Published 11 May 2026
What to do if your car breaks down abroad
Planning a road trip to Europe? Here's how to prepare for your journey and what to do in the event of a breakdown. This article will come in handy if you are:
- Driving in France
- Driving in Spain
- Driving in Germany
- Driving in Italy
- Driving in Belgium
…and wherever else in Europe that your road trip takes you!
How to stay safe if you’ve broken down abroad
- Make sure you familiarise yourself with the road rules in the country you’re planning to drive in.
- Call '112' in Europe in case of an emergency.
- Check your breakdown insurance to confirm coverage in the country you're visiting.
How to prepare for a European road trip
Before hitting the road, here’s what you need to drive in Europe:
- Check road rules for each country, as requirements like high-visibility vests and breathalysers may be mandatory.
- Be aware of toll roads and have local currency handy for payments.
- Consider purchasing a European travel kit from motoring retailers.
European road trip checklist
- If you break down on a motorway, use the orange SOS box or call 112 from your mobile.
- If you break down on an ordinary road recovery agents may not speak English, so contact Britannia Rescue first.
- Carry your driver's license and V5 document, as garages often require them.
- In France and Germany, both tyres on an axle must be changed simultaneously.
- Only minor repairs are completed roadside in Europe.
- Some cities in France require a ‘clean air’ sticker for emissions.
- Pets must be in a cage within a vehicle on ferries crossing the channel.
Do I need breakdown cover abroad?
Breakdown insurance is an essential for driving in Europe, as this can protect you from costly repairs. Britannia Rescue Breakdown Cover offers comprehensive protection for:
- Roadside assistance and recovery in Europe and the UK.
- Repatriation and transport of your vehicle back to the UK if not fixed in time.
- Alternative travel arrangements if you break down before or during your trip.
What happens if my car stops working abroad?
Treat a breakdown abroad as you would in the UK:
- Pull over to a safe spot, ideally behind a barrier.
- Call us on +44 (0)1484 435 806. Lines open 24 hours, 7 days a week (calls may be recorded).
- Britannia Rescue will dispatch local services to help and recover your vehicle.
What should I do if I’m in an accident abroad?
- Call emergency services for serious incidents and contact your insurer promptly.
- Move to a safe place before making calls.
- Provide detailed information to your insurer and take photographs if possible.
- You may be asked to sign a constat or incident report form; check it before signing and keep a copy.
So, in a nutshell:
- Prepare for your European road trip in advance.
- Make sure you have the right European car kit on board.
- Learn the local rules of the road.
With Britannia Rescue Breakdown Cover, you can enjoy peace of mind during your travels across Europe.
