What to do if your rental car breaks down in Ireland
At NewWay, your safety and peace of mind while you drive in Ireland are at the heart of everything we do. Driving in Ireland is an incredible experience, whether you are exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, the Causeway Coast, visiting rural towns, or travelling on motorways between Dublin, Cork, Limerick or Galway. However, we understand that unexpected issues such as a breakdown, flat tyres and other incidents can happen at anytime. We want to provides clear, practical advice on what to do, ensuring you feel supported, informed, and confident throughout your journey.
Breakdown or Tyre issues:
Experiencing a breakdown while travelling can be stressful, especially if you are unfamiliar with Irish roads or driving conditions. At NewWay, we have designed our support process to make sure help is always within reach.
All NewWay rentals include 24-hour roadside assistance provided by the AA, one of Ireland’s most trusted emergency support providers with nationwide coverage.
- Republic of Ireland: 0818 294 014
- Northern Ireland: 0330 123 3280
This means that wherever you are travelling, from busy motorways to remote coastal routes, professional assistance is available at any time of day or night.
What happens when you call
- During office hours: You will speak directly with the NewWay team. We will assess your situation, provide immediate guidance, and decide on the fastest and safest solution. Our goal is always to minimise disruption and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
- Outside office hours: Your call will be handled by the AA, who will dispatch roadside assistance to your location.
Why NewWay partners with the AA
Providing reliable nationwide breakdown support across Ireland is a complex task. Rather than attempting to manage this internally, NewWay like other car hire companies, have partnered with the AA to ensure customers receive the highest standard of care.
Benefits of this approach:
- 24 hour nationwide coverage
- Experienced roadside professionals
- Faster response through established networks
- Support in both urban and rural areas
- Reliable assistance during evenings and overnight
No car hire company can realistically maintain a full independent breakdown network across Ireland, particularly outside of business hours. By working with a trusted partner, we ensure that help is always available when you need it most.
Understanding response times in Ireland
Ireland’s beauty lies in its rural and remote landscapes. However, this can sometimes impact response times.
- Assistance teams may need to travel from nearby towns or cities
- Remote areas such as parts of the west coast may take longer to reach
- Weather conditions and traffic can occasionally cause delays
We always keep customers informed and supported during this time, so you are never left unsure about what is happening.
Local solutions for faster service
During office hours, we may recommend a trusted local garage if it offers a quicker resolution, particularly for common issues like battery problems or tyre damage. This approach is based on real on the ground experience of how Ireland’s roadside network works.
If we suggest a local garage:
- You will be fully reimbursed
- You may receive assistance faster than waiting for centralised services
- You will be guided clearly through the process by our team
This flexible support model is designed entirely around your safety and convenience, getting you back on the road as soon as possible is our goal here.
Flat tyres are one of the most common issues drivers experience, especially when travelling on rural roads, narrow country lanes, or uneven surfaces.
What to do if you get a flat tyre:
- Slow down gradually and pull over safely
- Choose a secure location away from traffic if possible
- Turn on your hazard lights
- Exit the vehicle carefully if it is safe to do so
- Contact the roadside assistance number
- You may be able to use a compressor and sealant to temporarily.
All our vehicles will either have an emergency repair kit or a spare tyre (this is becoming rarer with new cars coming from the manufacturer).
How to use the emergency repair kit:
The emergancy repair kit can be found under the boot of the the car. It should contain instructions on what to do in the event of a flat tyre and in what circumstances the kit should be used. If it is a straight forward puncture the kit may help with the issue until you can get to a local tyre centre. If the tyre wall is ripped you will have to wait for roadside assistance to get to you to repair the tyre.
Getting you back on the road
Our local knowledge combined with our partnership with the AA ensures you are supported 24 hours a day. Our team is always ready to guide you towards the quickest and safest solution. Your journey matters to us, and we are here to help you get back on the road as smoothly as possible.
Save these important numbers
Republic of Ireland: 0818 294 014
Northern Ireland: 0330 123 3280
Frequently asked questions:
What should I do if my rental car breaks down in Ireland?
Call the NewWay roadside assistance number immediately. During office hours our team will assist you directly, and outside these hours the AA will support you.
How long does roadside assistance take in Ireland?
Response times vary depending on your location. In rural areas, assistance may take longer as teams travel from nearby towns or cities.
What happens if I get a flat tyre in a rental car?
Contact roadside assistance. In some cases, NewWay may recommend a nearby garage for a faster solution, with full reimbursement approved in advance.
Will I be reimbursed if I pay for a repair?
Yes, if NewWay approves the solution in advance, you will be fully reimbursed.
Can I continue driving after a breakdown in Ireland?
You should only continue driving if it is safe to do so and you have been advised by NewWay or roadside assistance.
Do I need to fill in an accident report form?
You will only need to fill in an incident report form if the breakdown was as a result of an incident that damaged the car, property or involved a third party. In any of these circumstances you should contact your rental station before continuing your journey.