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. FÍB aðstoð (5 112 112) is the breakdown service for Iceland (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: Samgöngustofa — ökutæki og skoðun (480 6000).
🗣️ 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 FÍB aðstoðOr 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: Samgöngustofa — ökutæki og skoðun. 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 Samgöngustofa — ökutæki og skoðun 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
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “car breakdown who to call Iceland”
- “breakdown service Iceland”
- “motorway breakdown emergency phone”
- “towing fee too high complaint”
- “roadside assistance abroad”
🧭 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.
⚠️ Readers report that something here may have changed — we are checking it.
✅ Thank you — this keeps the page up to date for everyone.