What to do when your vehicle breaks down in winter

Take shelter

Turn on your hazard lights and move your vehicle away from traffic as far to the right of the road as possible. This helps to avoid a collision and indicate that your vehicle has broken down. To make your vehicle as visible as possible, keep your hazard lights flashing and turn on the interior lights, especially at night. If you want to get out of the vehicle to check out the problem, the safest way to do so is from the passenger side, not the driver's side. If you prefer to stay in the vehicle, keep the doors locked.

Call for help

If you have a cellphone and your insurance coverage includes roadside assistance, contact the roadside service immediately. If you’re insured with Intact, you can request roadside assistance directly from the app or call the phone number listed on your proof of insurance. If you don’t have roadside assistance, call any emergency roadside service that can help you contact the nearest garage or towing company. 

To send help to you quickly, the dispatcher will want to know your exact location. If you’re in the countryside or in natural surroundings, describe where you are. For example, is there a specific landmark that might help people find you? If you’re on a busy road, specify the nearest exit or the last tourist attraction you passed. When in doubt, it's better to give more information rather than less. 

Prepare for a long wait

Winter in Quebec means freezing temperatures and strong north winds. Even if you’re wearing warm clothing, having the right items in your car could save your life in an emergency. We recommend keeping a flashlight, a warm blanket, bottled water, non-perishable snacks and a first aid kit in your vehicle. If you regularly go in more remote areas, you can even add heat packs for your hands, which can be very effective if your vehicle’s engine packs it in the middle of nowhere. Once you're settled in your vehicle, all you have to do is wait patiently for the tow truck to arrive. So, why not add a pencil and a book of Sudoku puzzles to your kit? This will let you resist the temptation to play games on your cellphone so that you can save its battery for making emergency calls or notifying loved ones. 

For more suggestions about what to keep in your vehicle, check out our article: Stay safe: seven must-have items to keep in your car this winter. 

Take precautions early

A mechanical failure or other vehicle breakdown can happen to any driver in winter. Taking early precautions is the best way to approach any potential problems. This means having a first aid kit in your car, informing your family and friends of your itinerary and adding roadside assistance to your auto insurance coverage. 

Intact Insurance and PMT Roy Agency offer roadside assistance by vehicle type. This service exists to get you out of trouble as quickly as possible and includes towing, winching, gasoline delivery, battery boost, door unlocking and tire changing. Simply use your Intact Insurance app or call 1-844-428-2020 to request roadside assistance. This simple additional coverage protects you when you’re travelling on the road in any season. * 

With these precautions in mind, bring on spring! 

*Certain conditions apply. This website provides general information only. Your insurance policy contract takes precedence at all times. Contact your insurance agent for more information or if you have any questions.