Starting your own vehicle recovery business
Vehicle recovery is a service that’s in demand wherever you might be. It’s a business that serves the general public, businesses, and municipalities when unwanted vehicles need to be removed from a property. Should you be involved in a road traffic incident, a recovery company will tow your car away, if it’s not possible to drive it anywhere. A recovery business is something you can start all by yourself, with just one recovery vehicle. If you’re successful, you’ll be able to expand your business taking on more staff and running more recovery vehicles. Starting this kind of business is relatively easy, but there are certain factors you need to bear in mind.
Draft a Business Plan
When you’re thinking about starting your own business, whatever field you’re planning to operate in, the first step is to draft your business plan. Include all the expenses, start-up costs, assets, licences, and insurance you’ll need to start your business.
Buy a Tow Truck and Equipment
As well as buying a tow truck you’re also going to need all the right equipment. This includes lightbars for emergency vehicles, cones, floodlights, tow ropes, and a selection of tools. You’re also going to need a secure garage in which to keep your vehicle and equipment. You have the option of renting a secure lockup or garage or buying somewhere if you’ve got enough capital to invest. Depending on where you choose you might also need an employee to manage the premises.
Make Yourself Aware of the Driver and Vehicle Safety Rules
To run your business legally and safely in the UK you’ll need to follow guidelines set down by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. There is a guide that’s available online that covers things such as vehicle excise, operator licensing system, driver’s hours and tachographs, record keeping and production, working time rules, and much more.
Secure the Right Insurance
As well as insurance for your recovery vehicles you’ll also need insurance to cover employee and public liability, traffic accidents and property damage, which covers a car being damaged when it’s being towed.
Promote Your Business in the Local Area
There are a variety of ways you can promote your business in the local area. You’re going to need a website so that potential customers can find out about your business online. Handing out flyers and business cards to local businesses and community members may also be a useful way to get the word out about your service. If there are garages in your area, the smart thing to do would be to establish relationships with them, just in case, they have a customer who needs their car towing. Your local police station will have a list of companies that tow and recover vehicles from traffic incidents; take some time to find out what you have to do to get your name on that list. Large breakdown organisations such as the AA, RAC and Green Flag often use subcontractors, so find out about registering. Any promotional material you hand out should have your mobile telephone number on it, and you might want to consider offering a 24/7 service. If the general public can reach you at any time, this is going to be something that helps you stand out from any competition in the area.
