# Breakdown abroad: what to do, whom to call, what covers you > Securing the vehicle, calling 112 or the motorway operator, and checking recovery cover and insurance papers before a motorhome needs a tow. Source: https://camping-spirit.com/magazine/eu-breakdown-abroad/ *By CampingSpirit Editors, 2026-09-25* A breakdown is never convenient, but in an unfamiliar country with a vehicle of three tonnes or more it brings extra questions: who may tow a motorhome of this size, who pays, and what the local rules are on a motorway. Most of the stress can be removed by two minutes of preparation at home, and by knowing the first steps at the roadside. This guide covers the immediate steps, the numbers to call, how recovery works on motorways and for heavy vehicles, what insurance and breakdown cover usually include, what to do after an accident and what changes when the vehicle is rented. ## First steps at the roadside The sequence is the same almost everywhere. Move the vehicle out of the traffic lane if possible, switch on the hazard lights, put on a high-visibility vest before getting out and take everyone out of the vehicle on the side away from the traffic. Continental's breakdown guide gives 30 metres as the usual distance for the warning triangle, and 100 metres on motorways, but it notes that national rules differ and that it is not an official source, so the local rule should be checked. People then wait behind the crash barrier or well off the carriageway, never in the vehicle on a hard shoulder. Warning triangle and vest belong in the passenger area, not in a rear locker that cannot be reached from the roadside. ## Whom to call The European emergency number 112 is free, works from landlines and mobile phones, and, according to the European Emergency Number Association, is available around the clock anywhere in the European Union as well as in a number of other European countries. It connects to fire brigade, medical help or police. For a plain breakdown without injury, motorways usually have their own system. On many motorways there are emergency telephones at regular intervals, which locate the caller automatically, and in several countries the operator organises the recovery. Using a roadside emergency phone is generally safer than a mobile call from the carriageway. ## Recovery on motorways and for heavy vehicles France shows how rigid the system can be. According to promobil, motorists on French motorways must use the emergency call boxes or 112, and automobile clubs such as ADAC cannot organise help there. VINCI Autoroutes states that only approved breakdown services may work on the motorway and that they aim to arrive within 30 minutes, or within 60 minutes for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. Prices are set by ministerial order for vehicles below 3.5 tonnes; from 3.5 tonnes upwards, which includes many motorhomes, the price is not regulated, and promobil reports that costs can reach four figures. Repairs must be paid for directly, regardless of any breakdown cover, so that a receipt should be kept. For motorhomes this has a practical meaning. A tow company must be able to lift or pull the vehicle safely at its real weight, and a 4-tonne coachbuilt model is often too heavy for the standard recovery truck. When the call is made, the recovery company should be told the actual weight, height and length, and whether the vehicle has a rear overhang or a bike rack, since this affects the equipment they send. Policies that were written for ordinary cars may exclude vehicles above a weight limit or limit the towing distance. ## What covers you Motor liability insurance is compulsory, and the French public information site service-public.gouv.fr states that French car liability insurance covers all countries of the European Union. A driver should carry the insurance certificate or the international insurance card, which the insurer issues on request and which lists the countries in which the policy is valid. What goes beyond third-party cover, such as damage to the own vehicle, towing and repatriation, depends on the policy and has to be checked. A breakdown membership from a motoring club or an insurer may include recovery, a replacement vehicle or onward travel, but may also have limits for weight, age of the vehicle or the number of days abroad. The policy documents and the emergency number should be saved on the phone and on paper. ## After an accident The European Consumer Centre Germany advises securing the scene with a warning triangle, collecting the details of the other driver, including name, address, insurer and registration, photographing the vehicles and the scene and noting witnesses. Both drivers should complete the European accident report, available in several languages from insurers, which is described as essential for quick compensation. The claim then goes to the claims representative of the other driver's insurer in the home country, and the representative has to make an offer within three months if all documents are provided. The own insurer should also be informed. Service-public.gouv.fr points out that electronic accident statements on a phone do not work abroad, so a paper form should be in the glove box. ## Rental vehicles and a short list With a rented motorhome the rental company should be called first, using the number in the contract, because it usually has its own assistance partner and may refuse to pay for a recovery arranged without authorisation. The same applies to damage after an accident. Before departure: save 112 and the assistance number, check the weight limit of the breakdown cover, keep the insurance card and accident report in the vehicle, store the vehicle's weight and dimensions in the phone and make sure a vest and a triangle are within reach of the driver's seat. ## Sources - [What is 112? (European Emergency Number Association)](https://eena.org/about-112/whats-112-all-about/) - [Car accident in Germany or abroad: What to do? (European Consumer Centre Germany)](https://www.evz.de/en/topics/transport/car/accident/) - [Are you covered by motor insurance while traveling abroad? (service-public.gouv.fr)](https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2694?lang=en) - [Frankreichs Autobahnen: Kein ADAC-Schutz bei Pannen (promobil)](https://www.promobil.de/weitere-ratgeber/frankreichs-autobahnen-kein-adac-schutz-bei-pannen/) - [Dépannage autoroute (VINCI Autoroutes)](https://www.vinci-autoroutes.com/fr/conseils/autoroute-mode-demploi/depannage-autoroute/)