Vehicle Recovery

What Is Vehicle Recovery?

Vehicle recovery is the process of retrieving a disabled or damaged vehicle and transporting it to a safe location. Towing companies and roadside assistance providers typically provide this service. The goal of vehicle recovery is to remove the vehicle from the roadside or other unsafe location and transport it to a repair shop or other destination.

Vehicle recovery services can be useful in a variety of situations. For example, if a car breaks down on the side of the road or is involved in an accident, a service can be called to tow the vehicle to a repair shop. Additionally, if a vehicle is parked illegally or in a hazardous location, a service may be called to move it to a safer location. Overall, this service provides a valuable assistance to drivers needing assistance.

Vehicle Recovery Service

Our team comprises experienced specialists with the knowledge and tools for a safe and effective recovery of vehicles of any size. We utilise cutting-edge recovery trucks to recover your vehicle swiftly and without harm. We provide 24-hour vehicle recovery throughout the year to ensure your complete satisfaction. We value your time and strive to reach you as quickly as possible to get you back on the road. If you need reliable and efficient service, our expert team is here to assist you in any way possible, ensuring a stress-free and hassle-free experience. Simply search “vehicle recovery near me” and don't hesitate to contact us for assistance.

How To Recover A Vehicle?

Recovering a vehicle involves a series of steps undertaken by a provider to safely and effectively remove a vehicle from its current location and transport it to a designated place. Here's a breakdown of what a recovery company typically does:

Assessment

Once contacted, the company will first assess the situation. This involves understanding the type of vehicle, its condition, location, and the nature of the problem. This initial assessment helps determine the necessary equipment and approach.

Dispatch

Based on the assessment, the provider dispatches an appropriate recovery vehicle. For instance, a standard car may require a flatbed truck, while a larger vehicle might need a more specialised recovery truck.

On-site Assistance

Before resorting to towing, the team might attempt minor repairs or solutions on-site. This could include jump-starting a car or supplying emergency fuel.

Safe Towing or Recovery

If on-site assistance doesn't resolve the issue, the vehicle is then prepared for towing. The team ensures the vehicle is securely attached to the tow truck. Depending on the situation, the vehicle might be towed using a dolly, flatbed, or a traditional tow truck

Transportation

The vehicle is then transported to a predetermined location, which could be a repair shop, the owner's residence, or another specified place.

Handling Special Situations

For vehicles involved in accidents or those stuck in challenging terrains (like ditches or mud), the process might involve additional steps like winching or using specialised equipment to extract and recover the vehicle safely.

Reporting and Documentation

For insurance purposes or in the case of accidents, the company might provide necessary documentation detailing the vehicle's condition, the services provided, and any other relevant information.

Payment

Once the recovery process is complete, the customer settles the payment. Depending on the arrangement, this could be through insurance, membership services, or direct payment.

How To Choose The Best Vehicle Towing Service?

Choosing the best vehicle recovery service is crucial when it comes to ensuring the safety of your car, as well as receiving reliable and professional help when you need it the most. Here are some tips to help you choose the best vehicle towing service:

Look for a reputable and experienced company

Make sure to choose a towing company that has been in business for a long time and has a good reputation in the industry. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family members.

Check for licensing and insurance

It's important to choose a vehicle recovery company that is properly licensed and insured. This will ensure that your car is in safe hands and that you won't be held liable for any damages that may occur during the towing process.

Consider the range of services offered

Choose a provider that offers a wide range of services, including emergency towing, flatbed towing, long-distance towing, and roadside assistance.

Check for availability and response time

Make sure to choose a company that offers 24 7 vehicle recovery service and has a quick response time. This will ensure you receive prompt and reliable service when you need it the most.

Compare prices

While price shouldn't be the deciding factor, it's important to compare prices from different towing companies to ensure you get a fair deal.

Location and Distance

Typically, local recoveries within a city or town will be less expensive than long-distance recoveries. Some services might charge a fixed call-out fee plus an additional fee per mile.

Type of Vehicle

Recovering a standard car might cost less than a larger vehicle, such as a van or truck.

Membership or Insurance

If you have a membership with a breakdown recovery service or specific insurance coverage, the cost might be reduced or fully covered, depending on the terms.

Situation and Complexity

If a vehicle is stuck in a challenging position, like off-road or in a ditch, the recovery might require more equipment or workforce and, thus, might be more expensive.

Time of Call

Some services might charge more for calls made outside of regular business hours, on weekends, or during public holidays.

Provider

Different recovery services have varying fee structures. Renowned national services might charge differently than local independent operators.

On average, a basic vehicle recovery might start from £40 to £150. However, for more complex situations or long distances, the cost can rise substantially, sometimes exceeding £500 or more. It's always advisable to get a quote before using a recovery service or to have a membership with a breakdown service to avoid unexpected high fees.

How Long Should Vehicle Recovery Take?

The duration of vehicle recovery can vary widely based on several factors. Here's an overview:

Location and Distance

If you're within Tyne and Wear area, response times can be quicker, typically ranging from 30 minutes to an hour. However, if you're in a remote location, it might take longer for the recovery vehicle to reach you.

Severity of the Situation

Simple breakdowns where a vehicle needs a tow to the nearest garage might be dealt with more quickly than complex recoveries, such as vehicles stuck in ditches, mud, or involved in accidents.

Time of Day and Weather

During peak traffic hours or in adverse weather conditions, response times might be slower due to congested roads or additional challenges posed by the environment.

Service Provider

Different services have varying response times. Larger, well-equipped services might have more vehicles on the road and could offer quicker response times compared to smaller operators.

Membership Status

If you have a premium membership with a breakdown recovery service, you might be prioritised and receive faster service compared to non-members or those with basic packages.

What Does A Recovery Vehicle Do?

A recovery vehicle, commonly referred to as a tow truck or breakdown vehicle, is specially designed and equipped to assist and transport vehicles that have experienced a breakdown, been involved in an accident, or are otherwise immobilised. Here's what a recovery vehicle typically does:

Roadside Assistance

Before towing, the vehicle's operator might attempt to fix minor issues on the spot. This could include jump-starting a dead battery, changing a flat tyre, or providing a small amount of fuel if the vehicle has run out.

Towing

If a vehicle can't be fixed on the spot, the vehicle will tow it to a designated location, which could be a garage, service centre, or the owner's home.

Accident Recovery

In the case of vehicles involved in accidents, vehicles are used to remove the damaged cars from the scene. This not only helps in clearing the road to restore normal traffic flow but also ensures the damaged vehicles are taken to a repair shop or other designated locations.

Speciality Towing

Some tow trucks are equipped to handle specific types of vehicles, such as motorcycles, heavy trucks, or buses.

Secure Storage

In situations where a vehicle needs to be stored temporarily (e.g., after an accident or if abandoned), some services offer secure storage facilities.

Winching Services

For vehicles stuck in challenging terrains like mud, ditches, or snow, tow trucks use winches to pull them out.

Transporting Vehicles

Recovery vehicles are also used for transporting cars over long distances, for instance, when a new vehicle is delivered to a customer or moved between dealerships.

Clearing Illegal Parkers

In urban settings, tow trucks are sometimes used to tow away illegally parked cars on behalf of local authorities or private property owners.

Who Pays For Vehicle Recovery?



The responsibility for paying for vehicle breakdown recovery often depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the need for assistance. Typically, if a motorist has a breakdown cover or insurance policy that includes recovery services, the insurance company or service provider will cover the cost, either entirely or up to a specified limit. In cases where the motorist is at fault in an accident, their insurance might cover the costs, but this could impact their future premiums or no-claims bonus.

However, if a driver doesn't have an appropriate cover or is found to violate laws (like illegal parking), they would be personally responsible for bearing the expenses. Additionally, if a vehicle is recovered by local authorities due to obstruction or abandonment, the owner will likely be charged for both the recovery and storage. It's always advisable for motorists to be aware of the terms of their insurance or breakdown cover to avoid unexpected expenses.

Long-Distance Towing

Long-distance towing, as the name suggests, involves transporting vehicles over extended distances, as opposed to short or local tows. This can be beneficial in various situations, such as relocating to a new city, transporting a newly purchased vehicle, or moving a non-functional vehicle to a specialised repair facility that's not nearby.

At Recovery Newcastle, we specialise in providing efficient and safe long-distance towing services. Leveraging state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained professionals, we ensure that vehicles are securely fastened and protected throughout the journey, regardless of the distance involved. Whether you're looking to move a classic car, a standard family vehicle, or even larger vehicles, our team is equipped to handle the task. We prioritise communication, ensuring you're kept informed during the transportation process, and we adhere to all safety regulations to ensure your vehicle reaches its destination in the same condition it was picked up in. In entrusting your vehicle us, you choose peace of mind and a hassle-free long-distance towing experience.