February 3, 2023
Winter is the season of the unexpected; whether it’s running out of gas, a dead battery, or any other mechanical incident that may occur on the road. Don’t panic! Here are a few tips to help you keep your cool—and your body warm!
Get to safety
Turn on your hazard lights and pull your vehicle as far to the right as possible, away from traffic. The goal is to avoid a collision with another car and to signal that you have broken down. To be as visible as possible, turn on your hazard lights and the interior light, especially at night. For safety reasons, if you want to go outside to investigate the cause of the problem, do so on the passenger side, not the driver’s side. If you prefer to stay inside, make sure to keep the doors locked.
Call for help
If you have a cell phone and your insurance coverage includes roadside assistance, contact the towing service immediately. If you are insured with Intact Insurance, you can request roadside assistance directly in the app or call the phone number listed on your proof of insurance. If you do not have access to a towing service, call any emergency roadside service that can help you identify the nearest garage or tow truck operator.
To send help quickly, the dispatcher will want to know exactly where you are. If you are in the countryside or out in nature, describe your surroundings. Is there a specific sound that could help determine your position, for example? If you are on a busier road, mention the nearest exit or the last tourist attraction you passed. When in doubt, it is better to provide more information rather than not enough.
Prepare to wait
Winter in Quebec comes with cold temperatures and a north wind. Even if you are wearing a warm coat, having an emergency kit in your car could save your life in an emergency. We recommend keeping a flashlight, a warm blanket, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, and first-aid items. If you are used to travelling in more remote areas, you can even add hand warmers. They can be very effective if you have engine trouble in the middle of nowhere. Once you are settled, all you have to do is patiently wait for towing services to arrive. Why not add a pencil and a sudoku book to your kit? That way, you can save your phone battery for an emergency call or to notify your loved ones.
Want to learn more about what to keep in your car? Read Intact Insurance’s article “Safety below zero: seven items to keep in your car this winter” and take advantage of our helpful tips!
Take preventive measures
A mechanical breakdown or a breakdown can happen to anyone in winter. Being prepared remains the safest way to deal with it—whether by keeping an emergency kit in your car, informing your loved ones of your route, or adding roadside assistance to your auto insurance coverage.
Intact Insurance offers Roadside Assistance by vehicle type. For a car, the service includes towing your vehicle, fuel delivery, battery boosting, door unlocking, tire changes, and winching—to get you out of trouble in no time! All you have to do is go to your Intact Insurance app or contact 1-844-428-2020 to request Roadside Assistance. This simple add-on protects you on the road, in every season. *
All that’s left is to wait for spring to return.
Your broker will be happy to advise you based on your needs and your budget. Contact us today!
* Certain conditions apply. This site provides general information only. Please refer to your insurance contract, which prevails at all times. Contact your insurance broker for more information or if you have any questions.
