Roadside Assistance Abroad – Guide for Drivers

Roadside Assistance Abroad — A Driver's Guide

Travelling by car abroad is routine for many Polish drivers — holidays in Croatia, business trips to Germany, visiting family in the UK. But what do you do when your car breaks down outside Poland? Who do you call, what documents do you need, and how much does it cost?

We've transported cars back from Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic more times than we can count. Here's what we've learned — and what you should know before you cross the border.

Before You Go — How to Prepare

Green Card

The Green Card is an international certificate of motor insurance that proves your vehicle is insured. While not required in the European Union (Polish OC insurance is automatically recognised), we recommend taking it because:

• It speeds up procedures in case of an accident
• It's required in some non-EU countries (e.g., Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia)
• It makes dealing with the at-fault driver's insurer abroad much easier

How to get it? Contact your OC insurer — the Green Card is issued free of charge.

European Accident Statement

This is a standard form used across all EU countries. It allows for quick, unambiguous documentation of a collision without calling the police (if there are no injuries).

Tip: Print several copies before your trip. The form is identical in all EU countries, only the language differs.

Assistance Insurance with International Coverage

This is the most important part of your preparation. Make sure your Assistance policy covers help abroad. Standard policies may include:

• Towing to the nearest repair shop (km limit)
• Replacement vehicle
• Hotel accommodation
• Return transport to Poland (driver and passengers)
• Vehicle transport to Poland

Check the territorial limit — some policies only work in European countries.

Documents to Take

• Driving licence
• Vehicle registration certificate
• OC insurance (and Green Card)
• Assistance policy
• European Accident Statement
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
• Insurance company phone number

What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down Abroad

Step 1: Secure the Scene

Safety rules are the same as in Poland:

• Hazard lights
• Warning triangle
• Reflective vest (mandatory in most EU countries)

Step 2: Call Your Insurer

Your first call should be to your Assistance centre. The number should work internationally.

The insurer will:

• Help you find the nearest repair shop
• Send roadside assistance
• Arrange accommodation if repairs take longer
• Advise on legal matters

Step 3: In Case of an Accident

If there was an accident:

• Call the police (mandatory in some countries even for minor collisions)
• Complete the European Accident Statement with the other driver
• Take photos of the scene
• Record the other driver's details and insurer information

Emergency Numbers in Europe

Remember: 112 works across all of Europe.

Costs of Roadside Assistance Abroad

Roadside assistance abroad is usually far more expensive than in Poland:

Without Assistance, costs can be enormous. Transporting a car from Spain back to Poland can run EUR 2,000–4,000. We once brought a Passat back from Barcelona — the owner's Assistance had expired two weeks earlier.

What Does Insurance Cover Abroad?

OC (Mandatory Liability)

Your Polish OC insurance is valid across the entire EU and Green Card system countries. It covers damages to other road users but does not cover towing your own vehicle.

Assistance

Depending on the policy tier:

Basic: Towing to nearest workshop (50–100 km limit), on-site mechanic.

Extended: Towing to workshop or Poland, replacement car (3–14 days), hotel (1–5 nights), return transport.

Premium: No km limits, legal assistance abroad, higher accommodation limits.

EU Regulations on Roadside Assistance

• Motor Insurance Directive — allows you to file a claim with the at-fault insurer's representative in your country
• Green Card System — ensures recognition of OC insurance between countries
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) — provides healthcare rights in EU countries

Practical Tips

Before Departure

• Check the technical condition of your vehicle
• Ensure you have a valid technical inspection
• Check tyre pressure (including the spare)
• Take a first aid kit, triangle, vest, fire extinguisher (requirements vary by country)
• Save the Assistance number in your phone and write it on paper

During the Trip

• Take regular breaks every 2 hours
• Don't let the fuel gauge get too low — refuel regularly
• Carry cash — cards aren't accepted everywhere
• Check traffic regulations in the countries you're driving through

What It All Comes Down To

A breakdown abroad doesn't have to be a disaster if you're prepared. The key: good Assistance insurance, knowledge of emergency numbers, and proper documentation.

Planning a trip abroad? Before you leave, make sure you have a roadside assistance number saved. We can also help with organising vehicle transport from abroad back to Poland. Call +48 571 426 225 — 24/7, we'll advise and help.