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

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. AA Ireland — rescue (0818 66 77 88) is the breakdown service for Ireland (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: Road Safety Authority (RSA) / NCT appeals (0818 506 080).

Call firstAA Ireland — rescue

Report to112 — emergency

If that failsRoad Safety Authority (RSA) / NCT appeals

🗣️ 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 AA Ireland — rescueOr 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: Road Safety Authority (RSA) / NCT appeals. Abroad: your assistance cover works EU-wide; call the international number.

📇 All contacts

AA Ireland — rescueBreakdown assistance 24/7When you break down📞 0818 66 77 88 🔗 www.theaa.ie

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

Road Safety Authority (RSA) / NCT appealsVehicle registration, NCT, driving licencesInspection appeals and vehicle data📞 0818 506 080 🔗 www.rsa.ie

Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO)Free, binding complaints against insurersAfter the insurer's final response📞 01 567 7000 🔗 www.fspo.ie

❓ 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 Road Safety Authority (RSA) / NCT appeals 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 Ireland”
“breakdown service Ireland”
“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.

🔗 Related questions

Your tools for Ireland

Before it goes wrongCan I?What is allowed, what is not, which permit you need — with the official source.Energy · IrelandElectricity & gasThe rules that protect you as an electricity and gas customer in Ireland, and who to contact. Every fact is checked on an official source.Recognise it firstIs dit veilig?Check a phone number, website or message against 47,000 scam dossiers.

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