How To Choose The Right Car Recovery Service

Selecting the right car recovery company, who can provide a professional service, is a critical decision for vehicle owners. To make an informed choice, as well as comparing policies, consider specific vehicle cover requirements and check the company's reputation, for example - are they experts? Do they have many customer complaints? It is wise to review customer feedback, as well as assess the claims process. Some companies offer incentives too, for example, discounts for multiple policies. It is also worth considering what happens if you were to breakdown in your vehicle with no cover - have you allowed an appropriate budget should this happen? But regardless of the policy chosen, it is always advised to keep your vehicle maintenance up to date.

Purchasing the appropriate car recovery policy can often prove to be a challenge for most customers - but our guide below aims to make that process easier, outlining the key considerations when choosing the right car recovery service.

Breakdown Response Times For Car Recovery

Car recovery companies may offer a guaranteed maximum call-out time for roadside assistance as part of their service commitments. However, the specifics of these guarantees can vary between companies. Some providers may promise a rapid response time, such as reaching the customer within a certain number of minutes or hours after receiving the call for assistance. It's essential for individuals to carefully review the terms and conditions of a car recovery service / breakdown cover to understand the extent of the guarantee. Factors such as the location of the breakdown, time of day, and the nature of the assistance needed can influence the response time.

Round-The-Clock Vehicle Assistance

Look for services that offer 24/7 assistance, as vehicle breakdowns don't adhere to a schedule - having help available at any hour provides peace of mind during unexpected breakdowns and roadside challenges. It is worth looking for a company that provides round-the-clock support for breakdowns in the United Kingdom, and further afield, if required - such as Europe.

Geographical Coverage - Is Your Area Covered?

Check the breakdown cover policy to ensure that the recovery service operates in your desired area, ideally nationally, offering coverage across the entire United Kingdom.  If you plan to travel across Europe, choose a recovery service that offers European coverage. This guarantees assistance regardless of your location, whether it's holiday, work related etc.

Level Of Cover - Check What You Need

Different car recovery companies provide various levels of breakdown cover and associated costs / price points, so be sure to check them out.

Vehicle recovery comes in the form of multi-vehicle, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, family car / household, passenger and driver cover - van, caravan, bike and trailer policies are available from some companies.

Check if the service has a policy of unlimited callouts. This means you can request assistance as many times as needed without additional charges. Unlimited callouts eliminate concerns about frequency.

Consider if you need cover at your home address - some breakdowns occur right on your doorstep. Onward travel options, including replacement vehicles or even accommodation / hotel options, are available if your car cannot be quickly repaired. Check if the car recovery business has affiliations with reputable garages or if they can transport your vehicle to a garage of your choice. Requirements for these options will vary depending on everyone's individual circumstances

Some providers may even offer cheaper breakdown cover incentives if you combine it with their vehicle insurance / other insurance policies.

Extended Levels Of Cover To Consider

Key replacement: Losing your car keys can be a stressful situation. Select a car recovery service that provides key replacement assistance should this be needed. This cover offers a solution when you find yourself locked out.

Battery replacement: A dead battery can leave you stranded. Ensure the recovery service includes battery replacement or jump-start services to get your vehicle back on the road, should this be important to you.

Fuel cover: Running out of fuel / misfuelling is an inconvenience, but it happens. You can choose a recovery service that covers these potential issues, ensuring you can continue your journey without major disruptions.

Tyre replacement: Flat tyres / punctures are a common roadside issue. A good recovery service should include the replacement of flat or damaged tyres as part of their assistance.

Always Check The Terms Of The Vehicle Recovery Service

Some car recovery businesses put a limit on the age of the vehicle which can be covered - with some vehicles being too old for breakdown cover. The same applies to the type of vehicle - so be sure to always check the specific terms of the car recovery policy.

How CMG Can Help With Your Car Recovery

CMG have a diverse fleet of recovery vehicles, ensuring a swift response to vehicle recovery and the capability to recover most vehicles. Operated by our experienced team, your vehicles are guaranteed to be seen with care and professionalism.

When it comes to breakdowns, CMG are experts in their field. In almost every incident, CMG are the first people to arrive at the vehicle scene, minimising the stress of being stranded. Your safety is paramount, so the human element is key. Our commitment to repairing vehicles at the roadside and problem solving sets us apart, addressing almost every breakdown incident with expertise.

Providing local car recovery for most types of vehicles to anywhere in the UK, CMG responds from a 24-hour control centre at their headquarters. CMG's expansive network spans from southern England to the Scottish Highlands, ensuring nationwide breakdown coverage for prompt assistance wherever you may be. What's more, CMG's network includes trusted partners across the UK and Europe, facilitating storage and delivery in case immediate reach is not possible.

The use of real-time tracking technology also allows you and your drivers to receive accurate updates, enhancing transparency and communication during the recovery process. Equipped with in-cab satellite navigation, CMG's technicians swiftly reach your vehicle, minimising downtime and ensuring efficient on-site repairs.

Should you wish to talk about the options for car recovery / roadside assistance in the UK, from a leading company, please don't hesitate to contact CMG or call us on 0800 282 449. Or for more specific car recovery information, visit our car recovery service page.