1. Flat battery
35% of breakdown calls
Cause: Old age (3-5 years), headlights left on, repeated short trips.
Cost: €80-250 (call-out + new battery €90-180)
Breakdown guide · 2026
Car breakdown: what to do now?
Warning light on, flat battery, flat tyre, minor accident — here is what to do in 2026, the right reflexes and the right numbers by country. Free photo light diagnosis in 30 seconds, digital European insurance claim form, top of the most frequent breakdowns.
🚨
In emergency: dial 112
The 112 is the single European emergency number (police, fire, ambulance). It works throughout the EU, free of charge, even without credit. For roadside assistance, see the per-country numbers below.
3 tools to handle a breakdown
Photo warning light scan
Take a photo of the warning light or symptom — AI tells you whether you can drive, wait or stop, and gives the likely cause.
Scan a warning light →European insurance claim form
Guided 8-step wizard, 17 standard cases, 10 impact points, PDF + email export. Valid throughout the EU.
Prepare my claim →Full breakdown assistance
Insurance steps, breakdown contacts, claim management, cost simulation. Everything to forget nothing.
See assistance →Emergency numbers by European country
112 works everywhere. But some countries also have a specific motorway breakdown number, faster for a mechanical failure (no injuries).
| Country | Emergency | Motorway breakdown | Max blood alcohol |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇫🇷 France | 112 | 112 (ou 0800 100 200 sur autoroute) | 0.5 g/L |
| 🇧🇪 Belgique | 112 | — | 0.5 g/L |
| 🇨🇭 Suisse | 112 | 140 (TCS) | 0.5 g/L |
| 🇮🇹 Italie | 112 | 803.116 (ACI) | 0.5 g/L |
| 🇪🇸 Espagne | 112 | — | 0.5 g/L |
| 🇩🇪 Allemagne | 112 | 112 | 0.5 g/L |
| 🇳🇱 Pays-Bas | 112 | — | 0.5 g/L |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | 112 | — | 0.5 g/L |
Per-country details (vignettes, mandatory equipment, LEZ) are available on each trip page — for example Belgium → French Riviera.
What to do step by step in case of breakdown?
- Make safe — turn on hazard lights, exit on the side opposite traffic, put on your reflective vest before getting out, place the warning triangle 30 m behind (150 m on motorway).
- Get to safety — go behind the safety barrier, NEVER stay in the vehicle on the hard shoulder.
- Assess the breakdown — Red warning light? Abnormal noise? Smoke? Our warning light scan helps you diagnose in 30 seconds.
- Call — insurance assistance first (number on green card), or directly motorway breakdown via orange terminals every 2 km.
- If accident — fill the insurance claim form, take photos of the damage and vehicle positions before moving anything.
- Keep evidence — tow-truck invoice, photos, witnesses. Essential for insurance.
Top 5 most frequent breakdowns
2. Flat tyre
22%
Cause: Nail, pothole, wear, kerb impact.
Cost: €60-150 call-out + €80-180 replacement tyre
3. Empty tank / wrong fuel
12%
Cause: Misjudged range, faulty gauge.
Cost: €100-180 call-out + fuel. If wrong fuel: €800-2,500
4. Engine breakdown
10%
Cause: Overheating, timing belt, ignition fault.
Cost: €150-400 call-out + workshop repair €300-3,000+
5. Electrical problem
8%
Cause: Faulty sensor, severed wire, failing alternator.
Cost: €100-250 call-out + diagnosis €80-200
Source: averages Mondial Assistance, Europ Assistance, Inter Mutuelles Assistance 2026.
Do you have assistance in your insurance?
Most car insurance includes basic assistance (« 0 km breakdown » or « beyond 50 km from home »). Check your contract before a long trip.
0 km assistance
Covers any breakdown, even in front of your home. The most complete. Often optional (+€30-80/year) or included in comprehensive policies.
+50 km assistance
Standard: only covers breakdown if you are more than 50 km from home. Sufficient for holidays, but not daily life.
Premium assistance
Includes replacement vehicle, hotel, passenger repatriation, taxi. Consider for long family trips or company vehicles.
Car breakdown: frequently asked questions
See also in our guides
Four other complete dossiers to go further on the car in 2026.
🔌
EV Charging
Prices by country, cards, stations, home installation, incentives.
🏖️
Holidays by car
15 major European trips, vignettes, tolls, departure checklist.
💰
Car cost (TCO)
5-year TCO by powertrain and country, complete methodology.
📄
Vehicle documents
Registration, international permit, insurance, technical inspection.