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Transport · Germany
Updated September 2026

🛞 My car broke down on the road — who do I call?

Direct answer

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. ADAC Pannenhilfe (0180 2 22 22 22) is the breakdown service for Germany (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: Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt / Zulassungsstelle (kba.de).

Call firstADAC Pannenhilfe
Report to112 — emergency
If that failsKraftfahrt-Bundesamt / Zulassungsstelle

🗣️ 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

  1. Safe firstVest, warning triangle at the legal distance, passengers behind the barrier, never stand between vehicles.
  2. Where you areKm marker, exit numbers, the app's location. Emergency phones give the position automatically.
  3. Call ADAC PannenhilfeOr your insurer's assistance line — many policies include roadside assistance you forgot about.
  4. 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.
  5. AfterwardsInvoice dispute: Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt / Zulassungsstelle. Abroad: your assistance cover works EU-wide; call the international number.

📇 All contacts

ADAC PannenhilfeBreakdown assistance 24/7, non-members pay per callWhen you break down on the road📞 0180 2 22 22 22🔗 www.adac.de/pannenhilfe
112 — emergencyPolice, fire and ambulance, any EU country, freeDanger to life, fire, gas smell, someone hurt📞 112
Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt / ZulassungsstelleVehicle register, registration, inspection supervisionFor vehicle data, inspection appeals and keeper questions🔗 www.kba.de
VersicherungsombudsmannFree dispute resolution with insurers, binding up to €10,000After the insurer's refusal📞 0800 3696000🔗 www.versicherungsombudsmann.de

❓ 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 Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt / Zulassungsstelle 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

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “car breakdown who to call Germany”
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  • “towing fee too high complaint”
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🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🚗Hit and run→🔧Vehicle inspection→🚲Bike stolen→🚇Transport card lost→

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