Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. For specific advice or assistance, please consult a qualified professional.
What is the difference between a car breakdown and towing?
Breakdown and towing services are generally provided by companies specializing in this activity, 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 cannot be done under satisfactory safety conditions, the repairers will tow 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. Only professionals approved by the public authorities are authorized to intervene with broken-down vehicles.
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. 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.
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 less than 5 km from the motorway exit.
Breakdown on the road: How do you 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 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 intervention will be greater the further the repairer travels to reach you. In this regard, you will note that the fuel costs may also sometimes be your responsibility.
Additional charges
Specific additional costs may apply to you, for example, in the event of an intervention in a very difficult-to-access place or if the weather conditions are terrible (snow, etc.).
Who should pay for towing?
Your insurance company may reimburse the cost of towing your car, 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 be covered (in whole or 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 car insurance, depending on your car’s guarantees.
