Truck Towing & Heavy Recovery Germany – 24/7 Service

When a heavy truck breaks down on a German motorway, the clock starts ticking immediately. Every minute of downtime costs money – with perishable cargo or contractual penalties, that can quickly add up to 50 to 100 euros per minute. LKW Help 24 specialises in exactly these situations: fast, professional coordination of towing and recovery services for trucks all across Germany.

We offer a comprehensive range of services: towing for all kinds of vehicles including trucks, cars, buses and special vehicles, accident recovery, vehicle recovery, on-site or workshop repairs, tyre service such as tyre changes and repairs, secure vehicle storage, and administrative support with claims handling and expert reports. Our services also include loading assistance in difficult situations as well as the organisation of replacement vehicles and further support services. We offer a wide range of solutions, including emergency assistance, roadside assistance and technical support.

Our network consists of experienced partner companies who, as certified providers, comply with all legal requirements and safety standards to guarantee a legally sound and professional process.

We operate a modern fleet, equipped with powerful recovery vehicles, various types of tow trucks and specialised equipment, to provide immediate on-site assistance. Our response vehicles are equipped for every type of breakdown and accident.

We are available around the clock and will always find the right solution for you – whether you need fast roadside assistance or a full towing service.

The exact location of the vehicle is decisive: if your vehicle is stranded in a dangerous spot or on a busy road, we bring it safely to a protected location or to the nearest workshop.

We handle the towing of any vehicle, whether it’s a car, a truck or another type of vehicle. Our service covers all vehicle types, regardless of size or condition. The legal requirements for towing are always observed, and the vehicle is transported professionally and safely. The specifications of the vehicle are taken into account and handled accordingly.

In an emergency, time is often short: you need to secure your vehicle and you need a reliable partner. You should always keep a first-aid kit, a warning triangle and a hi-vis vest in the vehicle, so you are prepared in case of emergency.

In the event of a breakdown, safety and correct behaviour in traffic are crucial: switch on your hazard lights, put on a hi-vis vest and set up a warning triangle.

We have already carried out numerous successful operations, for example recovering hazardous-goods carriers or towing buses after accidents.

In many cases a professional towing service is preferable to towing privately with a rope, since it is safer. A towing service should be called whenever the vehicle is no longer safe to drive after a breakdown or accident. In the case of serious technical faults such as engine, transmission, drivetrain or electronics failure, safe driving is no longer possible. Towing vehicles on the motorway itself is prohibited.

For proper towing it’s important to know the vehicle’s rated towing capacity and to connect the trailer correctly to the towing vehicle. Safety chains must be attached properly to prevent the trailer from coming loose.

In Germany, vehicles must carry the legally required safety items (hi-vis vest, warning triangle, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher). Towing capacity depends on the vehicle’s specifications and the towing hitch used.

Towing regulations vary by region and govern, among other things, the training and licensing of tow-truck drivers as well as the equipment used.

In the event of a breakdown you should switch on your hazard lights, put on a hi-vis vest and set up a warning triangle to warn other road users.

Towing services can cost anywhere between 120 and several hundred euros if you don’t have breakdown cover or club membership. It’s worth checking your vehicle insurance conditions in advance to clarify cost coverage. The price of a towing job depends on several factors, such as the vehicle’s condition, the type of breakdown and the complexity of the job. Prices start at roughly €100 net, and all costs are agreed transparently with the customer beforehand.

Many towing companies charge a fee for storing vehicles that have been impounded after accidents or by the police. Without regulation, these fees can turn out unexpectedly high, especially once the company takes physical possession of the vehicle. In some regions, laws regulate under what circumstances a car may be towed, to prevent abusive practices. Many companies also offer storage for accident or impounded vehicles.

Some towing services also offer tyre service, including tyre changes, repairs or new tyre purchases. Towing companies frequently also take care of administrative tasks such as claims handling, invoicing and expert reports.

A professional towing service can load the vehicle onto a flatbed, which is often the safer option for automatic or electric vehicles. Accident recovery services are designed to pick up vehicles quickly and reliably after an accident and take them to a safe location. Vehicle recovery services ensure that broken-down or no-longer-driveable vehicles are safely transported to a workshop. Towing services also provide loading assistance in difficult situations, to make sure vehicles are loaded safely onto the recovery vehicle. Our towing services can pick up vehicles quickly and reliably after accidents or breakdowns.

Fast help for truck breakdowns on the motorway

LKW Help 24 focuses on quickly organising truck towing services on Germany’s most important arteries – from the A1 in the north, via the A3 and A5, to the A7 and A9. We are your mobility partner when it matters. This service is aimed primarily at international truck drivers and fleet operators who need immediate support after a breakdown or accident – without language barriers and without unnecessary delays. We’re here for you when you need us, providing fast help for you and your vehicle.

Available around the clock:

Phone: +49 160 5753826 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Multilingual support in German, English, Polish, Romanian and other languages
One central number for drivers, dispatchers and fleet managers
Coordination with a Germany-wide partner network of specialised towing companies and experienced service providers

We have a strong network of partner companies and, as a provider, we operate numerous recovery vehicles that are quickly available on site at any location, whether at the scene of an accident or on a motorway, to safely transport the vehicle to a workshop or a safe place. Our fleet is equipped with the latest technology and meets all legal requirements for towing vehicles, including safety chains, hi-vis vests, warning triangles and fire extinguishers. We offer various types of towing services for trucks and cars, as well as other vehicle types such as cars and special transports. You’ll get support with every type of breakdown, accident recovery, repairs and professional loading – particularly important for automatic or electric vehicles, which need to be loaded with extra care.

For example: in the case of serious technical faults, such as engine, transmission or electronics failure, continuing to drive safely is not possible – in these cases you should always call a professional towing service. Towing vehicles on the motorway itself is prohibited; only a recovery vehicle may be used. You need to know your vehicle’s towing capacity and make sure the trailer is correctly connected and the safety chains are properly attached. In Germany you’re legally required to carry a hi-vis vest, warning triangle, first-aid kit and fire extinguisher in the vehicle. Towing capacity depends on the vehicle’s specifications and the type of towing hitch used. Towing laws vary by region and also regulate the training and licensing of towing companies.

In the event of a breakdown you should switch on your hazard lights, put on a hi-vis vest and set up a warning triangle, to warn traffic and ensure your safety. A professional towing service is preferable to towing privately with a rope in most cases, since it’s safer. Without insurance cover or club membership, towing costs can range between 120 and several hundred euros. It’s worth checking the terms of your vehicle insurance in advance. Prices depend on factors such as the vehicle’s condition, the type of breakdown and the complexity of the job; they start at roughly €100 net and are agreed transparently with you. Many companies charge storage fees for wrecked or impounded vehicles, and without regulation these fees can be high. Laws exist that prevent predatory towing and regulate the circumstances under which a car may be towed. Many towing companies also offer storage for wrecked cars, tyre service, administrative support and fast, reliable pickup after accidents or breakdowns.

Need fast help? Broken down, or is your vehicle no longer safe to drive? We’re on site for you, taking care of your vehicle and your safety in traffic.

LKW Help 24 minimises your downtime through professional dispatch coordination. We’ve built a network covering Germany’s entire 13,000-kilometre motorway system – so you never have to wait long for help.

A heavy tow truck stands on a German motorway at dusk with its warning lights flashing. The vehicle is ready to provide roadside assistance, offering a vital service for mobility on the roads.

Real case: truck recovery on the A7 near Kassel

A fully loaded articulated truck with trailer is stranded at 4:30am on the A7 near Kassel. The driver suddenly noticed a loss of power, warning lights appearing on the dashboard – the vehicle is no longer driveable. In cases of serious technical faults such as engine, transmission, drivetrain or electronics failure, continuing to drive safely is not possible. The situation is critical: heavy traffic even in the early morning hours, an international driver with limited German, and time-sensitive cargo. In such cases it’s essential that the driver immediately switches on the hazard lights, puts on a hi-vis vest and sets up a warning triangle, to ensure road safety and warn other road users.

The driver contacts LKW Help 24. Our multilingual dispatcher immediately records the relevant data: GPS coordinates, vehicle type (cars, trucks and other vehicle types), axle configuration and the driver’s safety status. Within minutes, our network dispatches a heavy recovery vehicle equipped with the latest technology, including low-profile wheel lifts, suitable for various vehicle types, to the scene on the motorway. We have various types of tow trucks in our network to offer you the right solution.

The key facts of the case:

Location: A7, Kassel area, hard shoulder (a safe location on the motorway)
Time: approx. 4:30am
Vehicle: heavy articulated truck with trailer, fully loaded (trucks, cars and other vehicle types)
Problem: sudden loss of power, warning lights active (an example of a serious technical fault)
Language situation: driver spoke only limited German

What happened on site:

The technician arrived after around 35 minutes and assessed the situation. A repair on the hard shoulder wasn’t possible – the vehicle had to be transported to a suitable workshop in the Kassel area. Using low-profile wheel lifts, the articulated truck was secured without putting strain on the transmission. A professional towing service can load the vehicle safely, which is often especially important for automatic or electric vehicles. Throughout the whole process, LKW Help 24 stayed in contact with the driver and the towing service. Accident recovery services are designed to pick up vehicles involved in accidents quickly and reliably and bring them to a safe location. Vehicle recovery services ensure that broken-down or no-longer-driveable vehicles are safely transported to a workshop. In difficult loading situations we also provide loading assistance, to make sure every vehicle is loaded safely onto the tow truck. Towing services can pick up vehicles involved in accidents or breakdowns quickly and reliably.

Outcome for the customer:

Fast on-site response time, under 45 minutes
Safe evacuation of the driver and cargo
Clear communication in the driver’s own language
Transparent cost agreement with the haulage company
Minimal downtime – logistics planning could continue

Your advantages with LKW Help 24 for truck towing

LKW Help 24 doesn’t just arrange a single towing service – we organise the entire process around your truck breakdown, from the first contact right through to handover at the workshop. We offer a comprehensive network of specialised providers and recovery-vehicle services that are on site, fast and reliable. You benefit from a wide selection of towing services for various vehicle types, including trucks and cars, plus professional support with every question around the safety and transport of your vehicle.

24/7 availability – including weekends, public holidays and the middle of the night, all across Germany from Flensburg to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, so you can always count on our network in an emergency.
One central number: +49 160 5753826 as your single point of contact – whether you’re a driver, dispatcher or fleet manager. You always have a direct line to our team.
Multilingual dispatchers bridge communication gaps with workshops, police or motorway authorities for international drivers, ensuring a smooth process at the breakdown location.
Nationwide partner network with heavy tow trucks, recovery vehicles, mobile workshop vans, crane trucks and specialised equipment. We have various vehicle types equipped with the latest technology, to safely recover every type of vehicle for you.
Transparent pricing: advance information on expected costs (typically 2–4 € per km plus around €200 call-out fee), no add-on services without prior agreement. Towing service prices start at roughly €100 net, and all prices are agreed with you in advance. Without breakdown cover or club membership, towing services can cost between 120 and several hundred euros. Costs depend on factors such as the vehicle’s condition, the type of breakdown and the complexity of the job. Many companies also charge fees for storing wrecked or impounded vehicles.
Minimised downtime: coordination of towing, workshop selection, temporary cargo storage where needed, or organisation of a replacement vehicle through our network. We also offer administrative support with claims, invoices and expert reports.

A professional towing service is safer than private towing with a rope in many cases, especially with serious technical faults such as engine, transmission, drivetrain or electronics failure – in those cases, safe driving is no longer possible and you should call a towing service. Towing vehicles on the motorway itself is prohibited. In the event of a breakdown you’re required to ensure your own safety: switch on your hazard lights, put on a hi-vis vest, set up a warning triangle and watch the traffic. In Germany, vehicles must carry a hi-vis vest, a warning triangle, a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher. A vehicle’s towing capacity depends on its technical specifications and the type of towing hitch; safety chains must be properly connected. Towing laws vary by region and govern, among other things, the training and licensing of towing companies and the equipment used. Many towing companies also offer tyre service such as tyre changes, repairs or new tyres, and handle safe loading – especially important for automatic or electric vehicles, where professional loading is often the safest option. Our accident recovery services and vehicle recovery services ensure your vehicle is quickly and reliably picked up after an accident or breakdown and taken to a safe location or workshop. We provide loading assistance for difficult loading situations and make sure the vehicle is loaded safely onto the recovery vehicle.

24/7 truck towing service across Germany

LKW Help 24 organises heavy truck towing and recovery around the clock – on motorways, federal roads, in industrial areas and at truck stops. We offer a comprehensive 24/7 service backed by a strong network of partners and companies specialised in various vehicle types, such as articulated trucks, rigid trucks with trailers, refrigerated vehicles, construction site vehicles, special transporters, trucks, cars and recovery vehicles. Our team is ready on site at any location to provide you with fast, professional help – whether on a motorway, at a rest stop, in a parking bay or at hard-to-reach locations. Operations on the A2, A4, A5, A7, A9, A61 and other motorways are handled routinely, with the safety of everyone involved as our top priority. You can rely on our experience and our network whenever you have a breakdown or accident.

The statistics speak for themselves: in Germany the average breakdown rate for trucks is around 1 per 1,000 kilometres. 70 percent of these breakdowns involve the engine or brakes. That means thousands of call-outs every year – and each one requires fast, professional help. You should call a professional towing service if your vehicle is no longer safe to drive after a breakdown or accident. In the case of serious technical faults such as engine, transmission, drivetrain or electronics failure, safe driving is no longer possible. Towing vehicles on the motorway itself is prohibited – you need a professional towing service that’s on site for you.

Realistic response times: typically 30–60 minutes, depending on region, traffic and location. In high-density areas such as Hesse (Kassel region), often under 25 minutes. We only ever give you times we can actually keep.
Wide vehicle coverage: we have partners for every vehicle type, including articulated trucks, rigid trucks with trailers, refrigerated vehicles, construction site vehicles, special transporters, trucks and cars, as well as recovery vehicles. Our recovery vehicles are equipped with the latest technology to master any situation.
Breakdowns and accidents: engine damage, transmission problems, electronic faults – but also accident recovery with securing of cargo and coordination with the authorities. We also support you with repairs, tyre service using products from manufacturers such as Michelin (tyre changes, repairs or new tyres) and administrative tasks such as claims handling, invoicing and expert reports.
Taking the load off the driver: LKW Help 24 also coordinates with police, motorway authorities and workshops, so the driver can focus on their own safety. You’re responsible for switching on your hazard lights, putting on a hi-vis vest and setting up a warning triangle during a breakdown, to warn traffic and ensure safety. In Germany you must equip your vehicle with mandatory items such as a hi-vis vest, warning triangle, first-aid kit and fire extinguisher.

Our partner companies offer transparent pricing: towing costs can range between 120 and several hundred euros without breakdown cover or club membership. Prices start at roughly €100 net, and all prices are agreed with you in advance. The amount depends on factors such as the vehicle’s condition, the type of breakdown and the complexity of the job. Many companies also charge a fee for storing vehicles that have been impounded after accidents or by the authorities. Without regulation, towing and storage fees for vehicles can be unexpectedly high. In some regions, laws exist to prevent predatory towing and regulate the circumstances under which a car may be towed.

Our partners’ recovery vehicles are equipped with the latest technology – from GPS-integrated dispatch systems to hydraulic cranes with 360-degree rotation and winches with pulling forces over 50,000 lbs. They are designed to safely recover and transport the vehicle. Professional towing is safer than private towing with a rope, especially for automatic or electric vehicles, which often need to be loaded rather than towed. For proper towing you need to know your vehicle’s towing capacity and ensure the trailer is correctly connected to the towing vehicle. Safety chains must be attached properly to prevent the trailer from coming loose. Towing capacity is the maximum weight a vehicle can safely pull, depending on the vehicle’s specifications and the type of towing hitch. Towing laws vary by region and often govern the training and licensing of tow-truck drivers as well as the equipment used.

We offer fast, reliable help with accident recovery, vehicle recovery, roadside assistance, tyre service, administrative support and professional loading assistance – on site, at a safe location, to a workshop or to a secure storage yard. Whether you’ve had an accident or your vehicle has broken down: we’re here for you when you need us.

Towing and recovery services we organise for trucks

LKW Help 24 doesn’t just coordinate “simple towing” – we offer a broad range of truck services for different scenarios and vehicle types. As a provider with a strong network of specialised companies, we offer you fast, reliable help on site, regardless of the location or condition of the vehicle.

Standard truck towing: transporting broken-down articulated trucks, rigid trucks and other vehicle types to brand workshops, independent workshops or the client’s own depot. Depending on the situation, we use flatbed trucks, wheel-lift systems or integrated wreckers. We have recovery vehicles equipped with the latest technology to ensure the safety and protection of vehicles. For automatic or electric vehicles, professional loading is especially important, as they’re sensitive to improper towing.
Heavy recovery service: pulling out trucks that are stuck or overturned in verges, fields, or at entrances and exits. Our partners use special cranes (mobile cranes), cable winches and recovery vehicles with capacities up to 80,000 lbs. They specialise in safely recovering a vehicle and transporting it to a safe location or repair facility.
Transport of special vehicles: buses, municipal vehicles, construction site vehicles such as concrete mixers, tippers or mobile cranes – if these vehicles break down, we organise the appropriate tow service. We also offer transport for cars and other types of commercial vehicles.
Additional services: securing and transferring goods in cooperation with logistics partners when the vehicle can’t continue its journey. Organisation of replacement vehicles or a rental car for the driver during longer repairs. We also offer administrative support with claims, invoices and expert reports. Many companies charge a fee for storing vehicles that have been impounded after accidents or by the police.
Workshop coordination: LKW Help 24 coordinates with the destination workshop (repair shop) and keeps the client updated on vehicle status and expected repair time. We have a network of partner workshops specialised in various types of repairs.

Our services also include tyre service, such as tyre changes, repairs or purchasing new tyres. In difficult loading situations, we provide professional loading assistance to safely bring the vehicle onto the recovery vehicle.

You should call a professional towing service if your vehicle is no longer safe to drive after a breakdown or accident – for example with serious technical faults such as engine, transmission, drivetrain or electronics failure. Towing vehicles on the motorway itself is prohibited. In these cases, you need us to ensure your safety.

Proper towing requires understanding the vehicle’s towing capacity and correctly connecting the trailer to the towing vehicle. Safety chains must be properly connected to prevent the trailer from coming loose. In Germany, vehicles must carry mandatory safety items such as a hi-vis vest, warning triangle, first-aid kit and fire extinguisher. Towing capacity depends on the vehicle’s specifications and the type of towing hitch.

In the event of a breakdown, you’re required to switch on your hazard lights, put on a hi-vis vest and set up a warning triangle in a safe spot, to warn traffic and increase the safety of everyone involved.

Towing costs can range between 120 and several hundred euros if you don’t have breakdown cover or club membership. Prices start at roughly €100 net, and all prices are agreed with the customer in advance. The price depends on various factors, such as the vehicle’s condition, the type of breakdown and the complexity of the job. It’s worth checking your vehicle insurance conditions in advance to clarify cost coverage. Without regulation, towing company fees can be unexpectedly high, especially once the company takes physical possession of the vehicle. In some regions, laws exist to prevent predatory towing and regulate the circumstances under which a car may be towed.

Our network ensures that we quickly and reliably pick up vehicles involved in accidents or breakdowns and transport them to a safe location or workshop. We offer you every service around towing, recovery and safe storage of the vehicle – for your safety and mobility.

Legal framework for truck towing and recovery in Germany

Strict legal requirements apply to truck towing and recovery in Germany, ensuring both the safety of everyone involved and the smooth flow of traffic. As an experienced mobility partner and recovery service provider, we make sure that every job is carried out with certified tow trucks and recovery vehicles that meet the requirements of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). Our partner companies and drivers are specially trained and hold the necessary permits to professionally recover and transport your vehicle – whether it’s a truck, trailer or special vehicle.

What to do in the event of a truck breakdown on a German motorway

The safety of the driver, passengers and other road users always takes priority over the cargo. At speeds up to 130 km/h on German motorways, the risk of accidents on the hard shoulder is significant – around 10 percent of all secondary accidents happen in exactly these situations. So you should always keep your own safety and that of traffic in mind.

Step-by-step guide for an emergency:

Reduce speed and, if possible, stop on the hard shoulder or a parking area. Switch on your hazard lights immediately to warn following traffic. Park the vehicle in a safe location, for example a parking area or the hard shoulder.
Put on a hi-vis vest – required for everyone leaving the vehicle. In Germany you’re legally required to carry a hi-vis vest, a warning triangle, a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher in the vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with these mandatory safety items.
Leave the vehicle safely: you and your passengers should exit the vehicle on the side away from the road and move to safety behind the crash barrier. Take care not to put yourself in unnecessary danger and always keep everyone’s safety in mind.
Set up the warning triangle: place it at a sufficient distance behind the truck (at least 150 metres on a motorway) to alert other drivers to the danger. Set the triangle up at a clearly visible point to ensure the safety of vehicles and people. This is a good example of an important safety measure on a motorway.
Call LKW Help 24: +49 160 5753826. Have the following information ready:
Registration plate and vehicle type (e.g. articulated truck, rigid truck, car, or other vehicle types)
Exact position (kilometre marker, motorway direction, location of the vehicle)
Visible damage or symptoms on the vehicle
Your preferred language
No risky DIY repairs directly at the roadside. Wait on site for professional help. A professional towing service can safely load your vehicle onto a recovery vehicle, which is often the safer option for automatic or electric vehicles. Don’t attempt repairs on the vehicle while you’re in a dangerous traffic situation.
Use our multilingual service: you can call us in English, Polish, Romanian or other supported languages. Our dispatchers make sure there are no misunderstandings and that we’re here for you, to support you.

Important: in Germany, the average response time for heavy-duty recoveries is around 25 minutes. In the time between your call and the arrival of the towing service, stay safe behind the crash barrier. LKW Help 24 keeps you updated on the status of the job and is part of a strong network of towing companies providing fast help on site. You can rely on our experienced team and the necessary equipment to safely recover your vehicle.

Need help right now?

If you’re reading this article because your truck or vehicle is stranded on a German motorway right now, don’t hesitate: you can get fast, reliable help right away – we’re here for you!

📞 +49 160 5753826

LKW Help 24 is ready – 24/7, all across Germany, multilingual. We’re part of a strong network of towing companies, ready to help you on site anywhere in Germany. We have the equipment and experience to tow your vehicle quickly and reliably after an accident or breakdown.

We organise vehicle towing, roadside assistance and technical support for international truck drivers all across Germany. Whether on the A1 near Hamburg, the A7 near Kassel or the A9 near Munich – we have partners on the ground who help quickly and professionally. When you need us, we’re here for you – all you have to do is call!

For fleet operators and haulage companies: save this number as the central contact for your drivers. One number, one point of contact, nationwide coverage through our network of professional providers. We take care of your vehicle and always find the right solution for you.

Source: The data used in this article is based on industry analyses of the German towing sector as well as LKW Help 24’s own operational experience. All prices and times are indicative and may vary depending on the job. This website uses cookies to improve the user experience. You can find further information on how we handle your data in our privacy policy.