Blog Layout

How Much Does Car Recovery Cost?

Tom Riley • Feb 23, 2024
car recovery cost featured image


How Much Does Car Recovery Cost?


If your reading this we're guessing you've broke down.  If your car breaks down and cannot be fixed at the roadside, you'll likely need a recovery service to transport  you car either to your home or to a garage (prefrance is yours).


The average cost of car recovery in the UK is £75-£150 for the call-out and towing fee. You'll also pay a mileage fee, usually around £1.50 per mile.


In this blog post, we'll cover:



Mileage Cost
1-5 miles £75 - £150 (base fee)
10 miles £90 - £165
25 miles £125 - £225
50 miles £200 - £300
100 miles £350 - £450

Call-Out and Towing Fee

The base fee just to get a specalist recovery vehicle out to you starts around £75. This means its £75 to get them to you, you will then possibly have a fee to get to your location which will depend on the distance.  This call-out or attendance fee covers the cost of the driver's time to reach your location, the longer the distance the higher the towing fee may be.


On top of the £75 you pay a towing fee to get to your location.  The cost of  towing fee averages £75-£150 to load and transport your car onto the recovery truck and deliver it to a garage.Expect fees on the higher end of £85-£110 for service needed after 6PM, on weekends, or bank holidays when overtime rates  apply.

Mileage Charges 

In addition to the base towing fee, most recovery services charge per mile travelled. This mileage fee generally runs £1.50-£3 per mile.

The total mileage includes the following:

  • The mileage for the truck to reach your breakdown location 
  • The mileage to transport your car to the destination garage
  • For just a few miles, this cost stays low. But the more miles travelled, the higher your total bill climbs.

Does it cost more for larger cars?

Recovering larger vehicles costs more than standard cars. Expect to pay more for vehicles like Vans, Minibuses, SUVs


What else can can a recovery company charge for? 

If your car is stuck off the road, sunk in mud or snow, overturned, or otherwise hard to access, specialised gear and labor will raise the price. Costs to account for Winching fees if the car is off road, stuck, etc, Skates for stuck wheels (£40-£50 per wheel), Manpower for complex maneuvers 

In an accident, recovery requires extra precautions during transport to avoid further damage. So expect added fees.

How to Get the Best Deal

When you've broken down try not to panic, your probably going to be there for a while so relax and if you havebattery on your phone head to google and search for car recvoery + location, you will now see a bunch of companies listed on google. You can call multiple companies until you find one that can get you quickest and for the best price.


In future you could consider breakdown coverage: This bundles roadside help and recovery transport for a fixed yearly rate, saving money over paying out of pocket each time. Just check what's included.




Call us

Who Pays for Car Recovery After an Accident in the UK?

by Tom Riley • 01 Apr, 2024
If you've been involved in a car accident, one of the immediate concerns is how to safely recover your vehicle from the scene. But who is responsible for covering the costs of this recovery process? In this article, we'll provide a clear answer to this question and explore the various factors that can influence who pays for car recovery after an accident in the UK. The short answer: Who pays for car recovery after an accident in the UK largely depends on your insurance coverage and who is found to be at fault. Comprehensive insurance policies typically include vehicle recovery, while third-party policies may not. By understanding your insurance cover and the claims process, you can ensure that you're prepared for the costs associated with recovering your vehicle after an accident. Factors That Determine Who Pays for Car Recovery 1. Insurance Coverage The primary factor that determines who pays for car recovery is your insurance coverage. If you have comprehensive insurance, your policy will likely include provisions for vehicle recovery after an accident. This means that your insurer will arrange for your car to be towed to a garage or a safe location and cover the associated costs. On the other hand, if you only have third-party insurance, you may be responsible for arranging and paying for the recovery of your vehicle. Third-party insurance typically does not include cover for vehicle recovery or repairs to your own car. 2. Fault Determination Another critical factor is who is deemed to be at fault for the accident. If another driver is found to be entirely at fault, their insurance company may be responsible for covering the costs of recovering your vehicle. In such cases, you may need to provide evidence of the other driver's negligence, such as witness statements or dashcam footage. However, if you are found to be at fault or partially at fault for the accident, you may be required to pay your insurance excess before your insurer covers the remaining costs of vehicle recovery. 3. Roadside Assistance Cover Some car insurance policies include roadside assistance cover, which can be helpful in the event of an accident. If you have this type of cover, your insurer may arrange for your vehicle to be recovered and cover the costs, even if the accident was your fault. It's essential to check the specific terms and conditions of your roadside assistance cover to understand what is included. 4. Location and Circumstances The location and circumstances of the accident can also impact who pays for car recovery. If your vehicle is in a dangerous position or obstructing traffic, the police or local authorities may arrange for it to be moved to a safe location. In such cases, you may be responsible for paying the recovery costs, although you can often claim these back from your insurer if you have comprehensive coverage. Claiming for Car Recovery Costs If you need to claim for car recovery costs after an accident, it's crucial to: - Contact your insurer as soon as possible to report the accident and discuss your recovery options. - Provide any necessary evidence, such as photos of the damage and the other driver's details, to support your claim. - Keep receipts for any recovery costs you incur, as you may need these to claim reimbursement from your insurer.
using Recovery Straps featured image

How to Use Car Recovery Straps and Shackles

by Tom Riley • 25 Feb, 2024
Recovery Strap and Shackle Usage Guide Recovery straps are indispensable tools for off-roading, designed to extract vehicles stuck in mud, sand, or snow. Constructed from durable nylon webbing, these straps feature tow hooks for secure attachment to a vehicle's frame or axle, facilitating safe and effective vehicle recovery. Types of Recovery Straps Snatch Straps Snatch straps are made from flat nylon webbing with loops at each end for attachment. They can stretch up to 20% of their length, storing kinetic energy to aid in vehicle extraction. Kinetic Recovery Ropes Kinetic recovery ropes, similar in material to snatch straps, stretch up to 30% and are used for generating a more powerful pulling force. They are typically used in pairs for balanced recovery efforts. Tow Straps vs. Recovery Straps Tow straps, designed for rigid towing on highways, differ from car recovery straps in their lack of elasticity. Using tow straps for off-road recovery is unsafe and not recommended. Understanding Shackles Shackles, metal loops used for attaching recovery straps to vehicles, are crucial for a secure recovery setup. They come in flat and bow varieties, with bow shackles being the preferred choice for their strength and compatibility with vehicle recovery. Safe Recovery Operation Steps Preparation: Ensure you have the correct recovery gear, including rated shackles and a secondary vehicle for pulling. Visibility: Make the recovery operation visible to oncoming traffic to prevent accidents. Inspection: Check the recovery gear for any damage and ensure it's suitable for the vehicle's weight. Attachment: Securely attach the recovery strap to the vehicles using the rated shackles, avoiding any parts not designed for towing or recovery. Best Practices for Recovery Maintain clear communication between drivers. Use the correct attachment points on the vehicles. Do not exceed the gear's rated capacity. Consider aftermarket recovery points and recovery tracks for enhanced safety and efficiency. Aftermarket Shackles for Enhanced Performance Aftermarket shackles made from 7075 billet aluminum offer superior performance by stretching under load, reducing the risk of snap-back. These shackles are designed for ease of use and stability during recovery operations. Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety Using recovery straps and shackles safely requires understanding their mechanics, choosing the right type for the situation, and following best practices. With the right tools and knowledge, off-road enthusiasts can navigate challenging terrains confidently and safely.
More posts
Share by: