Even with our rigorously maintained fleet, we understand that sudden breakdowns or accidents can occasionally happen. At Cargo Hire, your safety and peace of mind on the road are our top priorities. This page outlines exactly what you need to do if you encounter an emergency during your hire period. Following these clear instructions ensures you remain safe, comply with UK road laws, and receive fast support from our team.
Get to a Safe Place
Pull your vehicle over to a safe location, far away from moving traffic. If you break down on a motorway or dual carriageway, move to the hard shoulder or a designated refuge area. Exit the vehicle from the left-hand passenger doors, stand well behind the safety barrier, and turn on your hazard warning lights.
Call for Roadside Assistance
Check your vehicle keyring for the dedicated emergency breakdown telephone number. When you call the support team, they will ask for your current location, the vehicle registration number, and a brief description of the mechanical fault.
Inform the Cargo Hire Team
Once you secure roadside help, please call our Telford office on 01952 890 107. Notifying us allows our staff to prepare the necessary follow-up support, which may involve organising a replacement vehicle so you can finish your journey.
Stop and Secure the Area
You must stop your vehicle in a safe place immediately. Turn off your engine and activate your hazard warning lights to alert other drivers.
Check for Any Injuries
Check yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved for injuries. If someone is hurt or if the vehicles block the road dangerously, you must dial 999 and request the police and ambulance services.
Exchange Essential Details
UK law requires you to exchange details with all other parties involved in the collision. You need to swap names, home addresses, phone numbers, vehicle registration plates, and insurance information. Crucially, you must not admit fault or liability at the roadside.
Document the Scene
If it is safe to walk around, take clear photographs of the incident. Capture the road layout, the positions of the vehicles, and all visible damage. Note the time of day, the weather conditions, and the names and numbers of any independent witnesses.
Report the Incident to Us
Call the Cargo Hire office as soon as you safely can. We will talk you through the next steps and provide you with a formal accident report form, which you must complete for our insurance providers.
Move the vehicle to a safe place if possible, switch on your hazard lights, and make sure everyone is out of danger before calling for roadside assistance.
If anyone is injured or the road is blocked, call 999 immediately. You should then contact Cargo Hire as soon as it is safe to do so so we can guide you through the next steps.
Yes, all accidents and damage must be reported to us, even if they seem minor. This helps ensure the correct insurance and safety procedures are followed.
If your hired vehicle cannot be safely driven after a breakdown or accident, we will do our best to arrange a replacement vehicle, depending on availability and the circumstances.
You should collect the names, addresses, phone numbers, vehicle registration numbers, and insurance details of everyone involved, along with photos of the scene and any witness details if available.
Our team are always there to answer your call, assist you with your requirements and keep your business on the road.
Or call us today on 01634 722289