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Breakdown cover in France

Instant vehicle cover with French Roadside Assistance

  • 24/7 rescue at the roadside
  • Help to get home if your car can't be fixed
  • Choose between single trip or annual cover
Get covered

*Price is based on European Comprehensive breakdown cover for a 14 day trip, in a vehicle up to 1 year old, travelling in Zone 1.

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*Price is based on European Comprehensive breakdown cover for a 14 day trip, in a vehicle up to 1 year old, travelling in Zone 1.

RAC European Breakdown Cover Defaqto Expert Rated 5 Star
European Breakdown Cover

European breakdown cover in France

When you’re driving in France, breakdown cover should be on your packing list. It means if your car breaks down, you’ll have an English-speaking helpline on hand to arrange emergency roadside assistance. And if your car can’t be fixed at the roadside, we'll cover the cost of towing you to a local garage, and the option of a hire car to keep you moving while it’s being repaired.

UK breakdown cover doesn’t usually protect you in Europe – unless you’ve bought European cover as an add-on. So you’ll need to buy a separate European breakdown cover policy before you go.

Get complete peace of mind® whilst driving in France. And if you choose our Comprehensive Plus cover, you'll have the best cover on the market1.

24/7 helpline icon

24/7 English-speaking helpline

RAC recovery rate icon

Help in 50 minutes on average, in France

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5 Star Defaqto rated cover

Compare our breakdown cover

We offer two types of European breakdown cover for you to choose. Both levels offer Roadside Assistance, 24/7 English-speaking helplines and free European legal help, ensuring complete peace of mind® throughout your trip in France.

Read how else they compare against each other below.

RAC European Breakdown Cover

£3.57 a day

RAC Comprehensive
We’ll try to fix you at the roadside so you can continue your trip. With Comprehensive you'll get UK cover two days before you go and one European claim per trip.
If you break down after your cover starts but before you leave the UK, we'll give you a hire car for up to six days.
Get up to £1,500 alternative transport OR up to £500 for accommodation to continue your holiday or return to the UK.
If you're towed to a garage in Europe, we'll contribute £150 towards any labour costs if repairs are done within 7 working hours.
As long as your vehicle isn't beyond economical repair, we'll sort repatriation – which means we'll pay up to its market value to get it back to the UK.
We cover a replacement train/ferry ticket for 1 missed connection, if the delay is caused by a breakdown.

RAC European Breakdown Cover

£5.87 a day

RAC Comprehensive Plus
We’ll try to fix you at the roadside so you can continue your trip. With Comprehensive Plus you'll get UK cover 7 days before you go and unlimited European claims per trip.
If you break down after your cover starts but before you leave the UK, we'll give you a hire car for up to 23 days.
Get up to £3,000 alternative transport AND up to £1,200 for accommodation to continue your holiday or return to the UK.
If you're towed to a garage in Europe, we'll contribute £1,000 towards any labour costs if repairs are done within 7 working hours.
We’ll cover all costs to get your vehicle back to the UK, providing it’s not beyond economical repair.
We cover replacement train/ferry tickets for up to 3 missed connections, if the delay is caused by a breakdown.

Above prices are based on European breakdown cover for a 14 day trip, in a vehicle up to 1 year old, travelling in Zone 1.

Types of breakdown cover for France

There are two types of breakdown cover for driving in France, depending on how often you travel. You can choose between single trip cover for short periods of time, or annual cover, which covers you for as many trips as you need throughout the year.

Single trip

Breakdown cover in France for a one-off trip, up to 90 days.

Ideal if you just plan to take one trip to Europe in the year.

If you're travelling more than once, buying multiple single trip policies may cost more than choosing annual cover.

Annual trip

Breakdown assistance for the whole year, for all your European trips across 12 months.

Ideal if you're planning a few trips to Europe.

Usually cheaper than buying several single trip policies across the year.

Do I need breakdown cover for France?

No, breakdown cover isn't a legal requirement when driving in France. But, it can save you a lot of stress and unexpected costs if your car breaks down while you're away. Arranging help on your own in another country can be challenging, especially if you don't speak the language. And without cover, you could face expensive recovery and repair bills.

Broken down in France?If you break down in France, what you do next depends on whether you have European breakdown cover, and where you've broken down.

I've broken down with RAC European Breakdown Cover

If you’ve broken down in France, call the RAC’s 24/7 English-speaking helpline on 0033 472 4352 44 (UK mobile) or 0800 942 044 (French landline). We’ll arrange roadside assistance for you.

If we can't fix your vehicle we'll take you to a nearby garage. Your cover will also include help with repair costs, travel and accommodation.

If you break down on the motorway ('Autoroute'), it works a little differently.

I've broken down on the motorway in France

Don’t call the RAC if you break down on a French motorway. Motorways in France are privately managed, so you need to use the nearest orange emergency phone to request help. If you can’t reach one, call 112.

You’ll be towed to a safe area, and once you’re there, call the RAC on 0033 472 4352 44 (if you have cover).

You may need to pay for this, but we will reimburse any costs. We'll arrange breakdown assistance and guide you through the next steps.

I've broken down in France with no cover

You’ll need to arrange your own recovery service to tow your vehicle and find a nearby garage for any repairs – adding stress to an already stressful situation. You’ll also be responsible for paying all recovery and labour costs yourself.

And if your car can’t be fixed where you are, you may have to cover the cost of repatriation (getting your car back to the UK), which can be very expensive.

Important contact numbers

If you're driving to France, keep important phone numbers stored in your contacts, including:

RAC European Breakdown from anywhere in Europe

RAC European Breakdown from a French landline only

Emergency Services

British Embassy in Paris

Preparing for your visit to France

Make sure you have the right kit with you when you’re driving in France. In Europe you can be fined up to €530 for not having the right driving equipment in your car. Check what you need, and get a European Driving Kit from us before you set off to make sure you don’t get caught out.

Bring documents and paperwork

When travelling to France, you’ll need a valid passport. Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa. If you're driving in France, you'll need your licence, V5 registration document and a copy of your insurance documents. You might also need a UK sticker if your licence plate doesn't have the UK identifier.

Check your tyres

This is one of the most important maintenance tasks you can carry out on your car. Check your tyre tread yourself or get them assessed by a professional. Worn tyres can be dangerous, so if any are in poor condition, get them replaced.

Windscreen wipers

Before travelling, check your windscreen wipers are in good condition, free of any tears. If they’re damaged, they won’t work properly, which can affect your driving.

Check your oil and coolant levels

Measure and top up the screen wash, oil and coolant levels in your car. It’s worth carrying extra to top up during your journey, especially if you’re driving long distances. If you need an oil change, book an RAC Mobile Mechanic to do it for you at home or work, so you don’t need to go to a garage.

Fill up with fuel

Make sure you have a full tank of fuel. Of course, you’ll be able to refuel when driving in France, but you’re likely to be on unfamiliar roads. So filling up your tank before travelling will give you one less thing to worry about.

Get your vehicle serviced

If you’re driving in France, you might want to get your car serviced before you leave the UK to avoid any preventable issues. You don’t need to go to a garage – book a service at home with RAC Mobile Mechanics. And if you’re an RAC member, you’ll get at least £20 off. Remember, your vehicle will also need valid UK road tax and an MOT for the duration of your trip in Europe.

What are the driving rules in France?

Here are some of the most critical laws when driving in France:

  • Drive on the right and overtake on the left.
  • At intersections, drivers give way to vehicles approaching from their right (unless the roundabout is the old-fashioned version, in which case you give way from the left. Most roundabouts in France have been now upgraded, however read more about it in this article).
  • Only sound the horn sparingly.
  • Seat belts are compulsory for drivers and all passengers.
  • It’s illegal to drive in France wearing headphones.
  • Children under the age of 10 can’t travel in the front passenger seat without a special child restraint.
  • Speed limits vary depending on the type of road and weather conditions – for more details on that and rules of road, read our driving in France guide.

Things to carry in your vehicle

When driving in France you are required by law to carry the following items:

  • Reflective jackets – one for each occupant, these must be kept inside the vehicle within easy reach.
  • Warning triangle – compulsory in every vehicle with four wheels or more.
  • Headlamp beam deflectors – depending on your car, you will either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually.
  • Breathalysers/alcohol test – carrying these is no longer a legal requirement, but given the lower alcohol limit compared to England, having one in your car is useful.
  • A UK sticker – if your vehicle’s registration doesn’t have a UK identifier.
  • Spare bulbs – by law you’re also mandated to carry a spare bulb kit for your vehicle, as the French police deem it necessary to replace it there and then on the grounds of safety. For a few pounds to buy a kit, you could avoid unwanted attention and a fine.
  • Snow chains – in some areas of France, they’re compulsory. These areas will be indicated by signs. So it’s worth having snow chains in your car if you’re visiting colder regions in the winter months. Our European driving kit will have all of the things you need – which could help you avoid hefty on-the-spot fines. Buy yours in the RAC Shop – RAC members get 10% off.

More reasons to choose the RAC

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Covering garage costs

We’ll pay up to £150 in garage labour costs, or up to £1,000 with Comprehensive Plus, if your vehicle can be repaired within seven working hours.

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Award winning cover

Comprehensive Plus is the best cover you can you get when driving in Europe.1

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Quick response times

In France, we’ll get to you within 50 minutes on average.

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Same day repairs

On average, we repair 60% of all breakdowns on the same day in France.

What our members are saying

Speedy response on both occasions I needed them, were able to help us get our car fixed and provided hire car so we could still be mobile whilst on hols in France, glad we had the cover!

Dean M

I can highly recommend the RAC for this country and European travel. When I broke down in France they towed my car, and gave me a hire vehicle. I used them yesterday and they were here in 10 minutes and fixed my issue immediately. 1st class service!

Rochelle S

Roadside van came out. to where we were staying on holiday. response time was excellent . he took the time & effort to diagnose an intermittent injector wiring fault. he fixed the car so we could continue our holiday. parts are no on order to make a proper repair.

Dave B

Completely fabulous! The response was fast and the rescue efficient. Every attempt was made to communicate each step clearly and each stage of the plan. This enabled less panic and more focus. I couldn’t have asked for more. Been a member for over a decade and probably only needed help 3 times and each time I’ve had a very positive experience so thank you very much.

TC

Have been a member for over 50 years covering the UK and Europe and have never been let down despite needing the service in France, Germany, Spain and the UK.

Mr Holmes

Make sure you're insured before travelling to France

Aside from driving, there are other considerations to think about before heading off on your holiday in France. You should have travel insurance in place, covering the dates of your holiday. Browse RAC Travel Insurance today.

Stay prepared all year round with European breakdown cover.

Driving in France FAQs

When driving in France, you’ll need:

  • A full, valid UK driving licence
  • Proof of ID (passport)
  • Motor insurance certificate
  • V5 registration document
  • A UK sticker, unless your number plate already features one (‘GB’ identifiers are no longer valid)
  • Reflective jackets for each passenger
  • Warning triangle
  • Headlamp beam deflectors (if you can’t adjust the beam manually)
  • Breathalyser/alcohol test (while no longer mandatory, it's advisable to carry due to the lower blood alcohol limit compared to the UK)
  • French ‘clean air’ sticker (Crit’Air vignette) in certain cities
  • Snow chains in certain areas during winter
  • Safety helmets for motorcyclists and their passengers

A European Driving Kit will have most of the items you need. Read more about what you need when driving in France.

Yes, you can drive in France with a valid UK licence as long as it’s valid. If you intend to stay in France for longer than one year and your licence was issued after January 2021, has expired or has less than 6 months’ validity remaining, you’ll need to exchange your UK licence to a French licence.

That depends on your level of France breakdown cover. RAC European Breakdown Cover covers 48 countries but operates in zones. If you’re covered for breakdown in Zone 1, that covers you when driving in France and also Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany – but not Spain or Italy, so if you plan to cross the border and into those countries, you’ll need to get cover for driving in Zone 2.

You do not need a green card to drive in France.

You will need car insurance, so make sure to check with your insurer if your UK policy covers you while board. Learn more about Driving in France.

France breakdown cover FAQs

It’s not a legal requirement to have breakdown cover when driving in France. But if you have car trouble while away, having cover can save you time and money.

Yes – RAC Comprehensive and Comprehensive Plus European Breakdown Cover both provide a hire car if required. RAC Comprehensive European Breakdown can provide a hire car for six days, while Comprehensive Plus can provide a hire car for 23 days. Terms and conditions apply.

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Page reviewed by: Andy Baker
Last updated 01/04/26

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