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Motor Breakdown Recovery in Belize

Whereas in the UK you can have some reassurance when you're driving around, as you can sign up to the AA or the RAC or other Car Breakdown Recovery companies, and then, if your vehicle comes grinding to a halt, you can call for help and be rescued, in Belize it's a different matter. You might suppose from a distance there would be a greater need for car breakdown recovery in Belize, as the roads have bigger holes and bumps in them, some of the hills are quite steep, and the engines are under increased strain from having to power the airconditioning which is essential in the glorious tropical climate!

I would have thought there was an excellent opportunity for someone to set up a vehicle rescuing insurance scheme, but at the time of writing (2007/05/19), I have as yet found no official motor rescue membership organisations in Belize.

However, I have found out about the local alternative. Here's how it's done: You have a network of friends who all have cars and cellphones, and if any of you breaks down, you call one of your friends to rescue you. It's a mutual arrangement because you can be called upon to rescue your friends when they are stuck, just as they rescue you if you are stuck.

I think this is typical of the Belizean culture, where people look out for each other and there is mutual helpfulness. Also, the practical engineering is part of life, and even if you're not into engines, you know someone who is.

If you'd like to find out more about what a marvellous place Belize is, there are some helpful travel companies who can get you there. I've got on very well with STA Travel myself. Or, if you're looking at this page to see about some car rescue and breakdown recovery and wondering which other international geographical regions are covered, I can tell you that Car Breakdown Recovery in the UK is well covered, and in mainland Europe there is RAC European Breakdown Cover, and I am hoping that our friends at Commission Junction can find us some auto rescue firms in the USA to help to build an equivalent United States car breakdown rescue category. This is an international site, you know.

Meanwhile, to be rescued in case of breakdown in Belize, keep your cellphone charged up, know who your friends are, carry a phone card in case you need to use a payphone, and carry a spare BTL telephone directory in the glove compartment!

Also, it's a good idea to have at least one spare tyre onboard in good condition (not flat).