Broken down.
Get safe.
Share the right location.

01 / Locate the vehicle

The useful address is a road, direction and stopping point

A motorway breakdown rarely has a useful street address. A postcode or map pin can show approximately where a vehicle is, but it may not explain which carriageway, service-area entrance or access road a recovery truck needs. That is why we ask for a little more than a postcode when arranging motorway breakdown recovery or A-road vehicle recovery.

From a safe position, share the road number, the direction you were travelling and the last junction, service area or recognisable place you passed. Say whether the vehicle is at services, in an emergency area, on a hard shoulder, in a lay-by or somewhere else. If you are still exposed to moving traffic, emergency assistance takes priority over booking a private truck.

If a driver location sign or marker is already visible without moving towards traffic, include its letters and numbers. You can also use the quote form’s current-location option, after permitting location access, or type the details manually. Check what your phone shows before sending it; a pin on the opposite carriageway can lead to an unsuitable approach.

For example, “M1, travelling towards Leeds, stopped at [service name] after junction [number]” is more helpful than “somewhere near Sheffield”. Supply the actual junction or service name only when you know it; tell us when a detail is uncertain.

02 / Explain the access

An A-road collection needs its own access details

A-roads range from high-speed dual carriageways to urban streets. Tell us what the pickup point is actually like: a separated carriageway, a town-centre road, a roadside business, a lay-by or a private entrance. Direction of travel matters on a divided road; on a local street, a precise address and any access restriction may be more useful.

Do not assume that a nearby lane or entrance is available to the recovery vehicle. Describe gates, height barriers, narrow access or a vehicle that is well away from firm ground if these are already known. The operator can then discuss whether the job needs roadside recovery, planned vehicle transport or a separate winching assessment.

Road authorities differ across the UK. National Highways manages England’s motorways and some major A-roads. Traffic Scotland and Traffic Wales publish their own network guidance. Follow the police, traffic officers and the relevant road operator at the scene.

03 / Match the recovery vehicle

Give the loading details you already know

There is a difference between a car that cannot continue its journey and one that cannot roll or steer onto a recovery truck. Accurate details help us check a suitable flatbed, loading equipment and vehicle capacity before dispatch.

• Make and model, and whether it is a car, van or another vehicle.
• Manual or automatic transmission, including an electric or hybrid vehicle where relevant.
• Whether it drives for loading, and any known problem selecting neutral, releasing the handbrake or rolling.
• Missing keys, wheel or suspension damage, low clearance or an insecure load.
• Passenger numbers and any mobility or accessibility requirements.

These are questions about what you already know. Do not inspect the vehicle, test its controls or take photographs beside live traffic to complete an enquiry. Say “not sure” when a condition cannot be checked safely. Passenger transport and space in a recovery vehicle must be agreed; never assume every passenger can travel in the truck.

04 / Agree the recovery

Confirm the destination, price and ETA before dispatch

Decide where the vehicle should go: home, a garage, a bodyshop or another agreed destination. If it is going to a repairer, check that the site can accept it and whether there are opening hours, gate arrangements or a specific unloading point. Tell us if a destination has not yet been chosen.

Baloch Recovery Services checks the pickup, loading requirements, route and suitable truck availability before confirming a no-obligation quote. The price and estimated arrival time are discussed before dispatch. Traffic, road closures, the direction of approach and any instructions from the road authority can affect arrival. An estimated time is not a guaranteed arrival deadline.

Ask what the quote covers, including the agreed delivery point and any known additional loading requirements. If the vehicle condition or destination changes, tell us before the truck is sent. Our guide to arranging breakdown recovery explains the wider booking process.

05 / Follow the instructions at the scene

Keep the recovery operator informed from safety

Once a booking is accepted and a truck is assigned, keep your phone available for the driver’s collection details and updates. Tell the operator if the police or road authority move the vehicle, close access or give you a different meeting point. Only use the phone where it is safe.

Do not attempt to rejoin a motorway from an emergency area without using its emergency telephone and following the operator’s advice. Official instructions at the scene take precedence over a collection arrangement.

Motorway recovery questions

Can I send my current location instead of a postcode?

Yes. Use the current-location option in the enquiry form when safe, or send a map pin. Add the road, direction and stopping point so the operator can check the approach.

Can an automatic car that will not select neutral be recovered?

Tell us before booking. A suitable recovery vehicle and loading equipment must be assessed for the actual car and condition. Do not force the transmission or attempt a roadside inspection to answer the form.

Should I book a recovery truck while stopped in a live lane?

Get emergency assistance first. If you cannot reach safety and cannot exit safely, stay belted in, use your hazard lights and call 999 for the police. Arrange private recovery once the scene is safe and follow the authorities’ instructions.

Is the same arrival time available on every road?

No. The operator checks the exact pickup point, suitable truck availability, traffic and safe access before confirming an ETA. A road or town coverage page does not promise a truck stationed at every junction.