Car Broken Down in France

If your car has broken down in France and you have AA cover, you should not contact a garage directly yourself. Instead, you must call the AA’s 24-hour European helpline for assistance. The AA will then arrange for your vehicle to be taken to an authorised garage from their trusted network.

Here’s how to ensure you use an authorised garage:

Steps to Follow

  • Call the AA European Breakdown Helpline

    • From France, dial 08 25 09 88 76 or 04 72 17 12 00.

    • From a UK mobile or other countries, dial 00 33 825 09 88 76 or 00 33 472 17 12 00.

  • Do not arrange repairs or contact a garage yourself.
    If you do, you will have to pay the bill yourself and cannot claim these costs back from the AA.

  • The AA will organise recovery and repairs.
    They will tow your vehicle (if needed) and ensure it goes to an authorised, quality-checked garage within their network.

  • Provide your details.
    Be ready to give your policy number or booking reference, your exact location, a contact number, and your vehicle details.

Why Use the AA’s Network?

  • The AA only uses garages that meet their strict standards for quality, professionalism, and transparency.

  • If you use a garage outside their network without their instruction, you will not be able to claim the costs.

Special Note for French Motorways

  • If you break down on a French motorway or service area, only the official motorway assistance patrols can tow you off the motorway. Once you are off the motorway, you must then call the AA helpline for further help34.

Summary:
To ensure your car is taken to an authorised garage in France under AA cover, always contact the AA helpline first and follow their instructions. This is the only way to guarantee your repair is handled by an authorised provider and that costs are covered by your policy245.

TravelFrancesca Tabor