PRICE GUIDE · VEHICLES & TRANSPORT · 2026–2027
Vehicle Recovery & Breakdown cost in Ireland
€80–€350 per callout. Typically €150.
A vehicle recovery & breakdown in Ireland costs €80–€350 per callout, typically around €150. The price is set by distance towed, time of day (out-of-hours) and roadside fix vs recovery.
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HOW MUCH IT COSTS
How much does a vehicle recovery & breakdown cost in Ireland?
| Low end | €80 | a simple job, off-peak, outside the cities |
|---|---|---|
| Typical | €150 | what most people pay |
| High end | €350 | the biggest jobs, short notice, Dublin |
Locufy guide prices for 2026–2027. Updated 2026. A national range, not a quote — enter your town above for real prices from the garages, mobile mechanics and valeters near you.
What moves the price
- Distance to be towed — a longer tow to your chosen garage adds driving time and fuel to the recovery.
- Type of vehicle — a van or heavy vehicle may need a larger recovery truck, which costs more.
- Time of day — a recovery call-out late at night or at weekends can cost more.
- Complexity of the issue — a roadside jump start is quicker than towing after an accident.
Maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment prices in Ireland are up 26% over five years (CSO Consumer Price Index, Maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, to 2025 December). Five years ago a typical vehicle recovery & breakdown would have cost about €120 — an estimate from today's guide price and that index, not a recorded price. Source: CSO CPM18, CPM12 →
WHAT YOU GET
What a vehicle recovery & breakdown booking includes
Takes: The duration of a vehicle recovery service can range from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the location and the complexity of the situation..
WHAT PEOPLE BOOK
Common vehicle recovery & breakdown jobs
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Vehicle Recovery & Breakdown near you, with prices shown
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How to pay less
- Checking whether your insurance or breakdown cover includes recovery can save paying for the tow yourself.
- Towing the car to the nearest suitable garage, rather than a distant one, keeps the recovery distance down.
- If the fault is minor, a roadside fix such as a jump start costs less than towing the vehicle.
- Where it is safe to wait, a daytime recovery can cost less than an out-of-hours breakdown call-out.
- Keeping a working spare tyre and jump leads in the car can mean no recovery call-out is needed.
Before you book
- Your vehicle's location and a description of the issue.
- Access to the vehicle, including any keys or unlocking mechanisms.
- Any breakdown cover or insurance details, in case they cover the recovery or towing.
- The make, model and size of the vehicle, so the right recovery truck is sent.
- Whether the vehicle rolls and steers, so the recovery driver knows what equipment to bring.
- You can agree the price and the drop-off address before the recovery truck sets off.
Vehicle Recovery & Breakdown cost: questions people ask
The cost of vehicle recovery can vary based on several factors, including the distance to be towed, the type of vehicle, and the time of day. Emergency or after-hours services typically incur higher fees due to increased demand.
The duration of a vehicle recovery service can range from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the location and the complexity of the situation. Factors such as traffic conditions and the availability of the recovery vehicle also play a role.
In most cases, general vehicle recovery professionals are trained to handle common breakdown situations. However, if your vehicle requires specialised services, such as electrical or structural repairs, a qualified specialist may be necessary.
Yes, many vehicle recovery services offer emergency or same-day assistance, especially for urgent cases. It's advisable to check with the service provider regarding their availability and response times for emergencies.
Yes, many vehicle recovery services allow you to book multiple related jobs, such as towing and flat tyre assistance, in a single request. This can streamline the process and potentially save on costs.
Services that are often out of scope for vehicle recovery include extensive mechanical repairs, bodywork, and parts replacement. Recovery professionals focus on getting your vehicle to a safe location rather than performing repairs on-site.
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