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. Touring / VAB pechverhelping (02 233 22 02) is the breakdown service for Belgium (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: DIV (inschrijving) / GOCA (keuring) (goca.be).

Call firstTouring / VAB pechverhelping

Report to112 — emergency

If that failsDIV (inschrijving) / GOCA (keuring)

🗣️ 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 Touring / VAB pechverhelpingOr 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: DIV (inschrijving) / GOCA (keuring). Abroad: your assistance cover works EU-wide; call the international number.

📇 All contacts

Touring / VAB pechverhelpingBreakdown assistance 24/7When you break down📞 02 233 22 02 🔗 www.touring.be

112 — emergencyPolice, fire and ambulance, any EU country, freeDanger to life, fire, gas smell, someone hurt📞 112

DIV (inschrijving) / GOCA (keuring)Registration, inspection, disputesInspection appeals and vehicle data🔗 www.goca.be

Ombudsman van de VerzekeringenFree mediation with insurersAfter the insurer's refusal📞 02 547 58 71 🔗 www.ombudsman-insurance.be

❓ 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 DIV (inschrijving) / GOCA (keuring) 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

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🧭 Is this still correct?

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