How Much Does Car Recovery Cost in the UK?
If you've broken down and don't have breakdown cover, the first question is usually "how much is this going to cost me?" Here's what actually decides the price of a recovery, what should be included, and how to make sure there are no surprises when the truck arrives.
Our prices: local recovery from £125
With us, a local recovery starts from £125. That covers a typical job: a car that won't drive, collected from the roadside, a car park or a driveway and taken a short distance to a garage or your home. The price for your job depends on the details below. You always get a fixed price before anyone sets off, and it only changes if the situation turns out to be clearly different from what was described, for example if the car is somewhere else, or needs equipment we weren't told about.
What affects the price of a recovery
- Distance. The biggest factor. A recovery to a garage round the corner costs less than taking a car 100 miles home.
- The vehicle. A small hatchback is simpler than a large 4x4, a loaded van or a low sports car that needs careful loading.
- Where it is. A driveway or car park is straightforward. A motorway, a tight underground car park, a ditch or a muddy field can take more time and equipment.
- Its condition. A car that rolls and steers loads easily. One with locked wheels, no keys or accident damage takes more work.
- Extras. Things like towing a caravan or trailer as well, or storing the vehicle overnight, add to the job.
What should be included
A proper quote covers the whole job: getting to you, loading the vehicle and delivering it to the agreed address. Before you agree, check three things: the price is for the whole job, it's clear where the vehicle is going, and you know roughly when the truck will arrive.
Avoid surprises: describe the situation honestly when you call (where exactly the car is, whether it rolls, whether you have the keys) and ask for the price to be confirmed by text or WhatsApp. That protects you and the recovery company.
Pay-as-you-go recovery vs breakdown cover
Annual breakdown cover is worth having if you drive a lot or have an older car. But plenty of drivers don't have cover, or find their policy doesn't include something they need, such as recovery home rather than to the nearest garage, a van, or a car that's been in an accident. That's where a one-off, fixed-price recovery makes sense: you pay once, for exactly the job you need.
Recovery from abroad
Bringing a car back to the UK from France, Spain or elsewhere in Europe is a different kind of job, priced mainly on distance and the crossing. See vehicle repatriation to the UK for how that works.
Recovery Price FAQs
How much is car recovery near me?
With us, local recovery starts from £125. Tell us where you are, what you drive and where it needs to go, and we'll give you a fixed price on the phone or by WhatsApp before anyone sets off.
Can the price change after I've agreed it?
Only if the situation is clearly different from what was described, for example if the car is in a different place or needs extra equipment we weren't told about. If that happens, we'll tell you before doing anything extra.
Is it cheaper to get a jump start than a recovery?
Often, yes. If the problem is just a flat battery, a jump start may get you going without a tow. Tell us the symptoms and we'll tell you honestly whether roadside help is likely to work. See our guide to flat batteries.
Does van recovery cost more than car recovery?
It can, depending on the size and weight of the van and how heavily it's loaded. Tell us the make, model and load and we'll quote a fixed price.
Want a Fixed Price for Your Recovery?
Call or WhatsApp us with your location, your vehicle and where it needs to go. You’ll get a fixed price before anyone sets off.
