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An Egertons service van with its rear doors open in a car park while a technician works on a van.

Industry insight

What’s next for the recovery industry

Smarter, safer, greener

Where vehicle recovery is heading – and what we’re already doing

Vehicle recovery has come a long way. New technology, tougher environmental targets, and higher customer expectations are changing how the industry works, and how quickly people get back on the road.

Here’s a look at the innovations shaping recovery in the UK, and how we’re putting them to work.

Telematics and live tracking

Telematics (technology that tracks a vehicle’s location and health) has transformed how recovery is managed. Operators can see exactly where their vehicles are, allocate jobs more efficiently and cut response times. Some fleets are going further, using vehicle data to spot faults before they cause a breakdown.

What we’re doing: Our control room tracks our entire fleet of over 400 specialist vehicles in real time, so we can send the nearest, most suitable vehicle first time. Customers can follow live jobs through our portal and receive SMS updates as help makes its way to them. We also use telematics to monitor driving styles, idling and speeding, helping us identify behaviours that can significantly impact vehicle performance and efficiency.

Smart diagnostics and roadside fixes

Recovery used to mean towing. Today, advanced diagnostic tools mean many faults can be found and fixed at the roadside. Some can even be identified remotely before a technician arrives, and certain software faults can be fixed with over-the-air updates.

What we’re doing: Our service vans carry the latest diagnostic equipment and vehicle tooling, which is why 86% of the breakdowns we attend are fixed on the spot.

The Egertons First Mover robotic recovery vehicle in a car park.

Electric and alternative fuel vehicles

With more than two million electric vehicles now on UK roads, recovering them safely is a must. High-voltage systems and battery risks need specialist training and equipment. At the same time, the industry is exploring electric and hybrid recovery vehicles of its own, and clean air zones are pushing fleets towards cleaner vehicles.

What we’re doing: Our technicians are trained to work safely with EVs, strictly aligning with manufacturer guidelines and utilising the correct knowledge and safety protocols when handling high voltage systems and the risks that they carry to the wider public when at the roadside. We also have a number of vehicles in our fleet which specialise in safe EV recovery – including our robotic First Mover, designed to ensure minimal contact with the casualty vehicle and eliminate the risk of further damage. Also, our First Mover vehicle is designed for high-risk recoveries, such as EVs involved in battery fires.

Better digital experiences

People expect to track a parcel to their door, so it’s no surprise they want the same from recovery. Live updates, digital paperwork and online booking are quickly becoming the norm.

What we’re doing: Our business customers get online booking, two-way messaging with our control room, digital invoices and records, and a portal to follow live jobs. For insurers, our technicians can send photos from the scene within 10 minutes of arriving.

Smarter safety for roadside teams

Working beside live traffic is one of the most dangerous parts of the job. New technology is emerging to help, from collision-warning systems that alert teams to fast-approaching vehicles to smart protective equipment.

What we’re doing: Safety is built into everything we do, and we’re accredited to PAS 43 – the national standard for safe vehicle recovery.

More sustainable repairs

Sustainability isn’t just about electric vehicles. Repair centres are increasingly using greener practices, such as recycled parts with same day supply and more efficient workshops. And every roadside repair is a tow journey that didn’t need to happen.

What stays the same

Technology will keep changing. What won’t change is the thing that matters most: calm, capable people who show up on time and get the job done. We’ve been doing that for more than 60 years – and we’re excited about what comes next.

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team.

Whatever you need, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you need a recovery right now, a quote for a specialist job, or a fleet partner you can rely on – tell us what you need and we’ll come right back to you.

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