As cars increasingly rely on electronics, carrying out repairs on your own can sometimes be tricky. Fortunately, car contracts often include an assistance service, which can be adjusted depending on your ability to intervene in the event of a breakdown. The cost of tow truck service near me can be more advantageous compared to the price of an emergency towing request.
What is the difference between car breakdown and towing?
Breakdown and towing services are generally provided by companies specializing in this activity, but also by dealers or even independent garages.
The breakdown operation consists of them intervening at the place of immobilization. It is generally summed up in simple operations: supplying fuel, changing tires, etc.
If on-site repair proves impossible or if it cannot be carried out under satisfactory safety conditions, the repairers will then carry out towing, i.e. transporting your vehicle to another site.
Breakdown on the motorway: how much does a towing/auto recovery service cost?
First scenario: you break down on the motorway or an expressway.
Here, any breakdown-towing intervention is strictly regulated by law. On the one hand, only professionals approved by the public authorities are authorized to intervene with drivers who have broken down.
On the other hand, breakdown-towing is subject to a fixed price defined by ministerial decree 1:
For on-site repairs with a round trip by the professional and a repair lasting up to 30 minutes, expect to pay 144 dollars. To this may be added the payment of any supplies;
For a breakdown service with towing, the bill amounts to 144 dollars for vehicles with a maximum permissible loaded weight (PTAC) of up to 1.8 tonnes; and 178.70 dollars for vehicles between 1.8 and 3.5 tonnes. Future Towing has a flatbed towing service that facilitates for movement of heavy cars in any situation.
These rates are increased by 50% in the event of a call made:
- Monday to Friday between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m.
- Saturdays and Sundays.
- Public holidays.
You can then request that your car be towed to the breakdown recovery company’s garage or the location of your choice, provided that it is located less than 5 km from the motorway exit.
Breakdown on the road: how to calculate the price of a tow truck for a breakdown/towing?
Off-highway, the cost of auto breakdown-towing services is free. The price range is wide. It varies according to several criteria.
Time spent on site and severity of the intervention
Unsurprisingly, the longer and more complex the breakdown is to repair, the higher the bill will be.
A 30-minute delay is most often included in the breakdown service intervention packages. In the event of a delay, an additional cost is to be expected.
The bill can also quickly climb if it is necessary to call in a vehicle equipped with a crane in the event of an accident, for example, to extract a car stuck in a difficult-to-access place.
The time slot of the intervention
Rates are generally increased for nighttime, weekend, and public holiday operations.
Some operators may also increase their rates depending on the time of year, particularly during peak periods (e.g. summer, when people are on holiday).
The distance to be covered by the repairer
The amount of the intervention will be all the higher the distance the repairer will have to travel to reach you. In this regard, you will note that the fuel costs may also sometimes be your responsibility.
Additional charges
It may happen that certain additional costs are applied to you, for example in the event of an intervention in a place that is very difficult to access or if the weather conditions are particularly bad (snow, etc.). Future towing advice changes your car’s battery but if you need a quick relief you can always connect us to jump-start service your car.
Who should pay for towing?
The cost of towing your car may be reimbursed by your insurance company depending on your auto assistance coverage.
Most contracts include assistance in the event of a breakdown more than 50km from your home. However, it is possible to opt for enhanced coverage, such as a “0km Breakdown Assistance” guarantee. In this case, you will benefit from support regardless of the location of the breakdown, including at home.
To facilitate your compensation:
- If you break down off-highway, it is recommended that you first call your insurer so that they can connect you with a partner breakdown service. Your bill may then be covered (in full or in part, depending on your contract). The assistance number is on your car sticker affixed to the windscreen.
- If you break down on the motorway, your first instinct should be to contact emergency services:
- By calling +12045882055 (non-premium rate call) or 112.
Approved breakdown services, authorized to intervene on the motorway, will be sent to you. The cost of the operation may then be covered by your insurance, depending on your car’s guarantees.
