Every delivery driver hopes it never happens, but sooner or later most of us will have a van that will not start, a warning light that will not go off, or a flat tyre halfway through a route. When you are self-employed, a van breakdown is more than a hassle. It can cost you time, parcels and money.
The good news is that a breakdown is much easier to deal with when you know what to do. This guide walks you through the steps to take, what happens to your parcels and pay, and how the costs might affect your tax.
Step 1: Get yourself safe first
Your safety comes before any parcel. If your van starts to play up, try to get off the road and stop somewhere safe, such as a car park, lay-by or service area.
The Highway Code says you should:
- Put your hazard warning lights on if your van is blocking traffic
- Wear light-coloured or high-vis clothing in daylight and reflective clothing at night
- Keep your sidelights on if it is dark or hard to see
- Never stand between your van and oncoming traffic
- Place a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind your van on normal roads, but never on a motorway
On a motorway, the rules are stricter. Leave at the next exit or pull into a service area if you can. If not, move into the left lane and stop in an emergency area or on the hard shoulder. Get out by the left-hand door, away from traffic, and wait behind the safety barrier if there is one. If you cannot get out safely, stay in your seat with your seat belt on and call 999.
You can check the full rules in the Highway Code section on breakdowns and incidents.
Step 2: Let your depot know straight away
Once you are safe, contact your depot or route manager as soon as you can. Tell them where you are, what has happened and how many parcels you still have on board.
The sooner they know, the sooner they can plan. They may send another driver to collect your parcels, move some of your stops to someone else, or ask you to finish part of the route once your van is fixed. Quick, clear messages help everyone and show you are a reliable driver.
Step 3: Call for breakdown help
Next, call your breakdown provider. Who you call depends on whether the van is yours or rented.
- Your own van: call your own breakdown cover company.
- A rented van: check your rental agreement. Most rental firms have their own breakdown number and want you to use it. Using a different garage could leave you paying the bill.
Keep your parcels safe while you wait. Lock the van if you have to step away, and never leave parcels on show.
Own van or rented van: what changes?
Here is a simple comparison of what usually happens in each case. Always check your own agreement, as every contract is different.
| Question | Your own van | A rented van |
|---|---|---|
| Who do you call for help? | Your own breakdown cover company | The rental firm’s breakdown number |
| Who arranges repairs? | You choose and book a garage | The rental firm usually arranges it |
| Who pays for repairs? | You do | Often the rental firm, unless the damage was your fault |
| Can you get a spare van? | Only if you hire one yourself | Some rental firms offer a replacement |
| Can you claim the cost against tax? | Usually yes, if you claim actual costs | You can usually claim the rental cost |
What happens to your parcels and pay?
As a self-employed driver, you are usually paid per delivery or on a daily rate. This means that if you cannot finish your route, you may earn less that day. How this works depends on your contract, so ask your depot how they handle breakdowns before it ever happens.
This is why many drivers keep a small savings pot for bad days. Even a few hundred pounds set aside can help cover a repair bill or a lost day of work without too much stress.
Can you claim breakdown costs as an expense?
Yes, in most cases. If you use the actual costs method for your van, things like repairs, recovery, breakdown cover and replacement parts can count as business expenses. Our guide on whether you can claim repairs, servicing, tyres, MOT and road tax explains how this works in more detail.
There is one important catch. If you use the flat mileage rate instead, you cannot also claim repair or breakdown costs, because the mileage rate already covers them. For the full picture, see our list of what expenses a self-employed driver can claim.
Claiming the right costs lowers your profit, and that lowers your bill. If you want to know how much tax a self-employed driver pays, we break it down step by step. It also helps to know when self-employed drivers pay tax, so a big repair bill does not leave you short when your tax is due.
Whatever happens, keep every receipt from the breakdown. Snap a photo of each one on your phone so you have a copy for your records.
How to lower the chances of breaking down
You cannot stop every breakdown, but simple daily checks can catch most problems early. Before each shift, take two minutes to check:
- Tyres: look for cuts, bulges and low pressure. Tread should be at least 1.6mm deep.
- Oil and water: top them up if they look low.
- Lights: make sure headlights, brake lights and indicators all work.
- Fuel or charge: never start a route running on empty.
- Warning lights: if a light stays on after starting, get it checked before you set off.
Regular servicing also makes a big difference. A van that is looked after is far less likely to let you down on a busy day.
Build a simple breakdown kit
Keep these items in your van so you are ready if the worst happens:
- A high-vis vest
- A warning triangle (for normal roads only)
- A torch with spare batteries
- A phone charger or power bank
- Your breakdown cover number and policy details
- Water and a snack, in case you have a long wait
Drive with support behind you
A breakdown is stressful, but with the right steps it does not have to ruin your week. Stay safe, tell your depot, call for help and keep your receipts.
At Skilled Solutions, we connect self-employed drivers with trusted carriers like Amazon Logistics and DPD across Essex, Kent, London and West Sussex. Our team supports you from your first application to your first delivery, and we offer van rental assistance to help you get on the road without a big upfront cost. Get in touch with our team today to find a route near you.
This guide is for general information only and is not tax or legal advice. Rules can change, so always check the latest GOV.UK guidance or speak to an accountant about your own situation.
