Last updated on March 31st, 2022
Vehicle recovery cost guide
There is nothing like a car breakdown to stop your day in its tracks. The problem can be made even worse by ringing a recovery service and having to wait for hours at the roadside for assistance. There’s also the vehicle recovery cost to consider, which we’ll look at in this handy guide.

There is nothing like a car breakdown to stop your day in its tracks. The problem can be made even worse by ringing a recovery service and having to wait for hours at the roadside for assistance.
There’s also the vehicle recovery cost to consider, which we’ll look at in this handy guide.
How much does vehicle recovery cost?
Low cost | High cost | Average cost | |
---|---|---|---|
Annual roadside assistance policy | £25 | £59 | £50 |
Battery jumpstart | £25 | £60 | £42 |
Damaged wheel recovery | £66 | £150 | £108 |
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
The cost involved with a vehicle recovery service depends on the issue at hand. Smaller issues such as a dead car battery should be an affordable, quick fix, costing around £50.
However, larger issues, like tyre replacement, may be more expensive – costing up to £150 for a damaged wheel.
Luckily, vehicle recovery companies tend to offer an array of services, so opting for a subscription to your local recovery service may be a worthwhile investment.
To tackle the problem of recovery services being very slow, many local businesses now offer an ‘ETA service’. This is where the recovery team provides live updates via text on how close they are to your location, to ease the stress in waiting for service. Almost all recovery services also offer 24/7 cover, so you can access help no matter the time.
On average, annual roadside assistance policies cost between £25 and £50.
How much does car recovery cost?
Car recovery is often cheaper than recovery for specialist work vehicles or large vehicles. This is because they are easier to tow if they need to be moved. Plus, there are more available mechanics than there are for less common vehicles. Car recovery can either come in the form of roadside assistance or as a one-off fee for recovery.
How much does van recovery cost?
Van recovery is usually expensive due to the weight of the vehicle and the fact that many vans contain expensive equipment or goods.
FAQs
How much is car recovery if I’m driving overseas?
Vehicle recovery can work differently if you’re driving in other countries. It’s always best to check with your provider to see if they can offer any breakdown cover for Europe or worldwide. Otherwise, you’ll need to take out a policy or use vehicle recovery services in the country itself.
Is a local or national service better?
A local recovery service could be quicker as they know/are based in the immediate area.
Zari Amber
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