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

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. PZM Pomoc drogowa / assistance ubezpieczyciela (19 637) is the breakdown service for Poland (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: Wydział komunikacji starostwa / Transportowy Dozór Techniczny (gov.pl).

Call firstPZM Pomoc drogowa / assistance ubezpieczyciela

Report to112 — emergency

If that failsWydział komunikacji starostwa / Transportowy Dozór Techniczny

🗣️ 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 PZM Pomoc drogowa / assistance ubezpieczycielaOr 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: Wydział komunikacji starostwa / Transportowy Dozór Techniczny. Abroad: your assistance cover works EU-wide; call the international number.

📇 All contacts

PZM Pomoc drogowa / assistance ubezpieczycielaRoadside assistance 24/7When you break down📞 19 637 🔗 www.pzm.pl

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

Wydział komunikacji starostwa / Transportowy Dozór TechnicznyRegistration, inspections, appealsInspection appeals and vehicle data🔗 www.gov.pl/web/gov/zarejestruj-pojazd

Rzecznik Finansowy — ubezpieczeniaInterventions against insurersAfter the insurer's refusal📞 22 333 73 28 🔗 rf.gov.pl

❓ 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 Wydział komunikacji starostwa / Transportowy Dozór Techniczny 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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“car breakdown who to call Poland”
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“towing fee too high complaint”
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🛞 My car broke down on the road — who do I call?