Introduction – Why Roadside Assistance Matters for Expats

A flat battery on a mountain road. A puncture in the rain. A misfuel at a motorway service area. When your day goes sideways, roadside assistance turns a stressful situation into a manageable one — especially if you’re living in a new country and need English-speaking help fast.

In Spain, third-party liability insurance is the legal minimum to drive, but it doesn’t automatically guarantee breakdown cover. Whether roadside assistance is included, optional, or fully built-in depends on the level of policy you choose. This guide explains how it works for expats, what “from km 0” really means, what’s typically covered (and not), how to use 112 in an emergency, and the new 2026 safety kit rule you should know about.

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What “Roadside Assistance” Actually Means in Spain

Roadside assistance (asistencia en carretera) generally includes:

• On-the-spot repair (minor faults, jump-start, tyre change, fuel delivery)
• Towing (grúa) to a nearby approved garage if the car can’t be fixed roadside
• Passenger transport to a safe location or home
• Vehicle recovery after accidents
• Travel continuation (e.g., taxi, train) and sometimes hotel if stranded far from home
• Phone support in English, claims guidance, and coordination with the repair network

Spain’s traffic authority confirms only third-party liability is required by law; other protections vary by policy level. In practice, roadside assistance is often bundled with mid- and top-tier policies, and optional on basic tiers. (Legal baseline: DGT — seguro de responsabilidad civil obligatoria). 

Is Roadside Assistance Included with My Car Insurance?

Short answer: It depends on your cover level. Most insurers in Spain structure car insurance into three tiers:

• Basic Third-Party (Terceros) – Legal liability to others only. Roadside is usually optional.
• Third-Party Plus / Extended (Terceros Ampliado) – Adds fire, theft, glass; roadside often included or easily added.
• Comprehensive (Todo Riesgo) – Covers own damage; roadside almost always included, often with stronger benefits.

Cross-check your policy schedule or ask us to review it for you — we’ll confirm what you have and what you’re missing, in plain English.

• Learn more on our service pages:
  • Basic Third-Party: https://247expatinsurance.com/insurance/car-insurance-spain/third-party-spain/
  • Third-Party Plus: https://247expatinsurance.com/insurance/car-insurance-spain/third-party-plus-car-insurance-spain/
  • Comprehensive: https://247expatinsurance.com/insurance/car-insurance-spain/comprehensive-spain/

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Comparison Table – Where Roadside Assistance Fits by Policy Level

Use this at-a-glance table to see typical inclusion. Exact terms vary by insurer; we’ll tailor the quote to your needs.

*Exact inclusions vary by insurer and policy tier. 247 Expat Insurance will confirm details for your quote.

What “Roadside Assistance from km 0” Really Means

You’ll see “desde km 0” on many Spanish policies. It means your assistance starts at your front door — not just after a minimum distance. With km 0 you’re covered if the car won’t start on your driveway or outside your apartment, saving you time and a call-out fee. Without km 0, some policies only help after a short distance from home.

Tip for expats: If your car sits for weeks while you travel, km 0 is one of the most valuable add-ons you can choose.

What’s Typically Covered by Roadside Assistance

While wording varies, most assistance packages include:

• Emergency tow to the nearest approved garage
• Jump-start or battery assistance
• Fuel delivery (you pay for fuel; the delivery service is covered)
• Flat tyre support (swap to spare; puncture repair at garage)
• Lockout help (lost or locked keys; replacement key coverage varies)
• Onward travel (taxi/train) or hotel if stranded far from home
• Accident recovery coordination and follow-up support

Always check distance caps for towing (e.g., 100 km, nearest suitable garage) and the limits for hotel nights or onward travel.

What’s Not Covered (Common Exclusions)

• Off-road recovery or unpaved tracks (unless explicitly allowed)
• Unauthorised repairs or non-approved garages
• Pre-existing faults known before policy start
• Misuse or competition (e.g., track days)
• Commercial loads beyond declared use
• Repeated callouts for the same unresolved fault

When we quote your policy, we’ll highlight any exclusions that matter for your driving habits.

European Roadside Assistance for Expats

If you plan road trips to Portugal or France, or you drive between Spain and your home country, ask for European cover. This adds:

• Assistance and towing outside Spain
• Cross-border repatriation of vehicle and passengers
• Support in English with local providers
• Guidance on Green Card requirements (rare within the EU but useful for non-EU trips)

You can bundle EU assistance at a modest upgrade — it’s a smart fit for holiday and business travel.

How to Request Help in an Emergency (Step-by-Step)

If you’re in a dangerous situation, prioritise safety:

1. Stop safely: Pull over to a safe shoulder or lay-by.
2. Activate hazards and wear high-visibility gear if exiting the vehicle.
3. Use your emergency beacon (see 2026 rule below).
4. Call 112 for multi-service emergencies (police, fire, ambulance). Operators route your call in multiple languages and coordinate the right service. (Official EU/Spain sources on 112). 
5. Once safe, call your assistance line for towing/repairs and policy-specific help (see numbers below).

Important: By law, only third-party liability is mandatory; breakdown services are policy-dependent. (DGT overview of mandatory insurance). 

New Safety Rule: Connected Emergency Light (V16) Mandatory from 1 January 2026

From 1 January 2026, Spain requires drivers to use a connected V16 emergency light (flashing beacon) to signal a stopped vehicle, replacing traditional warning triangles.

Key points from the DGT:

• Triangles and non-connected V16 beacons coexist through 2025; from 2026 only connected V16 is valid. 
• The device sits on the roof and transmits your location to DGT 3.0 so other drivers get warnings. 
• The rule improves safety by avoiding walking onto the road to place triangles.

What expats should do now:

Buy a DGT-approved V16 connected beacon before 2026 and keep it accessible in the cabin. It’s a small investment that makes breakdowns safer — and from 2026, it’s compulsory.

Emergency Contact Numbers (Customer Support & Assistance)

Save these numbers in your phone and glovebox. Use 112 first in any life-threatening or roadside danger scenario.

Emergency Services (Spain & EU)

• 112 — Police / Fire / Ambulance (multi-language; EU-wide). 

Emergency Contact Numbers for Caser Insurance Policies (as provided)

Caser Expatriate Customer Service Center (General Information & Claims)

📞 English-Speaking Helpline: 910 551 655 or 902 35 20 35

• Press 3 – Car Insurance Claims

Car Insurance & Roadside Assistance

🚗 Roadside Assistance (24 Hours, English & Spanish): (0034) 915 90 96 31

🚗 Courtesy Car Service (if included): (0034) 915 909 631

Note: These lines are for active policyholders. If you’re not sure which numbers apply to your policy, contact our team and we’ll confirm the correct assistance channel for you.

Costs – How Much Does Roadside Assistance Add to a Policy?

We generally include Roadside assistance on all of our policies, A courtesy car can be added on as an extra, please check with us when you obtain your quote

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Real-World Scenarios – When Roadside Assistance Pays for Itself

The “dead battery after a flight” scenario

You’ve left the car at home for a month. Battery’s flat. With km 0, a helper arrives at your door, jump-starts the car, and you’re on your way in minutes.

The “family holiday puncture” scenario

On the AP-7, you catch a screw. Assistance arrives, fits the spare, and escorts you to a tyre shop — travel continuation covers the taxi while your car’s repaired.

The “lost keys at the beach” scenario

Some assistance packages include locksmith access or cover part of the replacement cost — saving hours and extra stress.

The “storm damage” scenario

Hail dents and cracked glass after a sudden storm: Third-Party Plus may cover glass; Comprehensive can cover the panel damage too — plus roadside if the car’s undriveable.

Documentation You’ll Need When You Call for Help

• Policy number (or vehicle registration)
• Exact location (road name, km marker, GPS; the V16 beacon helps alert DGT 3.0) 
• Nature of the problem (won’t start, flat tyre, accident, keys)
• Passenger count and any special needs
• Preferred language (ask for English support if needed)

Common Mistakes Expats Make (and Easy Fixes)

• Assuming roadside is automatic: It isn’t on all policies — check your level.
• Forgetting “km 0”: Essential for cars that sit idle or for drivers who live in hilly areas.
• Not adding EU roadside: If you cross into Portugal/France, add it.
• No safety kit: Carry hi-vis and buy your connected V16 before 2026. 
• Not saving numbers: Store 112 and your assistance line now.

FAQs – Roadside Assistance in Spain (for Expats)

1) Is roadside assistance required by law in Spain?

No. Only third-party liability is mandatory. Roadside assistance is policy-dependent, often included with Plus and Comprehensive levels. 

2) What does “from km 0” actually cover?

It means help starts right at your home (or the spot where the car is parked), not after a minimum distance. It’s ideal for expats whose car sits unused between trips.

3) Is roadside assistance included in Basic Third-Party?

Not usually. It’s commonly an optional add-on. In Third-Party Plus, it’s often included; in Comprehensive, it’s typically standard.

4) Can I get roadside help in English?

Yes. Many assistance lines offer English-speaking operators. We’ll make sure your policy lists the right contact for English support.

5) What if my car breaks down on a motorway?

Move to safety, switch on hazards, and use your V16 beacon (mandatory connected versions from 1 Jan 2026) instead of walking onto the carriageway to place triangles. Then call 112 if there’s danger and your assistance line for towing. 

6) Does roadside assistance cover lost keys or wrong fuel?

Often yes, but limits apply. Some packages include locksmith and misfuel support; others require an add-on. We’ll clarify at quote stage.

7) Will I get a replacement or courtesy car?

Courtesy cars are not guaranteed with basic assistance. They’re more common in Comprehensive policies or as a paid add-on. Always check your schedule.

8) Can I add European assistance mid-policy?

Usually yes. If you’re planning a road trip, ask us to add EU roadside before you travel.

9) What if I don’t have a V16 beacon in 2026?

From 1 Jan 2026, the connected V16 is required to signal a stopped vehicle. Not having it could result in penalties and increased risk when stopped on the road. 

10) Does roadside assistance affect my premium after a callout?

A simple breakdown callout typically doesn’t impact premiums like an at-fault accident might. But frequent callouts can be reviewed. We’ll advise the best setup for your usage.

Conclusion – Make Roadside Assistance Work for You

For many expats, Third-Party Plus or Comprehensive with km 0 is the sweet spot: strong protection, English-speaking help, and peace of mind whether you commute daily or visit seasonally. Add EU roadside if you cross borders and buy your connected V16 before January 2026 to stay compliant and safe.

At 247 Expat Insurance, we compare policies in plain English and build the right package for how you actually drive.

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