Car and vehicle recovery service
Here at the RAC, we’re proud to fix 4 out of 5 vehicles on the spot. But if we can't fix you, we'll offer a vehicle recovery service (or a ‘tow’). Exactly how far we can tow your car depends on the level of cover you have. Here’s what’s included with ‘Standard’, ‘Advanced’ and ‘Ultimate’.
You’ll get a 10-mile tow to a local garage or somewhere else, whether you break down at the roadside or at home.
This is also known as ‘local recovery’.
You’ll get an unlimited tow to any destination in the UK, whether you break down at the roadside or at home.
This is also known as ‘national recovery’.
What is vehicle recovery?
Vehicle recovery is a towing service. It’s what happens when your vehicle breaks down and can’t be fixed on the spot. This is usually because it needs further mechanical repair at a garage.
With us, you’ll get a 10-mile tow as standard. This could be to the nearest garage or somewhere else within 10 miles. Alternatively, you can upgrade to an unlimited tow – which means we’ll tow you and your family to a destination of your choice anywhere in the UK. We’ll also take you and your passengers with us, with both levels of cover. However, you should be aware that in some cases, depending on the circumstances, specialist equipment may be required to recover your vehicle - If this happens there will be additional charges to pay.
Do I need nationwide vehicle recovery?
The right option for you depends on your driving habits.
For example, if you often drive far from home, it might be worth having national recovery (we call this an ‘unlimited tow’). This means that wherever you break down, you’ll have the option to be towed to any destination on the UK mainland. This could be to your preferred garage, back home or to your final destination.
With local recovery (we call this a 10-mile tow), you’re limited to a 10-mile tow from where you break down. We’ll usually tow you to a local garage, but we can tow you somewhere else within a 10-mile radius if you prefer.
Broken down and need recovery?
RAC Members
If you are an RAC member and your vehicle breaks down, contact us and we'll send one of our dedicated patrols out to you. Just follow these steps:
- Stop in a safe place
- Exit the vehicle from the passenger side
- Find a safe and secure spot for passengers outside of the vehicle
- Keep pets inside the vehicle
- The quickest and easiest way to get help today is online. Report your breakdown here.
- If you would prefer to speak to a member of the team, please call us on 0333 2000 999. Lines open 24/7.
If our patrol can’t fix your vehicle at the side of the road, we’ll recover your vehicle. Remember – how far we can tow you depends on the level of cover you have. For example, if you have our ‘Standard’ level of cover, you’ll get a 10 mile tow to a local garage. If you have ‘Advanced’ or 'Ultimate', you’ll get an unlimited tow to any destination in the UK.
Check your policy schedule and terms and conditions for more details.
If you're not an RAC member:
Give us a call on 0330 159 8743
The RAC can still help you with vehicle recovery, even if you don’t have breakdown cover with us. Just call us and we’ll talk you through your options.
Can I continue my journey if my vehicle can't be fixed?
If your vehicle needs repair at a garage, we can help you keep moving. We include some level of alternative transport with every cover level. This is also known as ‘Onward Travel’.
20-mile taxi from the garage
Hire car or taxi for up to 2 days, up to a maximum of £150
Hire car or taxi for up to 7 days, up to a maximum of £500