Vehicle recovery cost guide

Vehicle recovery cost as part of your breakdown cover:

• The RAC offers vehicle recovery services as part of their breakdown cover packages. Depending on the level of cover, vehicle recovery may be included up to a certain distance or nationwide.

How much does vehicle recovery cost on its own?

• Prices for vehicle recovery vary depending on the weight of the vehicle and the type of service needed. For vehicles up to 1.5 tonnes, the cost is £75.00. For vehicles between 1.5 and 7.5 tonnes, it’s £85.00. Motorway assistance and recovery cost £180.00, while impounded vehicle recovery is priced at £220.00. In the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), vehicle recovery starts at £180.00. Loading cars into shipping containers incurs a fee of £100.00.

Emergency vehicle recovery cost:

• The cost of emergency vehicle recovery can depend on the situation and the provider. For example, a call-out fee for a local mechanic might be around £80.00, while hiring a tow truck could cost approximately £75.00 on average.

Key points to consider:

• Vehicle recovery costs can add up quickly, especially with additional charges such as mileage fees. It’s important to be aware of these potential costs and plan accordingly.

Does electric vehicle breakdown cost more than petrol or diesel cars?

• Typically, breakdown cover costs are similar regardless of the type of vehicle. Electric vehicles may have fewer breakdowns due to their simpler mechanics, but if they do break down, the cost of repairs can be higher.

Does electric vehicle recovery cost more?

• The cost of recovering an electric vehicle is generally similar to petrol or diesel vehicles. However, the cost of repairs for electric vehicles can be up to three times higher in some cases.