French motorway breakdowns: how system works and change to charges

Motorway operators send out a specialist to come to your vehicle and either repair it or take you to the nearest garage. However, the cost of this service is scheduled to rise from December 1.

Only personnel who are authorised by the motorway operator are allowed to attend breakdowns on the motorway. This service can be contacted via the SOS Autoroute app or the orange phone boxes found on motorway hard shoulders.

Companies that provide this service are obliged to arrive on site within 30 minutes of your call.

There are around 6,000 such companies in France, with their fees regulated by the state according to the weight of the vehicle affected.

From December 1, the cost of this emergency breakdown service is scheduled to rise by 2.86%. The rise is intended to cater to increased operating costs and inflation.

Read more: How does vehicle breakdown cover work in France?

The price of motorway breakdown recovery

The price of motorway breakdown recovery is subject to vehicle weight, day and time and whether the vehicle requires towing. The new prices from December 1 are as follows:

Vehicles that weigh more than 3.5 tonnes require special assistance.

These costs are sometimes – but not always – reimbursed by your insurance provider, but usually need to be paid upfront.

Vehicles that weigh more than 3.5 tonnes require special assistance.

These costs are sometimes – but not always – reimbursed by your insurance provider, but usually need to be paid upfront.