Breaking down is stressful enough without also having to wonder: Will I have to pay for recovery? What happens if I’ve had an accident? Does my breakdown cover include towing?
Many drivers assume towing is automatically included in every breakdown policy. But the truth is, the level of support you get depends on what’s covered in your specific roadside assistance plan.
This guide explains what towing and vehicle recovery services usually include, what they don’t, and who pays for towing after an accident.
What is towing & recovery?
Towing and recovery is the process of moving your vehicle when it can’t be driven safely, whether that’s due to a mechanical failure, a flat battery, accident damage, or another issue.
Towing and recovery usually involves:
- A mechanic or recovery specialist attending the breakdown
- Attempting a repair at the roadside
- Towing your vehicle if it can’t be fixed
- Transporting your vehicle to a garage, home, or another safe location
In most cases, towing is part of a wider breakdown cover policy, rather than something you arrange separately. While cover varies by provider and policy level, roadside recovery generally includes the following elements:
1. Roadside assistance
This is the first line of support when your vehicle breaks down. A trained mechanic attempts to fix the issue on the spot. Fortunately, a number of breakdowns can be resolved without towing at all.
A nationwide breakdown network can dispatch help quickly, whether you’re close to home or stranded on the motorway. Some modern breakdown cover also includes remote assistance, meaning if you’re in an area with no phone signal, you may still be able to request help via satellite on a compatible smartphone.
2. Vehicle towing
If the vehicle can’t be repaired safely at the roadside, a towing service is used to move it. Depending on your level of cover, this could be:
- To the nearest suitable garage
- To a garage of your choice
- To your home address
Not all policies include long-distance recovery, which is why it’s important to check the terms of your roadside assistance cover.
3. Vehicle recovery
Recovery goes beyond simple towing. It covers situations where your vehicle needs specialist equipment to be removed. This could be if your vehicle has left the road or is stuck in a difficult location.
Does breakdown cover include towing?
The short answer is, usually, yes – but not always in the same way.
Most breakdown cover includes some level of towing, but the exact service depends on your policy. Basic roadside assistance usually covers towing only if roadside repair isn’t possible, and often just to the nearest garage.
More expanded policies may include:
- National recovery
- Long-distance towing
- Recovery to any UK destination
To avoid unexpected costs, it’s important to understand exactly what your cover includes before you need it. You don’t want to be in a position where you’re only just finding out that you’re not covered when your car’s already broken down!
Who pays for towing after an accident?
If you can’t drive your car due to an accident, rather than a breakdown or mechanical issue, then things can sometimes feel a little more complicated. Who pays for towing following an accident depends on the circumstances.
If you’re at fault
If you’re responsible for the accident, towing costs are usually:
- Covered by your car insurance policy, or
- Paid out of your pocket, if towing isn’t included
Breakdown cover may help recover the vehicle, depending on your policy, but accident recovery is often treated differently – and therefore not always covered.
If you’re not at fault
If another driver is at fault, their insurance provider typically pays for recovery and towing. However, this can take time, and some drivers arrange recovery themselves and reclaim the cost later.
Emergency or police-ordered towing
If the police order your vehicle to be removed for safety reasons, the initial towing cost may be charged to you, regardless of fault. These charges are usually separate from breakdown cover and insurance.
What towing & recovery often doesn’t cover
Even comprehensive policies have limits. Towing and recovery may not cover:
- Vehicles without a valid MOT or insurance
- Breakdowns caused by a lack of maintenance
- Off-road recovery without specialist cover
- Storage fees charged by third parties
This is another reason why it’s important to look after your car – both to hopefully avoid some preventable breakdowns, and to make sure any policies you do have remain valid. Always check exclusions within your policy carefully.
FAQs: towing & recovery explained
What does roadside recovery include?
Roadside recovery usually includes a mechanic attending your breakdown, repairs at the roadside when possible, and towing or recovery to a garage or safe destination if your car can’t be fixed.
Does breakdown cover include towing?
Most breakdown cover includes towing when repairs aren’t possible, but the distance and destination depend on the level of cover you have.
Who pays for towing after an accident?
Towing after an accident is normally handled through car insurance rather than breakdown cover. If another driver is at fault, their insurer may cover the cost.
Is towing the same as recovery?
Not quite. Towing is moving the vehicle, while recovery can involve retrieving it from difficult locations or situations where specialist equipment is needed.
How much does towing & recovery cost?
Towing and recovery costs can vary, but without breakdown cover, a basic tow may cost £100–£200 or more depending on distance and circumstances. With roadside assistance, towing is often included when your vehicle can’t be fixed on the spot.
Know what you’re covered for
Not all roadside assistance is created equal. More comprehensive policies cover things like:
- Nationwide coverage
- Experienced recovery operators
- Transparent towing limits
- Clear communication during breakdowns
Understanding what towing and recovery actually covers helps you choose the right roadside assistance and avoid unexpected costs. While most breakdown cover includes towing in some form, the level of recovery support can vary significantly.
Breakdown cover is available in a range of levels, from roadside assistance to national recovery and European cover. It’s worth comparing your options to find a policy that suits your vehicle and how you drive.