Green Flag to Provide Help to Stranded Motorists through Apple’s Roadside Assistance via satellite

4 min read
  • Roadside Assistance via satellite allows iPhone 16, iPhone 15, and iPhone 14 users in the UK to connect with Green Flag if they have car trouble and mobile and Wi-Fi coverage are not available
  • A short questionnaire helps capture important details, which are transmitted via satellite, so a Green Flag agent can message with the user directly and dispatch help to their exact location
  • This feature will help more drivers get the assistance they need — in the last five years, almost one in six (18 percent) UK drivers whose cars broke down or were involved in an accident had no mobile reception.

iPhone 16, iPhone 15, and iPhone 14 users can now get access to Roadside Assistance via satellite with Green Flag services.1 Working with Apple and utilising its robust satellite services, Green Flag can now reach people who may otherwise be unable to get help because they do not have mobile phone reception or Wi-Fi access.

When users with an iPhone 14 or later model have car trouble and mobile and Wi-Fi coverage are not available, they can now connect with Green Flag using Apple’s Roadside Assistance via satellite feature. Motorists do not even need to be a Green Flag customer to get help.2

An iPhone user can request Roadside Assistance via satellite in the Messages app by tapping the New Message button and typing 'Roadside' in the address field to start a conversation. They will then see the option to request Roadside Assistance via satellite. Alternatively, if a user attempts to call 999 and the call does not connect, they will have the option to text either emergency services or Green Flag via satellite.

After answering a few questions to capture important details, iPhone users requesting roadside assistance will be connected via satellite with a Green Flag agent. Users will receive clear guidance to connect to a satellite, so they can text a Green Flag agent and get important information about the status of their request.

In the last five years, almost one in six (18 percent) UK drivers whose cars broke down or were involved in an accident had no mobile reception to seek help.3 People unable to contact support from their mobiles often resort to using Emergency Roadside Call boxes. New analysis4 published by Green Flag reveals 1,400 calls have already been made from Emergency Roadside Call Boxes across Wales (831) and Scotland (569) this year by people requiring roadside assistance. Last year, the figure reached 2,956, and the figure for the UK is estimated to be significantly higher5. Roadside Assistance via satellite will help even more people get support when they are off the grid, allowing iPhone users to avoid the risk of walking along a busy road to contact help.

Adam Winslow, Chief Executive of Direct Line Group comments: “Reducing risk for motorists and getting them back on the road quickly are at the core of our Green Flag business, which is why we are delighted to offer breakdown services through Apple’s Roadside Assistance via satellite. Using satellite-enabled iPhone models and Apple’s satellite services, we can provide drivers with the reassurance that even when they don’t have mobile reception or Wi-Fi access, or are in the most remote of locations, help is at hand.”

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Ewan Robertson

Interim Head of Corporate Communications

Direct Line Group

Telephone: 07779718865

Email: [email protected]

 

Unni Henry

Green Flag

PR Manager

Email: [email protected]

 

Notes to editors:

1.      Apple’s satellite features are included for free for two years starting at the time of activation of a new iPhone 14 or later. Roadside Assistance via satellite is included for free for Green Flag members in the U.K., and iPhone users who are not members can take advantage of the solution on a pay-per-use basis. Apple’s satellite services were designed for use in open spaces with a clear line of sight to the sky. Performance may be impacted by obstructions such as trees or surrounding buildings.

2.      Drivers using the service who are not Green Flag policy holders would incur a one-off fee.

3.      Opinium survey of a representative sample of 2,000 U.K. adults conducted between 9 12 July 2024.

4.      Freedom of Information request issued to National Highways, Transport Scotland and the Welsh Government on 1 July 2024

5.      National Highways, responsible for England’s major roads and motorways, declined to provide information

 

About Green Flag:

With over 50 years' experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required).  

Green Flag is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.