What to do if your French vehicle breaks down abroad

Travelling via car is a popular choice for summer holidays and many families drive to a destination outside of France. 

While there are several rules of which to be aware when driving in neighbouring countries a breakdown outside of France can be particularly worrying. 

However, there are a number of steps to follow to ensure that you are best prepared should this happen. 

Check your insurance policy 

It may go without saying, but check your car insurance policy to see what it covers. 

International breakdown coverage may be included in your policy. If not, consider upgrading to include this or purchase separate cover before your trip. 

The exact level of cover you have can vary, however if you have full coverage this should include roadside assistance and your insurer will be able to help you find local breakdown services to assist.

If this is not included, expect to cover some additional costs yourself.

If your car needs to be repaired immediately, ask for a quote and check that the works are included in your coverage - you should also be able to get confirmation from your insurer that these will be reimbursed. 

Unlike in France, many other European countries do not require an official written quote (devis) that must be signed before works begin. 

However, you can usually ask for a quote from a garage to send to your insurer. 

Even if your policy is inclusive it is preferable not to have any repairs done until you have confirmation of cover from your insurer. 

Alternatively, it may be necessary – or easier – to have the car repatriated to France for repair. The cost to transport it may also be covered by your insurer. 

Keep invoices and quotes 

If you do get your vehicle repaired abroad, keep the invoice and any other paperwork from the garage.

Ask for a full breakdown of the repairs, including not only costs but the actual work done, parts used, etc, as well as full contact details of the garage.

This is useful both for your insurer and your own personal records, especially if there are any future issues with the vehicle. 

If the repairs do not seem sufficient, or issues persist, it is usually best to contact the garage about the problem. 

If they do not provide a satisfactory response you may need to raise a complaint over the work done, the method of which changes depending on the country where the vehicle was repaired. 

It is unlikely you will be able to take the vehicle back to the original garage, but your insurer may help you collect evidence of any new issues through an expert report. This report may also be used as part of the complaints procedure. 

In some countries such as Spain you may need to use an official form to submit a complaint / claim. 

Make sure you have accident form 

Although not a legal requirement, it can be useful to have a European Accident Statement (EAS) form in your vehicle. 

Known as the constat amiable in French, this multi-lingual document is accepted by insurers in Europe – and by most insurers in the UK – and can be used by all parties in an incident to send a report to their insurer. 

It can be filled separately, or completed by one driver who provides a carbon copy to everyone else. 

It is a good means of sending information about an incident to your insurer for a claim. You can see more about this here.