Roadside assistance demand rises in France

Roadside assistance in France saw significant growth from 2022 to 2025, with breakdown-towing missions increasing from 5.6 million to nearly 7 million, representing a 25% rise over three years.

Total assistance cases exceed towing numbers

According to Pierre Brigadeau, general director of the Union des assisteurs, the total number of assistance cases is even higher, as some vehicles reach a garage without requiring a breakdown or towing. The distribution of assistance reasons remains relatively stable, with approximately 80% attributed to breakdowns and 20% to accidents.

Market growth driven by multiple factors

Market growth is influenced by several factors, including increased awareness of roadside assistance due to insurer marketing, the elimination of mileage deductibles, the aging vehicle fleet, and reduced car maintenance due to financial constraints. However, Brigadeau notes that French motorists have driven 5% fewer kilometers since the start of 2026, partly due to rising fuel prices.

Vehicle age and weather impact assistance demand

The aging of the vehicle fleet is a significant structural factor. By the end of 2025, the average age of a diesel vehicle reached 14.3 years, with an increase of 6 months every 18 months. Weather conditions also play an increasing role in the activity of assistance providers, with extreme temperatures leading to a 20 to 25% increase in assistance cases during particularly hot periods.

Flat tires are rising due to electric vehicles

Flat tires are among the assistance reasons that are increasing the most. Factors contributing to this trend include the higher prevalence of electric vehicles, which are more prone to flat tires due to their weight and torque, and the decreasing likelihood of vehicles being equipped with spare tires. Electric vehicles experience flat tires three times more frequently than thermal models.

Electric vehicles require specialized assistance

The electrification of vehicles is another factor influencing the market. While assistance for electric vehicles remains a small portion of the total fleet, their specificities are being addressed by service providers. The frequency of assistance for electric vehicles has decreased slightly between 2023 and 2025, reaching around 10%, although material accidents remain twice as high as for thermal vehicles.

Digital tools transform assistance services

Digital transformation is reshaping the way assistance is requested and provided. Half of the breakdown-towing operations are now carried out autonomously by customers using web applications or WhatsApp. Companies like Redion and IMA are introducing new solutions, such as mobility assistance cards and multi-modal packages, to offer more flexible options.

Human support remains essential in complex cases

Operators are balancing digital solutions with the need for human interaction, ensuring that complex situations can still be handled by assistance agents. This approach aims to enhance agility, empathy, and efficiency in resolving customer issues.