Roadside Assistance via satellite now available in the UK, with Green Flag

Apple last year launched its Roadside Assistance via satellite feature in the US, intended to provide help to those stranded by car trouble in areas without mobile coverage. That service has now been quietly extended to the UK.

You’ll need an iPhone 14 or later to use the service, and you’ll need to know ahead of time how to use the feature to summon help …

Roadside Assistance via satellite

We last year explained how to use the service. First, you’ll need to be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon.

Compose a new message in Messages. Type in “Roadside” to the contact field to see the Roadside Assistance via satellite option. Note that this will only work when you’re out of wifi or cellular range. Once selected, a prompt will appear that lets you select what kind of car trouble you’re experiencing. Examples include being locked out of your car, running out of fuel or battery, or having a flat tire.

You can watch a video demonstration below.

Now available in the UK

Apple has quietly updated its support document to include the UK.

• You need an iPhone 14 or later (any model) with:
  • United States: iOS 17 or later to connect to AAA for roadside assistance.
  • United States: iOS 17.2 or later and a Verizon SIM to connect to Verizon for roadside assistance.
  • United Kingdom: iOS 17 or later to connect to Green Flag for roadside assistance.

While Green Flag offers membership packages, you don’t need to have one in place. As with other breakdown organizations in the UK, there is an option to take out a membership on the spot by paying the subscription plus an emergency callout fee.

The company doesn’t appear to disclose non-member fees on its website, but Google searches suggest the premium you’ll pay on top of a £48+ membership is somewhere in the £120 to £240 range, depending on the location and problem.

Via MacRumors. Image: Collage of screenshots from Apple.