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If a storm has cut off the main road near your home in Northland, you may still be able to get your car towed or repaired, even if the usual route is blocked. The key is to stay safe, contact your insurer or roadside assistance provider, and establish whether a tow truck or repair service can reach you using a safe alternative route.

In New Zealand, what happens next depends on whether your car has been damaged by flooding, fallen trees, debris, or an accident, and what your insurance policy covers.

1. What to do if your car is damaged

• If your car is in a dangerous location: Move to a safe place if you can do so without putting yourself at risk. If anyone is injured or in immediate danger, call 111.
• If your car has been flooded: Do not start the engine, even if the water has receded. Water can cause serious engine and electrical damage.
• If a tree or debris has damaged your car: Photograph the damage and the surrounding conditions, provided it is safe to do so.
• If the road is flooded or blocked by a slip: Do not attempt to drive through floodwater or around road closures. Wait for an authorised, safe route.

Keep receipts for any emergency expenses and contact your insurer as soon as practical.

2. Will your insurance cover towing and repairs?

Your car insurance may cover storm damage and the cost of moving your vehicle to a repairer, but the exact cover depends on your policy.

• Comprehensive insurance: Generally provides the broadest protection for damage to your own car, including many types of storm damage. Towing costs may also be covered, subject to your policy.
• Third-party, fire and theft insurance: Usually won't cover storm damage to your own car unless another part of your policy specifically provides that protection.
• Third-party insurance: Generally won't pay to repair your own car when a storm damages it.
• Roadside assistance: May help arrange recovery if your car breaks down, but the service's terms determine whether storm-related recovery and towing are included.

New Zealand's Consumer Protection website explains the differences between car insurance policies and their limitations. Read the official car insurance guidance. consumerprotection.govt.nz

Important: Before arranging an expensive tow yourself, contact your insurer. Ask whether they can organise an approved towing company and whether they'll pay the recovery costs.

3. What if the main road is blocked and a tow truck can't reach you?

This is particularly relevant in Northland, where storms can cause flooding, slips, fallen trees and damage to rural roads.

There are several possibilities:

1. An alternative route is available. Your insurer or roadside assistance provider may be able to arrange a tow truck using an alternative route, provided it is safe and legally accessible.
2. The road is temporarily impassable. The recovery provider may need to postpone the job until road crews clear the obstruction or authorities declare the route safe.
3. Your car is trapped in a remote location. Your insurer may need to coordinate recovery with a specialist towing or vehicle-recovery operator. This can take longer and may involve additional costs, depending on your cover.
4. The road is closed for an extended period. You may need to leave the car where it is, if safe and permitted, while arranging a later recovery.

Don't assume you must pay for all recovery costs yourself simply because the road is blocked. Equally, don't assume every policy covers specialist recovery or waiting time.

When you contact your insurer, explain that the road is cut off and ask:

• Can you arrange a tow truck that services rural Northland?
• Will you cover the cost if the vehicle cannot be recovered immediately?
• Can you authorise recovery once the road reopens?
• Where should the vehicle be taken for assessment or repair?

4. Who can help you in New Zealand?

Here are some useful contacts and resources.

Service	How it can help
Your car insurer	Lodge a claim, confirm storm-damage cover and arrange authorised towing or repairs.
AA Roadservice	If you have applicable roadside assistance, call 0800 500 222 to request help. Coverage depends on your membership and the circumstances. AA Roadservice aa.co.nz
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA)	For hazards and closures affecting state highways, call 0800 44 44 49. State highway assistance. nzta.govt.nz
Northland Regional Council and local Civil Defence	Check regional emergency information and find out what assistance is available if the storm has left you isolated. Northland severe-weather support. test.nrc.govt.nz

If the vehicle has been flooded, NZTA advises against driving it or attempting to repair it yourself. Water can damage critical mechanical and electronic safety systems. Contact your insurer to arrange an assessment if the vehicle is insured. NZTA guidance on water-damaged vehicles. nzta.govt.nz

5. What if the storm has left you stranded at home?

If the road closure means you cannot get to a mechanic or towing provider, you should still be able to start the claims process remotely.

• Take photographs of the damage if it is safe.
• Record the location of your car and any road closures that prevent access.
• Contact your insurer by phone or through its online claims service.
• Ask whether the vehicle can remain where it is until access is restored.
• Keep a record of the claim number, instructions and any expenses.

If you are cut off and need essential assistance, your local Civil Defence organisation may also be able to advise you. If your life is at risk, call 111. civildefence.govt.nz

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One question that would help me give you a more precise answer

What type of car insurance do you have?

For example, comprehensive, third-party, or no insurance.

If you tell me which one applies, I can explain what is most likely to happen with towing and repairs if your car is damaged while the main road in Northland remains closed.