How distance affects cost
Miles aren’t the only thing on the quote — but they matter. A short local tow and an 80-mile A-to-B are different jobs, even for the same car.
What distance changes
Nearby recoveries for a normal car often land around £90–£120. Push the drop-off further out and you’re paying for road time, fuel and whether the truck can take another job that day. Vans and motorway work sit higher again.
Rough cost by distance
Illustrative only for a straightforward recovery — not a quote. Weight, motorway working, night call-outs and awkward access all move the figure. Always agree the price on the phone.
Typical range (car)
£105–£145
Medium A-to-B — destination and traffic start to matter as much as miles.
Other things that move the price
Vehicle weight, flatbed vs underlift, hard-shoulder working, night or bank-holiday call-outs, and awkward access (multi-storey, terrace, soft ground). Pair this page with why vehicle weight matters and types of recovery truck.
Direct Recovery doesn’t set prices. You agree the job with the independent agent you call.
Questions
Is this the same as a quote?
No. It’s a teaching tool based on typical UK pay-as-you-go bands. The agent you call sets the real price once they know the vehicle, access and destination.
Does motorway recovery cost more for the same miles?
Often yes — hard-shoulder working, waiting and kit all add up. Say you’re on a motorway when you call so they can quote properly.
What if I’m only moving a few streets?
Short local jobs for a normal car often sit around £90–£120 when the agent is nearby. Use the low end of the slider as a feel, then confirm on the phone.