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First published in December 2022
Updated August 2025
Driving through the beautiful French countryside or bustling cities like Paris and Lyon is a dream for many. But what happens when that dream comes to a halt due to an unexpected breakdown? Whether you're an expat, tourist, or resident, understanding how roadside assistance works in France can save you time, money, and stress.
Let’s walk you through everything you need to know about roadside assistance in France, from who to call and what steps to take, to how your car insurance France fits into the picture.
Why Roadside Assistance is Essential in France
One of the main reasons people take out car insurance in France is to ensure peace of mind on the road. While most drivers never need to use their breakdown assistance, it's vital to be prepared. Accidents and malfunctions happen, especially when you're far from home or in unfamiliar territory.
Common Roadside Situations Covered:
✅ Flat tyres
✅ Battery issues
✅ Empty fuel tank
✅ Engine failure
✅ Minor accidents
French car insurance policies often include assistance routière (roadside assistance) as standard or as an optional add-on. Make sure you review your policy carefully.
Step 1: Stay Safe First
Safety is always your first priority. If you're on a motorway (autoroute), exit the vehicle safely and move to a secure location behind the crash barrier if possible. Put on your reflective vest and place your warning triangle at least 30 metres behind the vehicle.
Remember: If your situation involves injuries or danger, call 112 (the European emergency number) immediately.
Step 2: Don’t Call Your Insurance Broker First
While your broker is your go-to for choosing the best policy, they're not who you should call first during a breakdown. Instead, contact your 24/7 roadside assistance number found on:
✅ Your car insurance policy documents
✅ The “carte verte” (green card)
✅ The windshield vignette (insurance sticker)
This dedicated assistance line will organise repair services or towing. The best part? Most of the time, any cost involved is billed directly to your insurance company, so you avoid upfront expenses.
Step 3: Filing the Paperwork (If Needed)
If your incident involved another vehicle, you must complete a “constat amiable” (accident report form) and submit it to your insurer within 48 hours. The more detailed your report, the smoother your claim process will be.
Step 4: What If You Need Towing?
If your car can’t be repaired on the spot, it will be towed to a garage. Ideally, it should be towed to a partner garage of your insurer to keep costs low and coverage seamless.
If it’s towed to a non-partner garage, your insurance may still reimburse you, but you could be required to pay upfront and file a claim later.
Step 5: Getting Your Car Repaired
Whether your insurance covers the repair depends on your policy and the nature of the breakdown. If covered:
✅ Your insurer will coordinate with the garage.
✅ Repairs will proceed once an independent assessor has evaluated the damage (for high-cost repairs).
Keep in mind that spare parts are rarely covered by insurance. Also, delays might occur if parts are out of stock or need to be ordered.
Step 6: Need a Temporary Car?
Most comprehensive policies will offer a loan vehicle if your car requires prolonged repairs. However these cars are usually available for up to 2 weeks and additional costs may apply for longer durations.
If you purchased insurance through a broker, you might benefit from better loan car conditions, since brokers often have greater negotiating power.
What About Highways (Autoroutes) in France?
Breakdowns on French motorways are treated differently. You can’t call your insurer directly for roadside assistance here.
Instead, use one of the orange emergency phones placed every 2 km on the motorway. You’ll be connected to an approved motorway operator, who will send an authorised tow truck.
Important: Even if your insurer provides roadside assistance, on motorways you must first be removed from the road by an approved towing service. Then, your insurer may reimburse part or all of the cost.
Typical Breakdown Costs in France
Emergency breakdown services in France are subject to regulated pricing on motorways:
➡️ Daytime tow (standard vehicle): approx. 132 €
➡️ Night/weekend tow: approx. 198 €
Extra charges may apply for special services, like winching, large vehicles, or extended roadside help. Having proper breakdown cover in your insurance policy will protect you from these out-of-pocket costs.
Is Your Insurance Policy Good Enough?
Many drivers assume their car insurance automatically includes breakdown cover. That’s not always true.
At Fab French Insurance, we offer tailored car insurance policies for expats in France, which include:
✅ 24/7 roadside assistance
✅ Nationwide towing
✅ Emergency accommodation (if needed)
✅ Loan vehicle access
Need to review or upgrade your plan? Get a quote now and make sure you’re not caught off guard.
Tips to Avoid Roadside Emergencies
➡️ Maintain your vehicle regularly.
➡️ Keep a spare tyre, triangle, reflective vest, and torch in the car.
➡️ Check your insurance paperwork before travelling.
➡️ Make sure your breakdown number is saved in your phone.
Wrapping It All Up
Breakdowns happen, and they’re never convenient. But being informed and prepared makes a world of difference.
By following this guide, you now know exactly:
✅ Who to call for roadside assistance in France
✅ How to stay safe during a breakdown
✅ What your French car insurance should cover
With the right cover in place, your journey can continue smoothly even when the unexpected strikes.
Need help choosing or upgrading your roadside assistance cover in France? 👉 Contact Fab French Insurance today for tailored advice you can trust.
Stay safe, stay covered, and enjoy the open French roads with peace of mind.
