Are you planning to hit the highway this summer? You should know that for the past few weeks, the new breakdown and towing rates on the motorway and on the expressways have been in effect. Here’s what it could cost you.
Breaking down on the highway is going to be expensive to your wallet this summer. In general, most motorists who use the motorways or expressways, to go on vacation or for the weekend, fear having to call a tow truck, given the prices charged. Unfortunately, this year will be no exception since the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty has set the new breakdown and towing rates on motorways and expressways in France. And, the least we can say is that the bill is likely to be very high for those who have the misfortune of being immobilized on a fast lane or a motorway and who do not have an insurance contract that covers this type of expense.
What are the new highway breakdown rates in 2023?
THE amounts for roadside assistance and towing of light vehicleson motorways or expressways, were set by the government decree of June 27, 2023, published in Official newspaper July 4th. This year, the prices have been revalued at 4.72%.
Now the breakdown-towing package is 144.52 euros, against 138.01 euros previously. This amount applies to a vehicle weighing less than 1.8 tonnes, immobilized in a rest area, a motorway lane or an expressway. If you call a tow truck between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. or on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, it is the increased flat rate which applies, either €178.70instead of 170.65 euros before the increase.
Prices also vary depending on the weight of the vehicle. So, if your vehicle weighs between 1.8 tonnes and 3.5 tonnes, the breakdown recovery-towing flat rate is 178.70 euros.
Rates that increase every year
According to UFC-Que Choisir, each year, there is an increase in the rates applied to breakdown and towing operations for light vehicles. But since 2021, the price increase has been more marked. In 2012, the basic package was set at 119.75 euros, before rising to 121.18 euros in 2013, then to 132.70 euros in 2021. The following year, in 2022, the rates increased significantly to 4%.