If you have broken down and don’t have breakdown cover, one of the first questions you will ask is how much recovery is going to cost. The honest answer is that it depends, so here is what affects the price and how to make sure you get a fair deal.
The main things that affect the price
1. Distance
Distance is usually the biggest factor. Recovery companies look at how far the truck must travel to reach you, and how far your vehicle needs to be taken afterwards, whether that’s your home, a garage or a dealer. A short tow across town will cost much less than taking a car from one end of the country to the other.
2. Time of day
Many companies charge more for call-outs late at night, at weekends and on bank holidays, because drivers have to be on call around the clock. It’s worth asking whether the price changes depending on when you call.
3. Where you have broken down
Recovering a car from a driveway or a quiet street is simpler than a recovery from a motorway, which needs extra safety measures. Breakdowns in remote rural spots can also take longer to reach.
4. Your vehicle and its condition
Larger or heavier vehicles such as vans, 4x4s and campervans may need a bigger truck. Cars that won’t roll, have locked wheels, are damaged after an accident, or are electric or automatic usually need to go on a flatbed rather than being towed. If your vehicle is stuck in mud, a ditch or a soft verge, winching will be needed too.
5. Extra services
Some jobs can be fixed on the spot, which is often cheaper than a tow. A jump start for a flat battery or a mobile tyre repair might get you moving without needing a recovery truck at all. On the other hand, if your car can’t be dropped at a garage straight away, secure storage will be an extra cost.
Watch out for hidden charges
Some recovery firms quote a low headline price and then add charges when they arrive. Before you agree to anything, ask:
- Is this the total price, including VAT?
- Is there a separate call-out fee?
- Do you charge extra per mile, or for waiting time?
- Will the price change if the car needs a flatbed or winching?
- Is there a storage fee if my car stays with you overnight?
A reputable company will happily answer these questions and give you a clear price before they set off.
Pay-as-you-go recovery vs breakdown cover
Breakdown cover is an annual policy that you pay for in advance. Pay-as-you-go recovery means you only pay when you need it. Neither is right for everyone. If you drive a lot, or your car is older, cover may be good value. If you rarely break down, paying only when you need help can work out cheaper. Either way, it’s worth having a trusted local recovery number saved in your phone.
How we price at BM Automove
We don’t use membership schemes, and we don’t add surprise charges at the roadside. When you call, we ask where you are, where the vehicle needs to go and what’s wrong with it. We then give you a clear, agreed price and an honest arrival time before we set off. If something changes, we tell you before doing any extra work.
Need a price now? Call 020 3582 1447 or send us your location and we’ll quote you straight away. You can also read more about our breakdown recovery service.
