Breakdown and vehicle recovery truck business

Private motorists, local garages, insurers and accident management companies, and breakdown firms that subcontract jobs.

A call-out fee plus a per-mile rate, or a fixed price per job. Subcontract work for larger firms is usually at set rates, while private jobs let you set your own.

• Safe driving of larger vehicles
• Loading and securing vehicles properly
• Calm customer service in stressful situations
• Basic mechanical knowledge

• Check which driving licence category you need for the truck's weight, and any driver hours or tachograph rules that could apply
• Insurance for recovery work is specialist and can be costly, so get several quotes before buying a truck
• Check on gov.uk whether you need a goods vehicle operator's licence from the Traffic Commissioner. Vehicle recovery use may qualify for an exemption, but this depends on the vehicle's weight and how it is used
• Night, weekend and motorway work carries real safety risks, so check training and high-visibility kit requirements
• Vehicle damage claims can arise, so keep photos and records of every job

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £12,000 to £50,000, depending mainly on the truck you buy and your insurance. Recovery insurance is specialist and can be costly, so get several quotes first.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £9,000 as an estimate, depending on how many jobs you take from motorists, garages, insurers and breakdown firms, and the hours you work.

Check which driving licence category your truck's weight needs, any driver hours or tachograph rules, and on gov.uk whether you need a goods vehicle operator's licence. Exemptions may depend on weight and use.