Wegenwacht

Wegenwacht is a term used for organized roadside assistance services that help motorists stranded by a breakdown or accident on public roads. In the Netherlands the best-known provider is ANWB Wegenwacht, the roadside assistance division of the ANWB (Algemene Nederlandse Wielrijders Bond, now the Royal Dutch Touring Club). The Wegenwacht concept is associated with motorist welfare organizations, and similar services exist in other countries under different names.

Coverage is typically available to members of the association, though some insurers or partner programs offer access to Wegenwacht services to non-members as an add-on. Services are delivered by patrol vehicles and mobile workshops that perform on-site repairs when possible. Common on-sight tasks include jump-starts for batteries, tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout assistance. If on-site repair is not feasible, the vehicle may be towed to a garage chosen by the member or, in many cases, to the nearest suitable repair facility. Some plans also provide trip planning advice, safety information, and assistance with arranging alternative transportation.

Requests for help can be made by phone, app, or website, and an estimated time of arrival is provided. The service is typically available 24/7 within the covered region, with some plans offering international coverage or partner options for travel abroad. The Wegenwacht model emphasizes rapid response, local knowledge, and cooperation with local repair networks to minimize disruption for motorists.

In summary, Wegenwacht denotes a structured roadside assistance system, most prominently exemplified by ANWB Wegenwacht in the Netherlands, designed to restore mobility quickly and safely after roadside incidents.