No Trades found

If your car breaks down unexpectedly or you’ve been involved in a minor accident, towing services can help get your vehicle safely off the road.

Whether you need roadside recovery, long-distance transport, or specialist vehicle towing, find towing services in Portsmouth with Checkatrade equipped to handle all types of vehicles and situations.

What is a towing service?

Towing services provide help when vehicles can’t be driven safely or legally.

They use specialised recovery vehicles to tow cars, vans, and even motorcycles to a garage, home, or storage facility.

Common reasons for using a towing service include:

• Mechanical failure
• Flat tyres
• Engine issues
• Road accidents

Many companies also offer 24-hour towing for emergencies.

How much does towing cost?

The cost of car towing in the UK varies depending on:

• Call-out fee: you’ll likely be charged a flat rate for a tow truck
• Distance: local towing might be considered up to 10 miles, you’ll then be charged mileage of between £1–£3 per mile
• Long-distance towing: some firms will apply different rates for journeys over 50 miles
• Vehicle type: a large SUV or truck could cost more than a small compact car
• Urgency: emergency or out-of-hours towing may cost more

Our vehicle towing cost guide contains more information.

Towing services vs roadside recovery

While both roadside recovery and towing services get your vehicle off the road, they serve slightly different purposes:

• Towing moves your vehicle from one location to another when it cannot be repaired on-site
• Roadside recovery focuses on fixing minor issues where the vehicle has broken down — such as battery jump-starts or tyre replacements — before resorting to towing if needed

Some companies offer both as part of a complete breakdown and recovery service.

How long does it take for a towing service to reach you?

Response times for a towing service vary depending on your location and the time of day.

• In many cases, a towing service can reach you within 30–60 minutes
• For longer-distance or rural call-outs, it may take a little longer

If you need urgent assistance, look for 24-hour towing services near you to ensure a prompt response.

Tips for hiring a towing service in your area

Before hiring a towing company near you, follow these steps to ensure you choose the right one:

• Read reviews on Checkatrade to see feedback from real customers
• Check services offered, such as emergency towing, long-distance transport, or motorcycle recovery
• Confirm what’s included in the quote, such as call-out fees and mileage
• Ask about insurance coverage for your vehicle while it’s being towed

For tradespeople committed to quality and a job done right, search for towing services in Portsmouth with Checkatrade.