Questions about breakdown recovery

How quickly will someone come?

Bids usually arrive within minutes, and each one states how soon that driver can reach you. Arrival depends on how far away the nearest free truck is, the time of night and the traffic.

What should I do while I wait?

On a motorway or dual carriageway, get out on the passenger side if it is safe, stand behind the barrier and call 999 if you are in a live lane. On a quieter road, put hazards on and stay in the vehicle with seatbelts on if it is safer than standing out.

Do you tow the vehicle anywhere I want?

Within the distance the bid covers, yes — a garage, your home or a storage yard. Longer moves cost more, so put the destination in the job and the bids will reflect it.

Is this cheaper than breakdown cover?

For a single breakdown it is usually cheaper than a year of cover, and you are not tied in. If you break down often, an annual policy may still work out better.

Will the driver take passengers?

Most recovery trucks have one or two spare seats, but it depends on the vehicle and the law on carrying children. Say how many people are with you in the job so operators can bid accurately.