Subcontract recovery driver
Start smaller by taking overflow recovery jobs for garages and breakdown networks using a used or lower-cost truck.
- £6k-25k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
4,001 UK companies in this field, 35% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 52219 “Other service activities incidental to land transportation, n.e.c.”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
You take recovery and transport jobs passed on by local garages, body shops, dealers and larger recovery firms, often using a smaller or second-hand truck or van-based transporter.
Your first three steps
- Make a list of local garages, dealers and recovery firms and introduce yourself with your availability and rates
- Choose a suitable second-hand truck or transporter and get insurance quotes before committing
- Set up simple invoicing and keep records of every job with photos of vehicle condition
Who pays
Garages, car dealers, auction sites, and recovery firms that need extra capacity at busy times.
How it makes money
Fixed or per-mile rates agreed with each customer. Steady work depends on being reliable and quick to respond, so a few regular contacts matter more than advertising.
Skills that help
- Reliable timekeeping
- Safe vehicle loading
- Building trade relationships
- Basic paperwork and invoicing
Watch out for
- Check the driving licence category needed for the vehicle you choose, as heavier trucks need more than a standard car licence
- Subcontract rates can be tight, so work out your costs per mile for fuel, insurance and maintenance first
- Some work is paid on 30 day or longer terms, which can strain cash flow
- Check the insurance covers carrying other people's vehicles and hire and reward use
- Check whether an operator's licence or other rules apply to your vehicle and type of work
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: subcontract recovery driver
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start as a subcontract recovery driver?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £6,000 to £25,000, depending on the truck or transporter you choose, whether it is used, and your insurance. Work out your costs per mile for fuel, insurance and maintenance first.
How much can a subcontract recovery driver earn?
As an estimate, monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how much overflow work you take and your vehicle. Subcontract rates can be tight and some work is paid on 30 day or longer terms.
What licences and rules should I check?
Check the driving licence category needed for your vehicle, as heavier trucks need more than a standard car licence. Check your insurance covers carrying other people's vehicles and hire and reward use, and whether an operator's licence or other rules apply.
Other ways to run this business
Similar car and vehicle ideas
Car radiator repair and recore workshop
Repair, test and recore car radiators for local garages and drivers from a small workshop unit.
- £5k-25k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Mobile gearbox diagnosis and fluid service
Visit drivers and garages to diagnose gearbox faults and service automatics, with bigger rebuilds passed on or sub-contracted.
- £6k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile wheel alignment for vans and fleets
Take portable alignment kit to company yards and check wheel angles on small fleets, so vehicles stay off the ramp at a garage.
- £6k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Used horse trailer and horsebox sales
Buy, prepare and sell used horse trailers and small horseboxes from a rented yard or unit.
- £5k-25k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Mobile diesel engine repair
Diagnose and fix diesel engines at the roadside, yard or farm using a fully equipped van.
- £5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Windscreen repair and replacement
Offer chip repairs plus full windscreen and window replacement, in a van or from a small unit.
- £5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises