Vehicle Recovery
🛻 🪝Vehicle Recovery in Northern Cyprus
Your complete guide to roadside help, towing services and what to expect when your vehicle breaks down
Whether you are a local resident or a visitor driving in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC),
knowing how vehicle recovery works is vital. A breakdown, accident or off-road mishap can be stressful—but with the right information you’ll be better prepared. This article covers:
• Who provides vehicle recovery services in Northern Cyprus
• What it typically costs
• Recommended operators you can call
• Tips for smooth recovery service
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👥Who provides vehicle recovery services
Types of providers
In Northern Cyprus you’ll find several types of service providers:
• Dedicated recovery / towing firms: These operate tow trucks or flatbeds and specialise in breakdown recovery, accident towing and vehicle transport. For example, Sönmez Transport & Recovery has been providing car rescue and recovery services since 2005, covering Girne and the wider region.
• Roadside assistance via insurance companies: Many car insurance policies include “road assistance” or “evacuation” in their coverage. For instance, Azant Insurance Agency in Northern Cyprus offers a road assistance service as part of its car insurance package.
• Off-road/4×4 specialised recovery: If you’re driving off-road (remote tracks, rugged terrain) you may require specialised winching and recovery equipment. One provider operating on Cyprus (including remote terrain) gives ballpark costs for such service.
Service coverage
• 24-hour support: Many companies advertise “7/24” availability. Eg: Sönmez states “24 hours a day” for auto rescue.
• All regions: While coastal areas and major towns (Girne, Lefkoşa, etc) are well serviced, more remote or off-road locations may have longer wait times or higher fees.
• Multi-function: Besides towing, services may include tyre changes, crane operations, parts replacement, transportation of vehicle to repair shop or home.
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💰 Costs involved
Typical cost factors
Here are key elements that affect how much you’ll pay:
• Distance from recovery truck to your location (call-out/mileage)
• Vehicle type and weight (small car vs SUV vs heavy van)
• Time of day (night, weekends may incur premium)
• Terrain or accessibility (off-road, winching needed)
• Destination (garage, home address, cross-island)
• Any additional services (tyre change, spare part replacement, crane)
💲Indicative cost ranges
Although specific published rates for Northern Cyprus are limited, useful benchmarks are:
• One operator covering “all Cyprus” for off-road recoveries quotes: “cost starts at a minimum of €200 per recovery, with an hourly rate of approximately €100 depending on complexity.”
• More general international guide (UK-based) suggests: for standard breakdown tow ~ £75-£150 plus mileage.
• Local TRNC firms state “reasonable prices” but don’t publish fixed rates online—so you should ask for a quote over the phone. For example, Sönmez states “reasonable prices” for towing and breakdown.
💲What this means for you in Northern Cyprus
Expect to pay from ~€100-€200 for simple local tow (car to garage within your region) for basic service, and €200+ (or more) for complex recoveries (off-road, remote location, heavy vehicle). Always ask for: call-out fee, mileage/destination cost, any extra (night/weekend) surcharge.
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✅Recommended operators in Northern Cyprus
Here are some trusted contacts you can keep:
• Sönmez Transport & Recovery
• Location: Girne (Kyrenia) region.
• Services: Car breakdown, recovery, towing, spare part replacement, crane operations, 24-hour support.
• Contact: +90 533 844 94 94 (check region).
• Good choice if you are in or near Girne region, or need general road assistance/towing.
• Insurance-Road Assist via Azant Insurance Agency
• Location: Karaoğlanoğlu Caddesi, Alsancak, Kyrenia.
• Services: Road assistance included with insurance policy. If you already have this cover, call your insurer first.
• Tip: Confirm whether their recovery provider is local to your area and covers 24/7.
Other contact numbers & firms
• Yarkıner Recovery +90 533 855 01 41
• Pro Tow Recovery Service +90 533 833 13 34.
• Good to save a few numbers in advance (phone + WhatsApp) especially if you travel around different regions of North Cyprus.
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📞What to ask/expect when you call
Here’s a checklist to help when you’re on the phone with a recovery service:
1. Confirm 24/7 availability and approximate arrival time for your location.
2. Describe your vehicle: make, model, weight, current location (town/village), terrain (on road/off-road).
3. What is the call-out fee? Is it fixed or variable by region/time?
4. Destination cost: Are you being taken to your home/garage? How far? Is distance included?
5. Vehicle condition: If your car cannot be loaded normally (e.g., heavy damage/off-road) will there be extra charge?
6. Payment: Ask if card/online payment is accepted, or cash only.
7. Insurance connection: If you have roadside assistance through insurance, ask to use your insurer’s preferred provider—may be cheaper.
8. Make sure they give you a reference number, name of the driver, and clear quote before proceeding.
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📝Tips for motorists & what to avoid
• Pre-save numbers: Especially useful when mobile signal is weak in rural areas.
• Stay safe until help arrives: If breakdown on busy road, turn on hazard lights, stay off main carriageway if possible.
• Check for hidden costs: Always clarify extra fees (night/weekend, remote location).
• If driving off-road: Check that the service has suitable equipment for winching or recovery from rugged terrain (important if you explore tracks).
• Vehicle insurance/cover: Review whether your car insurance or rental car includes breakdown/recovery cover.
• Keep records: After service, ask for invoice/receipt; if you need to claim from your insurer or rental company, you’ll need proof.
• Be wary of non-licensed operators: Try to use companies that advertise clearly, have phone/WhatsApp presence, and experience on the island.
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❓Quick FAQs
Q: Are tow trucks available 24 hours in Northern Cyprus?
A: Yes — many recovery firms advertise 24/7 call-out. For example, Sönmez states “24 hours a day” service.
Q: Can I call just for a tyre change or minor fix?
A: Yes, many recovery providers also offer roadside assistance (tyre change, jump-start, etc). The cost will usually be less than full towing. For example, Sönmez includes tyre replacement in its services.
Q: What if I'm stuck in very remote/off-road location?
A: You’ll need a provider with off-road recovery equipment. Pricing will likely be higher. Example price for such service on Cyprus starts at ~€200 plus hourly.
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🌸Final Thoughts
Breakdowns happen. But being prepared and informed makes a big difference. In Northern Cyprus you have reputable recovery operators, decent coverage (including 24/7) and predictable cost factors. Before you head out in your car or rental: save a recovery number, check your insurance cover, and know the approximate cost before you commit.
Stay safe on the road, and if you need help—just call.
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Here are 10 recommended vehicle recovery & towing operators in Northern Cyprus, with region, contact numbers and notes — a great list to publish on your site.
1 Sönmez Transport & Recovery (Girne) - +90 533 844 94 94 - 24/7 road-assistance & towing for the Girne region; tyre change & crane service listed.
2 Kantepe Road Assistance (Girne) - +90 533 835 45 39 - Listed in “call a tow truck” FAQ, Girne-area contact.
3 Pro Tow Recovery Service (Girne) - +90 533 833 13 34 - Another 24-hour provider in the Girne region.
4 Çekirge Road Assistance (Girne) - +90 533 832 24 67 - Local operator, useful if you’re in smaller village zones.
5 Şenel Kardeşler Recovery (Lefkoşa/Nicosia) - +90 533 864 84 00 - Based in the Nicosia area, good for central North Cyprus region.
6 Yarkıner Recovery (Nicosia) - +90 533 855 01 41 - Listed in the FAQ as reachable for evacuation.
7 Rüstem Oto Çekici ve Nakliyat (Famagusta) - +90 533 842 70 70 - Good contact if you’re in or around the Famagusta (Gazimağusa) district.
8 GÖKMEN Oto Çekici ve Yol Yardım (Famagusta) - +90 533 834 28 02 - Also in Famagusta region, adds a second option for that area.
9 Off Road Recovery & Equipment (Island-wide/Off-road) - +357 96-071049 - Specialist in off-road/tracked terrain recovery across Cyprus; useful for rural/remote recovery.
10 Deveci Road Assistance (Nicosia) - +90 533 837 10 00 / +90 533 877 10 00 / +90 533 822 10 00 Multiple lines listed; good backup contact for central region.
Notes :
• Save at least 2-3 numbers (one local to your region + one broader island-wide) before heading out.
• Clarify that availability claims “24/7” are common in listings.
• Specify your exact location and terrain (e.g., standard road vs off-road track) when you call — especially important if engaging Off-Road Recovery & Equipment.