My car broke down on the road — who do I call?
On a motorway: hazard lights, high-visibility vest, everyone behind the barrier, then call — from the emergency phone at the roadside (it tells them exactly where you are) or your phone. ACP — Assistência em viagem (707 509 510) is the breakdown service for Portugal (members or pay-per-call); on many motorways the road operator's patrol or a contracted tow comes first at a fixed tariff. Danger to traffic, an injured person, a blocked lane: 112 — emergency (112). Disputes about a tow invoice or a repair afterwards: IMT — Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (211 158 500).
🗣️ What to say
"My car [plate, model] has broken down at [road, direction, km marker / exit / nearest sign]. [Number] people, [in a safe place / on the hard shoulder]. [Symptoms]. Please send assistance; my number is [phone]."
🪜 Step by step
- Safe firstVest, warning triangle at the legal distance, passengers behind the barrier, never stand between vehicles.
- Where you areKm marker, exit numbers, the app's location. Emergency phones give the position automatically.
- Call ACP — Assistência em viagemOr your insurer's assistance line — many policies include roadside assistance you forgot about.
- Motorway rulesOn some motorways only the concession's tow may attend; the tariff is regulated. Ask the price before agreeing to anything beyond the towing.
- AfterwardsInvoice dispute: IMT — Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes. Abroad: your assistance cover works EU-wide; call the international number.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
Is the emergency phone free?
Yes, and it connects to the road operator, who dispatches help. Use it over your mobile on motorways.
The tow company charged a fortune
Regulated tariffs apply on motorways; ask for the tariff sheet and complain to IMT — Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes for anything above it.
Electric car out of charge
Same procedure; breakdown services tow EVs to a charger and some carry mobile chargers. Do not push an EV.
📎 Sources
- ACP — Assistência em viagem →
- IMT — Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes →
- ASF — Autoridade de Supervisão de Seguros / Provedor do Cliente →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “car breakdown who to call Portugal”
- “breakdown service Portugal”
- “motorway breakdown emergency phone”
- “towing fee too high complaint”
- “roadside assistance abroad”
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