Backpacker's Guide - What to Do If You Break Down or Crash in New Zealand

Nobody plans to break down or crash on a road trip, but on a long trip in an unfamiliar country it can happen. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes keeps you safe and keeps a bad day from getting worse. This guide covers breakdowns first, then crashes, then what ACC and your insurance do.

If Your Car Breaks Down

1. Get to Safety

• Turn your hazard lights on and slow down gradually.
• Get the car as far off the road as you safely can, away from bends and crests where other drivers can't see you.
• Once it's safe, get everyone out of the car on the side away from traffic and wait well clear of the road.

On a motorway or busy highway, the biggest danger is other vehicles. We'd rather you keep rolling slowly to the next exit or side road than stop on a narrow shoulder, as we mention in our guide to changing a tyre.

2. Call for Help

• Roadside assistance. Check whether you already have it, since some insurance policies include it. If you don't, you can join a provider, but not at the roadside with a flat phone battery, so sort it out before you set off.
• 111 is for emergencies: someone is hurt, the vehicle is in a dangerous spot, or there's a threat to safety.
• Roadside plans differ in what they cover and how far they'll tow you, so read the limits of yours.

3. Remote Roads: Plan for No Signal

• Mobile coverage disappears in many rural and mountain areas. Download offline maps before you go.
• Tell someone your route and when you expect to arrive.
• Keep your phone charged, and carry water, warm clothes and a torch.
• If you're stuck in a remote place, staying with the car is usually easier for rescuers to find than walking off.

If You're in a Crash

Immediately

1. Stop and switch the engine off. Turn on your hazard lights.
2. Check yourself and everyone else for injuries.
3. Call 111 if anyone is hurt or in danger.
4. If it's safe, move to a safe spot and take photos of the scene, the damage and the plates.

What You Have to Do by Law

According to NZ Police and the NZTA Road Code (as at September 2026):

• Injury crashes: call 111 straight away. Any crash that injures someone should be reported to the police (105 or your local station) as soon as practicable, and no later than 24 hours after the crash.
• No injuries: swap names, addresses and plate numbers with the other drivers involved. If the other driver or vehicle owner isn't there, you must give your name, address and plate number as soon as possible and no later than 48 hours after the crash.
• You hit property (a fence, a parked car, a letterbox): tell the owner within 48 hours, or the police within 60 hours if you can't find the owner.

Stick to facts when you talk to the other driver and the police. If the other driver left the scene, tell the police.

ACC and Insurance: What Covers What

• ACC is New Zealand's no-fault accident scheme. It covers everyone injured in an accident in New Zealand, including visitors, in the same way as residents. It covers accident injuries, not illness, and it doesn't cover damage to your car.
• Vehicle insurance is what pays for car damage, and for damage you cause to other people's property. Contact your insurer as soon as you can after a crash.
• Travel insurance still matters, for things ACC doesn't cover.

What to Keep in the Car

• Phone charger and a power bank
• Torch (or a head torch)
• Water, snacks and a warm layer
• A reflective warning triangle
• The details of your insurer and roadside assistance, saved in your phone and written down

Cut Your Chances of Breaking Down

Most breakdowns start as something small that could have been caught earlier. Keep on top of the basics: oil, coolant and tyre pressure, a healthy battery, and knowing what your dashboard warning lights mean. A flat battery is one of the most common causes, so also read our guide to jump-starting a car.

This guide is general information only, not legal advice.

Check the Latest Before You Rely on This

We last checked this guide in September 2026. Reporting rules and time limits can change, and they may have been updated by the time you read this. If you're ever in a crash, check the official websites:

• NZ Police: what to do after a minor car crash
• NZTA Road Code: crashes and driver responsibility
• ACC: if you're a visitor injured in New Zealand

Ready to Start Your New Zealand Road Trip?

At Northwest Motors we specialise in affordable, reliable vehicles for backpackers and working holiday travellers, and our workshop can check your car over before a big trip. See the Garage or visit Our Workshop.