Motoring

Motorcycle breakdown cover: a complete guide

A black and silver motorbike is being driven through the countryside.
Don’t assume regular breakdown cover is suitable for a motorbike.

A motorcycle breakdown is a different experience from breaking down in a car. You’re more exposed, your options are more limited, and standard policies might not cover you.

That’s where dedicated motorcycle breakdown cover comes in.

This guide covers everything you need to know: what motorcycle breakdown cover actually includes, why two-wheelers need their own protection, and why frequent riders, in particular, should be thinking about cover.

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Why cars overheat and how to prevent it

A car dashboard temperature gauge indicates the car's engine is overheating.
Regular maintenance and simple checks are all you need to keep overheating at bay.

Keeping your car running well doesn’t take much. A few regular checks and a basic understanding of how things work under the bonnet go a long way.

One of the most common issues drivers encounter, particularly in warmer months, is the engine running hotter than it should.

The good news is that overheating is almost always preventable, and the causes are usually easy to understand and remedy.

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Expert advice on how to avoid a car key catastrophe

Taking better care of your car keys can save time, money and plans being cancelled this summer.
Taking better care of your car keys can save you time, money and stress.

Our research reveals that a car key-related callout took place every seven minutes in 2024. According to our data, two-thirds (62 per cent) of car key callouts were a result of drivers locking their keys in the car. A further fifth of callouts were for keys being jammed in the lock or ignition, whilst 12 per cent were a result of lost keys.

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Enjoy a summer break, not a summer breakdown

A Green Flag technician is supporting a customer in need.
What can you do to help avoid a breakdown over the summer.

As motorists across the country start packing their suitcases, we’re bracing ourselves for an increase in breakdowns. Hot weather means around 150,000 expected callouts as our mechanics get people moving again over the summer months.

So, before you set up your road trip playlist and reach for your sunglasses, we’re urging you to prepare properly beforehand. Particularly as many of us are opting for a staycation this year. That’s a lot of “are we there, yet?”

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What to do if you break down far from home

A woman and child are stood outside their car, calling their breakdown provider for help.
You might not know the roads, but knowing what actions to take if you break down will help ease the worry.

Breaking down is never ideal, but it can be especially difficult if you’re far from home in an area you don’t know. In these situations, knowing what to do next can help make things that bit easier. A few calm, practical steps can help keep you safe and get help on the way.

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Roadside assistance explained: what’s included and what isn’t

A car is at the side of the road after the couple driving it broke down.
Roadside assistance will provide cover when you break down away from home.

Breaking down is one of those things you never really expect to happen. You set off thinking about where you’re going, what time you’ll get there, and whether you remembered everything – then, you’re at the side of the road, hazards flashing, wondering what to do next. That’s exactly where roadside assistance can help.

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What to do if you lose your car keys

Many people will misplace their car keys at some point, but thankfully they’ll usually show up after a bit of a rummage.

But what if the keys really are gone? This guide will help you understand exactly what to do if your keys are lost or stolen, as well as sharing advice on how to keep them safe in the first place.

A car key fob is on the ground.
A lost car key isn’t a fun time for anyone.
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How long does roadside assistance take to arrive?

A lady in a coat and scarf is on the phone to her breakdown provider, while a man is seen behind her looking at the broken-down car.
Knowing how long help will take to arrive will ease anxiety about the breakdown.

There’s never a convenient time for your car to break down, and no one wants to be stuck, not knowing how long help will take to arrive.

Understanding what happens after you’ve asked for help can make sure you stay calm and informed while assistance is on the way. Even though every situation is different, there are several common factors which affect the estimated time of arrival (ETA) of roadside assistance.

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Do you need European breakdown cover?

A white car is driving through the European countryside.
European breakdown cover could be the right choice for you.

Driving your own car in Europe can make travelling feel easier and more flexible than using public transport or relying on a hire vehicle. You can pack what you need, follow your own route, and explore new places in the comfort of a car you’re familiar with.

What might not be so familiar is how you’d manage a breakdown while abroad. This is where European breakdown cover comes in, giving you the help you need should your car suffer a problem.

This guide explains what European breakdown cover includes, and how to decide whether it’s the right option for your trip.

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Top safety tips when you stop at the roadside

A blue car is stationary with its warning lights on. A warning triangle has been placed down the road from the car to alert oncoming traffic.
Knowing what to do when you breakdown will help keep you safe.

If your car stops at the side of the road, the most important thing is knowing what to do next. Breakdowns aren’t something anyone plans for, but there are clear, practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your passengers.

Staying calm and focusing on those steps can help you feel more in control. From positioning your vehicle safely to contacting the right help, small actions can make a big difference.

This guide walks you through what to do; so if it does happen, you’ll feel better prepared to deal with it safely and confidently.

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How to handle a motorway breakdown safely

A motorway is jammed with cars, stretching out into the distance.
Safety is your number one concern when breaking down on a motorway.

Breaking down on a motorway can feel far more intimidating than stopping on a local road. Not only does traffic move faster on a motorway, but it does so over multiple lanes. Knowing exactly what to do in this situation will help keep you safe.

Motorways are designed for high-speed travel, which means safety decisions must be quick, calm and deliberate. The Highway Code provides clear guidance for dealing with breakdowns on these roads, and following it carefully is essential.

Let’s look at some of the key recommendations.

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How to keep passengers calm and safe during breakdowns

A family waits by their car for roadside recovery.
No one wants to deal with a breakdown, but there are ways to stay on top of the situation.

Breakdowns happen. Whether it’s a flat tyre, an overheated engine, or an unexpected mechanical fault, being stranded on the side of the road can be a stressful experience. And this is not just true for the driver, but for every passenger in the vehicle. Preparation, clear communication, and staying calm can all help to keep the situation under control.

This guide explains practical steps drivers and passengers can take to stay safe and composed while waiting for help. The goal is to help everyone remain as comfortable and informed as possible during a breakdown.

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How to check your car’s engine oil: a step-by-step guide

A Green Flag technician checks the engine oil using a dipstick.
Checking your car’s oil is a simple task which helps maintain peak protection and performance of its engine.

Checking your car’s oil level is a simple yet key task which will help to keep your car running at its best. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about checking your car oil.

We explain what oil does, why it’s important, how to see if your car’s running low on it, how to top it up, and much more. All this, plus our step-by step guide and expert video. Very slick!

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How to check car engine coolant: the complete UK guide

A Green Flag technician points to the coolant reservoir under the hood of a car.
Car coolant is a mixture of antifreeze and water which helps to stop your car’s engine from overheating.

Checking your car’s coolant level is an important task to help keep your car healthy and on the road.

Our frequently asked questions, step-by step guide and expert video have everything you need to know about car coolant, how to check the level, and how to safely top it up.

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What towing & recovery actually covers

A black car is moved onto the back of a tow truck.
There’s more to a breakdown service than you might think.

Breaking down is stressful enough without also having to wonder: Will I have to pay for recovery? What happens if I’ve had an accident? Does my breakdown cover include towing?

Many drivers assume towing is automatically included in every breakdown policy. But the truth is, the level of support you get depends on what’s covered in your specific roadside assistance plan.

This guide explains what towing and vehicle recovery services usually include, what they don’t, and who pays for towing after an accident.

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Why do car batteries die in winter?

A roadside technician checks a failing car battery.
The cold winter weather doesn’t play nicely with your car’s battery.

There’s nothing worse than heading out on a freezing winter morning, turning the key… and being met with silence.

A flat car battery is one of the most common causes of breakdowns during cold weather – and it can happen anytime, without much warning. Even if your battery seemed perfectly fine in recent months, winter conditions can quickly expose hidden weaknesses.

So, why do car batteries die in winter? And what can you do to prevent being stranded with a car that won’t start? Let’s look at why cold weather can prove so challenging.

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How to change your windscreen wipers

Windscreen wiper blades play a vital role in giving drivers a better, clearer view of the road.

Being able to change your car’s windscreen wiper blades is a vital car maintenance skill. The process varies from car to car but there are similarities between all of them which we’ve covered below with a step-by step guide and a handy video showing how our experts do it.

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