Non-runner vehicle transportNon-Runner Vehicle Transport UK — Winch-Equipped Flatbed from £199
Giant Van's non-runner vehicle transport service uses winch-equipped flatbeds and low-loaders to collect vehicles that cannot be started, driven, or moved under their own power. Mechanically failed, accident-damaged, flood-damaged, seized-engine, SORN, or sitting in storage — we load it using the factory tow eye or chassis rail, never bumpers or plastic trim.
Whether you need a project car lifted from a barn, a flood-damaged van moved to a repair shop, or a seized-engine vehicle transported to a specialist — our flatbed service covers England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. A £50 winch loading surcharge applies to all non-running vehicles.
- Winch Equipped
- SORN Accepted
- £3,000 Insured
- Cover Included
- UK-Wide
Giant Van provides non-runner vehicle transport and van recovery across the UK from £199, priced by distance. A £50 surcharge applies for winch loading onto our flatbeds.
We collect cars, vans, and motorcycles that cannot be started, driven, or towed — including SORN vehicles, accident-damaged cars, flood-damaged vehicles, project cars, and barn finds.
Same-week collection available nationwide.
Get an instant quote online or message us in the live chat on this page.
Non-Runner Vehicle Transport & Van Recovery Prices
Non-runner vehicle transport and van recovery starts from £199, priced by distance — see the bands below. A £50 winch loading surcharge applies to all non-running vehicles. No hidden fees — the price you see includes collection, delivery, winch loading, and £3,000 insurance cover.
Distance
Up to 50 miles
51–100 miles
101–200 miles
201–300 miles
300+ miles
Base Estimated Cost
From £199
From £199–£249
From £249–£349
From £349–£449
POA
With Winch Surcharge
From £249
From £249–£299
From £299–£399
From £399–£499
POA + £50 surcharge
Up to 50 miles
51–100 miles
101–200 miles
201–300 miles
300+ miles
The £50 winch surcharge reflects the additional 30–60 minutes of time and specialist equipment required per loading.
Use the non-runner transport cost calculator for an exact price. Select "Non-Runner" when entering vehicle details. Need a quick estimate? Call Chat with us and we'll quote you in under two minutes.
What Is a Non-Runner Vehicle?
A non-runner is any vehicle that cannot be moved under its own power — whether that's a car, van, or motorcycle. If your vehicle has broken down and cannot be driven, it qualifies. This includes:
- Mechanical failure — engine failure, gearbox seized, clutch failure, snapped timing chain, blown head gasket
- Battery failure — flat or removed battery with no jump-start access
- Flood damage — water ingress preventing the vehicle from starting or being driven safely
- Accident damage — structural or mechanical damage rendering the vehicle undriveable
- SORN vehicles — declared off road and unused, with no valid tax or insurance
- Project cars — part-dismantled or incomplete restoration projects awaiting work
- Barn finds — vehicles stored for years, condition unknown, often with seized components
- Seized vehicles — engines or wheels seized from extended non-use
- Vehicles with flat or damaged tyres — unable to roll or be towed safely
- Broken-down vans — van recovery from the roadside, driveway, garage, or compound
- Motorcycles that cannot be ridden — see motorcycle transport
If you are unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, call Chat with us — we'll confirm in minutes. We also accept salvage vehicles; see car transport for more information.
How Non-Runner Vehicles and Broken-Down Vans Are Loaded
Winch Loading on Flatbed
A winch cable is attached to a suitable anchor point on the vehicle (chassis rail, tow hook, or tow eye) and the vehicle is pulled up the flatbed ramp under cable tension. Our operators identify the correct anchor point before loading — attaching a winch cable to the wrong point can cause structural damage.
Low-Loader Ramps
For vehicles with extremely low ground clearance, low-loader ramps reduce the loading angle, preventing the underside from contacting the ramp.
Manual Movement for Short Distances
Where the vehicle can be manually pushed or rolled a short distance, this is done with appropriate manpower before winch loading begins.
What We Need From You
- Access to a suitable anchor point (we will confirm before arrival)
- Clear access for the flatbed — approximately 6–8 metres clear in front or behind for the ramp and winch cable
- Any relevant information about the vehicle's condition (brakes seized, tyres flat, suspension removed)
What's Included in Every Non-Runner Transport and Van Recovery Booking
Every Giant Van non-runner transport or van recovery booking includes:
- Winch loading equipment — no need for the vehicle to start or move
- Flatbed or low-loader — appropriate equipment for vehicle type
- Insurance up to £3,000 — standard on all bookings
- Door-to-door service — collection from exact address, delivery to destination
- Photographic condition record at collection — documentation of existing damage
- Photographic condition record at delivery — signed off by recipient
- Real-time GPS tracking — track the vehicle's journey
- AM or PM collection window — choose 8am–12pm or 12pm–6pm
- Vetted operators — all handlers checked
Types of Non-Runner Vehicles and Broken-Down Vehicles We Transport
Vehicle Type
Cars (saloon, hatchback, estate, SUV)
Vans (up to 3.5 tonnes GVW)
Classic and vintage cars
Motorcycles
SORN vehicles
Accident-damaged vehicles
Project cars (part-dismantled)
Barn finds
Salvage vehicles
Notes
All sizes accepted
Including Luton vans
Enclosed transport recommended — see car transport
Non-running bikes accepted — see motorcycle transport
No active registration required
Including vehicles not written off
Must be complete enough to load safely
Advise us of location access in advance
Message us to confirm before booking
Cars (saloon, hatchback, estate, SUV)
All sizes accepted
Vans (up to 3.5 tonnes GVW)
Including Luton vans
Classic and vintage cars
Enclosed transport recommended — see car transport
Motorcycles
Non-running bikes accepted — see motorcycle transport
SORN vehicles
No active registration required
Accident-damaged vehicles
Including vehicles not written off
Project cars (part-dismantled)
Must be complete enough to load safely
Barn finds
Advise us of location access in advance
Salvage vehicles
Message us to confirm before booking
Non-Runner Vehicle Transport & Van Recovery — Frequently Asked Questions
Does the vehicle need to be insured or taxed?
No. We collect SORN vehicles, uninsured project cars, and salvage vehicles. Simply advise us of the vehicle's status at the time of booking.
Can you collect a vehicle from a barn or storage unit?
Yes. We regularly collect from barns, outbuildings, storage units, and private land. Our flatbed vehicles need roughly 3 metres of clear headroom and enough turning radius to position the ramp correctly. Tell us about narrow lanes, low doorways, soft ground, or tight turns when booking so we can send the right vehicle and avoid wasted trips.
What if the handbrake is stuck or brakes are seized?
Our operators carry the tools to release seized handbrakes and drum brakes in the majority of cases before winch loading. If the vehicle has been stationary for an extended period or the brakes are mechanically damaged beyond release, we use a wheel skate or low-friction board beneath the locked wheel to load it safely onto the flatbed.
Advise us of the issue when booking so we bring the right equipment.
What anchor point do you use for winch loading?
We always use the vehicle's factory tow eye or chassis rail anchor points. We never attach a winch cable to bumpers, exhaust fittings, plastic trim, or any non-structural component.
Is the vehicle insured during transport?
Yes. Every vehicle transported by Giant Van is insured up to £3,000 as standard, at no extra cost. You do not need to arrange separate transit insurance.
Can you collect a partially dismantled project car?
Yes, in most cases. The vehicle needs to be structurally sound enough to attach the winch cable to a factory anchor point and to sit safely on the flatbed bed without shifting.
If the car is missing wheels, has no suspension on one corner, or is missing subframe sections, message us in the live chat before booking on the live chat on this page so we can confirm the right approach rather than arriving to a vehicle we cannot load.
What is the £50 winch loading surcharge for?
The surcharge reflects the additional time, equipment, and operator expertise required to load a non-running vehicle — typically 30–60 minutes longer than a running vehicle. It is a flat fee regardless of vehicle size.
Can you transport a non-runner over long distances?
Yes. We provide non-runner vehicle transport and van recovery anywhere in the UK — England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Distance is no barrier.
Do you offer van recovery near me?
Yes. Giant Van provides van recovery across the UK, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, and all major cities. Use our instant quote tool or message us in the live chat on this page to arrange same-week collection.
How quickly can you collect a non-runner or broken-down vehicle?
In most cases we can arrange collection within 2–5 working days. For urgent requirements, message us in the live chat and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Can Giant Van collect a scrap or salvage vehicle?
Yes. We transport salvage and scrap vehicles provided they are in a condition that allows safe winch loading. The vehicle does not need to be complete. See our vehicle transport page for full details.
Do you provide van recovery in London?
Yes. Van recovery in London — including central London, outer boroughs, and the M25 corridor — is one of our most requested services. Get a van recovery quote or message us in the live chat on this page.
Non-Runner Transport & Van Recovery Routes
We cover every major route in the UK. Popular bookings include:
London
LDN
Edinburgh
EDB
Long-distance non-runner transport to Scotland with overnight capability and full £3,000 insurance — from £449.
View DistanceLondon
LDN
Manchester
MCR
Same-week southbound flatbed transport for non-runners and broken-down vans between the capital and the North-West — from £349.
View DistanceBirmingham
BGM
Glasgow
GLA
Cross-border non-runner recovery route from the Midlands to Scotland — flatbed and low-loader options — from £399.
View DistanceLondon
LDN
Bristol
BRS
Door-to-door non-runner transport from London to the South West — from £299.
View DistanceManchester
MCR
London
LDN
Frequent northbound-to-southbound non-runner recovery route — winch-equipped flatbed, door-to-door — from £349.
View DistanceVan Recovery — City Coverage
Van recovery London
Same-week collection, all boroughs and the M25 corridor.
Van recovery Birmingham
Flatbed collection across the West Midlands.
Van recovery Manchester
Greater Manchester and surrounding areas.
For any UK route, use the instant quote tool (select 'Non-Runner' or 'Van Recovery') or call Chat with us. You can also read our reviews from customers across the UK.
Why Choose Giant Van Non-Runner Transport and Van Recovery?
- Winch-equipped flatbeds — the right equipment for vehicles that cannot start, roll, or be towed
- Experienced operators — trained in non-runner loading, anchor point identification, and seized-brake release
- Safe loading guaranteed — we inspect anchor points before winch loading begins, every time
- £3,000 insurance included — standard on every booking, no extras required
- SORN and uninsured vehicles accepted — no active registration, tax, or MOT needed
- All vehicle types accepted — cars, vans, classics, motorcycles, project cars, barn finds, salvage vehicles
- UK-wide van recovery — London, Birmingham, Manchester, and everywhere in between
- Formal complaints procedure — professional operator standards with transparent pricing
- Same-week collection available — message us to confirm availability for your location
- Excellent customer reviews — see what our customers say on our reviews page
Need a Non-Runner Collected?
Winch loading. Flatbed. SORN accepted. Insured to £3,000. UK-wide service from £199.
