight and fresh batteries. Also make sure your cellphone is fully charged so that you can communicate with emergency services and let your loved ones know where you are.

Double-check your car insurance policy to make sure you know what you are covered for if something happens. For example, iWYZE’s free roadside assistance service even includes call outs for flat tires or batteries, locked-in keys and emergency fuel supply, free towing to your closest service provider or place of safekeeping, and even free overnight accommodation for you and a passenger*.

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You can’t always rely on your car to stay trouble free… but you can trust in Old Mutual iWYZE to have your back when disaster strikes. Switch to the trusted car insurance that offers comprehensive cover at affordable rates… plus ‘always-on’ roadside emergency assistance for every twist and turn the road might throw at you.

Get a quick online quote now!

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