Overpriced roadside assistance is “by chance” on site, the procedure is also known from Slovenia and Serbia.

Many Austrian travelers are drawn to the Croatian coast in summer. Dieter S. from Lower Austria also spent the vacation there with his family. On the way back to Austria, however, on the Croatian motorway, the car had an engine failure and “broke down”. Coincidentally, a Croatian towing service drove behind the family and immediately offered its services.

That is why the traveler, who is also an ÖAMTC member, did not contact the letter of protection. However, the towing service there did not bring the defective vehicle to the nearest or to the next but one, but to a workshop about 100 kilometers away. The family then received an invoice for around 750 euros. The member was informed by the towing service that it was not a problem that he asked for more because the ÖAMTC supposedly pays the high costs in full.

“This piracy practice particularly affects tourist routes to the sea - e. B. the parts of the Graz - Zadar and Villach - Zadar lines located in Croatia. But similar cases have already been reported to us from Serbia and Slovenia, ”summarizes ÖAMTC lawyer Verena Pronebner. "The procedure suggests that questionable companies patrol the route and are quickly on the spot in the event of a breakdown." She adds: "It is always the right step to report quickly to the ÖAMTC - that way you can receive optimal support."