Typical UK pricing in 2026
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Call-out / loading fee | £45 – £90 |
| Per mile (loaded) | £1.25 – £3.50, often lower on long runs |
| Short local recovery (under 10 miles) | about £80 – £150 |
| Night, weekend and bank holiday | usually a surcharge on top |
These are market ranges from published UK price lists, not our price list. With us, local recoveries start from £125, and you always get the full figure before anyone is sent.
What pushes the price up
- Distance, especially rural and Lakeland recoveries back to a city.
- Time: 2 am on a Sunday costs more than 2 pm on a Tuesday.
- Loading: a crashed bike with a bent front end needs a winch or dolly, and more time.
- Access: a single-track pass, a muddy field or an underground car park.
- Size: a Gold Wing or a trike may need a bigger bed or two people.
How to avoid surprises
- Give the full picture: where the bike is, where it’s going, and whether it rolls and steers.
- Ask for the total price including VAT, and ask whether waiting or storage could be added.
- Get the price and operator details by text or WhatsApp before they set off.
- Pay by card if you can, and keep the invoice for insurance.
Is breakdown cover cheaper?
Bike breakdown cover can be cheap, but read the small print. Some policies exclude home starts, bikes over a certain age, or recovery beyond the nearest garage. If you ride a lot and far, cover makes sense. Either way, a pay-as-you-go number is a useful backup when your cover can’t get to you quickly.