What To Do In case Your Hired Car Breaks Down

There’s nothing extremely worse than planning your highly anticipated safari in Africa, but it’s later disrupted by a broken-down vehicle. We always hope for the best, but life has no assurance, and the unexpected can happen anytime. And at some point, you may find yourself stuck on a roadside with an engine that refuses to respond or with a tire that’s got a puncture. 

However, this is the good news, most car rental companies are ready for the unexpected events of such nature, and be it a failed engine, a punctured tire or anything else, they have put systems in place to get you going again in case of breakdown.

And soon be ready to get on your way as quickly as possible.” Renters are however advised to read the breakdown policies before choosing the cars to hire. In this case, the best rental cars are those with 24-hour roadside assistance, thus always lookout for that. However much this may come with an extra charge but it relieves the stress. 

We make it easy for you to find the best breakdown policies – when it’s available, 24-hour Roadside Assistance is commonly listed in all our car hire agreements. You can also check it out in our terms and conditions, to get a full picture of the breakdown procedures for each of our rental vehicles.

Most rental companies require that the renter relays information as soon as such an incident happens and thereafter allows 48 hours for the company to repair or replace the vehicle depending on the nature of breakdown – it’s surely a long time for those on a short safari!

No matter which company you are hiring a vehicle from, there are some tips to always keep in mind should you experience a dreaded car breakdown:

1. Mind your safety.
   yourself safe is the priority. Pull off the road as soon as the breakdown happens. Extend onto the roadside where there is less traffic and immediately wear your hazard lights. Ensure all is safe before you get out of the vehicle, and keep in mind the side of the road where much traffic comes from! It is common to forget in a foreign country. 
2. Never do any repairs on your own, before informing the car hire company first about the breakdown.
   no assurance that the company will refund you for unauthorized repairs on the vehicle, therefore informs them well in advance.
   much you find the damage so easy for you to repair, we advise that you leave it, because you may be held responsible for any perceived damage that may come as a result. 
3. mobile cellphone allows you to make contact with the car hire company in case emergencies emerge.
   Rental companies provide emergency phone numbers for roadside assistance (although this service is provided on a surcharge, depending on the magnitude of breakdown). Check your car hire agreement for the right number to call.
   The breakdown occurs in a dangerous spot, you can as well call the police, and inform them where you are and let them know how urgent it is. 
4. Some rental vehicles are equipped with an emergency kit containing equipment such as high Vis vest, reflective triangles, etc. Use this equipment whenever available. 
5. Don’t attempt to stop or flag down passing motorists and other road users. 
6. Complete the repairs and get back on the road. 

Either way, if the vehicle is not fully fixed, the breakdown service will have to tow it to a nearby garage.

If you rent a car and it gets damaged beyond repair, your car rental Uganda service provider/company will have to arrange/provide you with a replacement car in the shortest period possible depending in where you might be at that time.

However, keep in mind that you might be asked from time to time to meet specific costs of repairs or towing, depending on the kind of breakdown coverage (which you can do before booking or on the day of pick up).