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’.
'Advanced' or 'Ultimate' cover includes:
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.