What Are the 5 Different Types of Vehicle Recovery Service?
Lauren Belkevitz

What Are the 5 Different Types of Vehicle Recovery Service?

Imagine driving through winding roads or a bustling town when suddenly your vehicle grinds to a halt.Vehicle recovery emerges as a key service in such predicaments. Drivers can have peace of mind knowing that expert assistance is merely a call away, capable of addressing issues such as mechanical failure or the aftermath of an accident.


The Different Types of Vehicle Recovery Services

Vehicles may encounter issues requiring recovery services. Various types of assistance are available, designed to handle the diverse situations that motorists face.

Roadside Recovery Services

Roadside recovery is a crucial service that helps drivers whose vehicles have broken down or become inoperable while on the road. It includes a wide range of services, starting from on-site minor repairs to jump-starting dead batteries, delivering fuel, changing car flat tyres, providing lockout assistance, and even handling accident recovery. This comprehensive assistance is available through various subscription or pay-per-use models, ensuring drivers have access to help whenever they need it. Roadside recovery service providers are equipped with the expertise and tools necessary to handle emergencies swiftly and effectively, aiming to minimise inconvenience and ensure the safety of all involved on the road.

Flatbed Recovery Services

Flatbed recovery services provide secure transportation for vehicles, utilising specialised flatbed vehicles equipped with a long, hydraulically inclinable platform. This platform lowers to ground level, allowing vehicles to be loaded with minimal stress, making it ideal, for example, for all-wheel-drive, 4x4, luxury vehicles, or those with significant damage. Flatbed recovery ensures the safe and stable transport of vehicles, reducing the risk of further damage during towing. This service is particularly valuable for transporting vehicles that cannot be driven due to mechanical issues or accidents, offering peace of mind to vehicle owners and ensuring their vehicles reach their destination safely.

Winching Services

Winching services are essential for freeing vehicles stuck in challenging situations such as mud or snow, or for larger vehicles in awkward predicaments. These services utilise various types of winches and strong cables to safely extract vehicles and bring them to stable ground. Providers of winching services are equipped with specialised tools and equipment tailored for different recovery scenarios. They employ techniques that minimise damage to the vehicle and surroundings while ensuring efficient recovery from almost any situation. Winching services are crucial for rescuing vehicles that are immobilised due to adverse terrain or other circumstances, providing essential assistance to drivers in need.

Heavy Vehicle Recovery Services

Heavy vehicle / truck recovery services specialise in assisting immobilised large vehicles, such as commercial vehicles, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), vans, buses / coaches and other equipment, using a range of heavy-duty vehicles, cranes, and other specialised equipment. These providers are equipped with advanced tools and expertise to handle complex recovery challenges efficiently. Heavy vehicle recovery may involve intricate manoeuvres and lifting operations to safely extract and transport these large vehicles, ensuring minimal damage and a swift resolution to the situation. These services are critical for industries relying on heavy vehicles, providing reliable support in times of breakdowns or accidents to minimise downtime and operational disruptions.

Towing Recovery Services

Towing recovery services play a vital role in transporting vehicles from one location to another, essential for vehicles that have broken down, been in accidents, become inoperable and more. These services are provided by towing recovery companies equipped with a fleet of different vehicles tailored to different needs. They possess the necessary equipment and expertise to handle various types of vehicles safely and efficiently. Towing recovery services ensure minimal damage during transport, focusing on quick delivery to repair facilities or designated locations. This ensures prompt assistance, with vehicles being moved securely and reliably to where they need to be, minimising disruption and inconvenience.


Each Recovery Situation is Different

Each type of vehicle and scenario demands a specific recovery service. For example, HGV's will need a towing service with capacity to handle substantial weight, whereas a motorcycle may require a service equipped with specialised equipment for safe transport. A car stranded due to a flat tyre, in addition to towing, might benefit from a roadside assistance service equipped to handle such repairs on the spot.

In accident scenarios, expertise becomes key. Recovery services with experience in collision situations will navigate the process efficiently, minimising further damage to the vehicle. They are prepared to secure the scene and have the know-how to handle vehicles in compromised conditions.

Specialty vehicles, such as classic cars, or electric models, often necessitate a tailored recovery solution. Owners should seek out services with specific expertise and equipment designed to accommodate the unique needs of their vehicle. Recognising the nuances of the service providers, ensures the best care for your vehicle amidst varied circumstances.


Final Thoughts

Vehicle recovery services are essential for swiftly addressing breakdowns and accidents. Roadside recovery encompasses a wide array of services, including on-the-spot car repairs and accident handling, accessible through subscription or pay-per-use models. Flatbed recovery ensures safe transportation, particularly suitable for delicate or extensively damaged vehicles, utilising hydraulically adjustable platforms. Winching services employ specialised equipment to rescue vehicles from challenging conditions like mud or snow, or a difficult predicament. Heavy vehicle recovery focuses on large vehicles such as HGVs, utilising heavy-duty vehicles and cranes for intricate recoveries. Towing recovery services are pivotal for transporting broken down vehicles to repair facilities, featuring a fleet of different vehicles for various vehicle types.


About CMG

Established in 1972, Cowan Recovery Ltd (CMG) offers world-class breakdown, recovery, transport, and logistics solutions in the sector to customers across the UK and Europe. We have an extensive range of transport recovery vehicles, backed up by highly skilled technicians and over 40 years of experience. We are here for all your personal or business needs, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

By choosing a reliable and trusted vehicle recovery business, customers can be assured of peace of mind knowing that they will not encounter any unexpected expenses. CMG's transparent pricing ensures that their customers are aware of the costs right from the beginning, allowing them to budget accordingly. With this in mind and providing upfront information, CMG stands as a reliable option for those seeking peace of mind in relation to vehicle recovery services.

With many years experience, CMG offers an extensive fleet of recovery vehicles of all types and sizes; that way we can recover almost any type of vehicle. All recovery vehicles are operated by a professional, experienced team of skilled recovery technicians - we ensure that a vehicle or vehicles will be handled with the utmost care. 

As a leading company in vehicle recovery services, should you wish to look into your options further, including a price, please click the vehicle recovery service page of our website. Alternatively, contact our friendly staff for a sales quote / cost or call us on 0800 282 449.

Share by: