Vehicle Recovery in Northern Cyprus

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

👥 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.

💰 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.

✅ Recommended operators in Northern Cyprus

Here are some trusted contacts you can keep:

✅Sönmez Transport & Recovery

• Location: Girne 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.

📞 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.

📝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.

❓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.

Conclusion

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.

Here are 9 recommended vehicle recovery & towing operators in Northern Cyprus, with region, contact numbers and notes.

#	Company & Region	Contact	Notes
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 Famagusta.
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	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.

• 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.