Travelling to Europe in your own car affords many benefits, saving costs on car hire, taking as much luggage as you want, and more. 

But there are some occasions where having your own vehicle with you in a foreign country is less than ideal, especially if it’s currently broken down at the side of an Autoroute or Autobahn.  

Below we’ll take a look at how best to prepare and deal if your car breaks down while driving abroad in Europe. 

Precautions to take before driving to Europe 

Road laws differ from country to country, so it’s essential that you take note before you leave of what rules you need to follow. Don’t forget you’ll need to comply even if only passing through. 

There are a few things you need to bring for most European countries, check the specific rules for the countries you’ll be visiting but here's a rough idea of what to bring: 

• Warning triangle and hi-viz vest - one for every passenger 
• Headlight deflectors 
• Spare bulbs 
• Breathalyser kit 
• UK sticker 
• Clean air sticker - if applicable 

The laws and customs may be different too, so make sure you comply with these, a starting point of the following things will get you most of the way, but again check specific countries' laws: 

• Unposted speed limits - learn the rules for where they apply 
• Lower alcohol limit 
• Don’t use your mobile, or headphones whilst driving 
• Child passengers  - the laws are different to the UK regarding seat belts 
• Bring your documents - V5 and licence should be sufficient but some countries require MOT and insurance details 

What to do if your car breaks down while travelling? 

Regardless of country, you should pull over into a safe place if possible, then evacuate all passengers to the side of the road, ideally a short distance from the carriageway and behind a barrier. 

What happens if my car breaks down in France? 

Move the car to a safe location if possible 

If your car still drives, getting off the carriageway will be far safer than obstructing it. Be careful not to block emergency exits and lanes on certain motorways. 

Evacuate the car 

Ensure everyone is wearing their hi-viz vest, safely get everyone out of the car, and have all passengers move a little way from the road, ideally to behind a barrier. Do not stay inside,  in front of or behind the car. 

If the car is obstructing the road, walk 150 metres behind the vehicle, still behind the barrier, and alert other drivers of the danger. 

Place your warning triangle 

At least 30 metres behind the car, place your warning triangle clearly visible on the ground directly behind the car. 

Call for help 

Use the orange boxes at the side of the road, or call 112 from your mobile phone. Describe your location as best you can. 

Finally, wait for help to come, ensuring all members of your party are out of the direct sun or are wearing adequate warm clothes, depending on conditions. 

What to do if my car breaks down in Spain? 

If possible, move your car to a safe location

Make sure to move your car off the carriageway, without blocking any exits.

Evacuate the car 

Spain has similar laws to other countries in Europe regarding hi-vis vests and waiting outside your car, so be sure to have all passengers move away from the road, ideally to behind a barrier. Do not stay inside, in front of or behind the car. 

If the car is obstructing the road, walk 150 metres behind the vehicle, still behind the barrier, and alert other drivers of the danger. 

Place your warning triangle and warning light 

In Spain, it is the law to carry two warning triangles -  place your warning triangle clearly visible on the ground, at least 30 metres back from your vehicle. 

Since January 2021, Spain also requires every car to have a ‘luz de emergencia V-16’, an illumination device that should be placed on the roof of your car. Complete this as per the instructions on the device. 

Call for help 

Use the orange boxes at the side of the road, or call 112 from your mobile phone - this number works all across Europe. Describe your location as best you can. 

Finally, wait for help to come, ensuring all members of your party are out of the direct sun or are wearing adequate warm clothes, depending on conditions. 

What to do if my car breaks down in Germany? 

Move the car to a safe location if possible 

If you can, move your car to a safe location. Leaving your car on the carriageway could be very dangerous.

Evacuate the car 

Put on your hi-vis vest, ensuring every passenger has one too, and wait outside your car, be sure to have all passengers move away from the road, ideally to behind a barrier. Do not stay inside, in front of or behind the car. 

If the car is obstructing the road, walk 150 metres behind the vehicle, still behind the barrier, and alert other drivers of the danger. 

Place your warning triangle 

Place your warning triangle clearly visible on the ground, at least 30 metres back from your vehicle. 

Call for help 

Call 110 for the German emergency number, and they will be able to put you through to an English-speaking advisor. 

Finally, wait for help to come, ensuring all members of your party are out of the direct sun or are wearing adequate warm clothes, depending on conditions. 

What to do if your car breaks down on a German autobahn 

Because of the higher speed limit and potential danger on the German Autobahns, a dedicated service is established to tow you from the main carriageway to a designated safe zone. 

If you’ve broken down on the Autobahn, call from one of the roadside emergency telephones, and follow the arrows on signs beside the road to get to one. 

Once safely off the motorway, call the regular emergency number or your European Recovery service should you have one. 

Should I get a European breakdown cover before going to Europe? 

Almost 50% of drivers' purchase breakdown cover driving in the UK, but many of these policies don't cover going abroad, or if they do, only in certain circumstances. Luckily there are short-term policies available through most breakdown companies. 

Does my UK breakdown cover me in Europe? 

Most common breakdown services such as the RAC and AA offer varying levels of coverage, including extras such as from-home recovery if your car fails to start, unlimited callouts etc, but be sure to check with the provider if yours includes cover whilst abroad. 

RAC and AA 

None of the Basic, Standard or Complete packages offered by both the RAC or AA mentions any European cover, but both offer a year-long European cover option. 

This can be tailored to suit how much cover you need and in what specific countries you’ll be travelling to.  

Benefits of the European cover include a 24/7 English-speaking helpline, unlimited assistance to get your car to a garage, and the cost to transport your broken car back home.

If your current provider doesn’t offer roadside assistance in Europe, there are many companies offering short-term or one-trip cover that can be very reasonably priced. 

What to do once your car is recovered back to the UK 

Across the UK, Bumper Have over 3,000 partner garages and repair centres around the UK, they also make it quick and easy to split the cost of your car’s repairs into monthly payments, all with no interest or fees. 

Apply to split your bill at 1,000s of dependable service partners nationwide.

Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.