Most people have never heard of Hi-Ab recovery — until they need it. If your car has gone into a ditch, down an embankment, over a barrier, or ended up somewhere a standard recovery truck simply cannot reach, Hi-Ab is the answer. This guide explains what a Hi-Ab truck is, when you need one, and how the recovery process works.
A Hi-Ab truck (also called a crane lorry, knuckle-boom crane truck, or HIAB — which is actually a brand name that has become a generic term) is a flatbed recovery vehicle fitted with a hydraulic crane arm. The crane arm can extend, rotate, and lift heavy loads from positions that a standard flatbed or wheel-lift truck cannot access. Hi-Ab trucks are used across construction, logistics, and specialist vehicle recovery.
You need Hi-Ab recovery when your vehicle is in a position that a standard recovery truck cannot access. Common scenarios include: a vehicle in a ditch or down an embankment; a vehicle that has gone over a barrier or into a field; a vehicle in a car park with low headroom that a standard flatbed cannot enter; a vehicle in a confined space such as a narrow alley; a vehicle that has rolled onto its side or roof; or a vehicle that has fallen into a body of water. If a standard recovery truck has attended and cannot recover the vehicle, Hi-Ab is the next step.
The Hi-Ab operator will assess the scene and determine the safest lifting approach. They will attach specialist rigging equipment to the vehicle — typically chains, straps, or a spreader bar — and use the crane arm to lift the vehicle clear of its position. The vehicle is then placed on the flatbed for transport. The entire process requires specialist training and equipment — it is not something a standard recovery operator can do.
Yes. Hi-Ab recovery costs more than standard flatbed recovery due to the specialist equipment, operator training, and the complexity of the job. Pricing depends on the vehicle type, location, access difficulty, and time of day. Black Eagle Recovery provides transparent pricing with no hidden charges — call 0330 520 1620 for a quote.
It depends on your policy. Standard breakdown cover typically includes flatbed recovery but may not cover Hi-Ab or specialist recovery. Check your policy documents or call your insurer. If you are not covered, Black Eagle Recovery can provide a private Hi-Ab recovery quote. Call 0330 520 1620.
Black Eagle Recovery arranges Hi-Ab recovery across London, Kent, Surrey, Essex, Hertfordshire, and Sussex. We work with vetted specialist operators who carry the right equipment for complex recovery scenarios. Call 0330 520 1620 — we can confirm availability and provide an ETA within minutes.
Need Hi-Ab recovery? Black Eagle Recovery arranges specialist Hi-Ab recovery 24/7 across London and the South East. Call 0330 520 1620.
Call 0330 520 1620Leave your details and we'll call you back.
Breaking down is stressful, but knowing exactly what to do can keep you safe and get you back on the road faster. Here is a clear, step-by-step guide covering motorway, A-road and urban breakdowns.
A motorway breakdown is one of the most dangerous situations a driver can face. This guide explains exactly what to do — and what not to do — if you break down on a UK motorway or smart motorway.
How long you wait for breakdown recovery depends on your location, the time of day, the type of breakdown, and the provider you call. This guide gives honest UK response time data, explains what affects wait times, and tells you how to get help faster.
Black Eagle Assistant
24/7 · Instant answers
AI assistant · For emergencies call 0330 520 1620