Start Rescue is a leading specialist in car breakdown cover, providing peace of mind to thousands of motorists each year. Whether you require breakdown cover in the UK or Europe, their tailored breakdown recovery policies are designed to meet your needs.
Alongside delivering essential roadside protection, Start Rescue offers some of the most competitive breakdown cover quotes on the market. Their policies cover a wide range of scenarios, so you’re never left stranded.
Setting up a car breakdown cover policy with Start Rescue is quick and straightforward, giving you the coverage you need without any hassle. With a simple process and affordable rates, Start Rescue makes staying protected on the road easy and accessible.
Start Rescue have been recognised as a Which? Recommended Provider for Breakdown Cover.
Start Rescue’s most popular Three Star Breakdown Cover level has been given a 5 Star Rating by Defaqto.
“Breakdown company arrived well within the specified time. The mechanic was also polite and helpful and extra points for changing tyre in a rather dark car park!”
Deb (November 2023)
“The app was easy to use and the technician arrived within the specified time and was courteous, knowledgeable and got me back on the road. Excellent service. Thank you”
Daniel Harding (December 2023)
Car breakdown cover is a type of insurance that provides assistance if your vehicle breaks down unexpectedly. It typically includes services like roadside recovery, towing, and sometimes repair costs. This cover is essential for peace of mind, as it ensures help is available if you encounter car trouble.
Car breakdown cover generally includes roadside assistance, vehicle recovery, and sometimes extras like home start, onward travel, and European cover. Coverage options vary depending on the policy, so it’s important to check for specific features that suit your needs.
Personal breakdown cover applies to you as the individual, meaning you’re covered as a driver or passenger in any car. Vehicle-based cover, on the other hand, applies only to a specific vehicle, regardless of who is driving. Personal cover is ideal for those who drive multiple cars or frequently travel as a passenger.
Yes, some breakdown policies offer home start cover, which provides assistance if your vehicle breaks down at home. Home start is an additional feature in many breakdown cover policies, ensuring you get help even if the issue occurs in your driveway.
European breakdown cover is typically offered as an optional extra rather than standard. This cover provides assistance if you encounter a breakdown while driving in Europe, ensuring access to services like towing and repair abroad.
To find affordable breakdown cover, compare quotes from different providers, focusing on essential services like roadside recovery and car recovery. Look out for breakdown cover deals, discounts for multiple vehicles, and added-value offers, which can provide comprehensive coverage at a lower price.
Car breakdown cover is a service designed to provide assistance if your vehicle breaks down. Depending on the level of cover, it can include roadside assistance, vehicle recovery, home assistance and onward travel options to help you deal with an unexpected breakdown.
Whether you’re dealing with a flat battery, puncture, mechanical problem or another issue that prevents you from continuing your journey, having suitable car breakdown cover can provide useful support when you need it.
Different levels of protection are available, so the services included can vary between providers and policies. This guide explains what car breakdown cover can include, the main types available and what to consider when choosing a suitable option.
Car breakdown cover can provide a range of services to help drivers deal with an unexpected vehicle breakdown. Basic policies may focus on roadside assistance and recovery, while more comprehensive options can include additional features such as home assistance, onward travel and European cover.
Here are some of the most common services included with car breakdown cover:
Roadside assistance is one of the main features of car breakdown cover. If your vehicle breaks down while you’re away from home, a mechanic or recovery professional may be sent to your location to assess the problem.
Minor issues, such as a flat battery, puncture or certain fuel-related problems, may be dealt with at the roadside where possible. If the vehicle cannot be repaired there, recovery may be arranged depending on your policy.
Some car breakdown cover policies include vehicle recovery if your car cannot be repaired at the roadside.
Depending on the policy, your vehicle may be transported to a garage or another suitable destination. The distance a vehicle can be recovered and the destinations available can vary, so it’s important to check the terms before choosing cover.
Home assistance, sometimes called home start, provides help if your vehicle breaks down at or near your home.
This can be particularly useful if the car won’t start because of a battery problem or another issue. Not every car breakdown cover policy includes this service, so check whether it is included before purchasing cover.
Some car breakdown cover policies offer onward travel if your vehicle cannot be repaired quickly.
Depending on the policy, this may include options such as a replacement vehicle, public transport or overnight accommodation. The exact benefits, limits and eligibility requirements vary between providers.
If you plan to drive abroad, some car breakdown cover providers offer European breakdown cover as an additional option.
This can provide roadside assistance and vehicle recovery if your car breaks down while travelling in eligible European countries. Check the countries covered, policy duration and any specific requirements before travelling.
There are several ways car breakdown cover can be arranged. The most suitable option will depend on how often you drive, how many vehicles you use and the level of support you want.
Basic roadside cover generally provides assistance when your vehicle breaks down away from home.
It can be suitable for drivers who mainly want help with common breakdown problems and recovery if the vehicle cannot be repaired at the roadside.
Personal cover is linked to the individual rather than a particular vehicle.
This can be useful if you regularly drive different cars, use a family member’s vehicle or travel as a passenger. Depending on the policy, assistance may apply when you’re travelling in eligible vehicles.
Vehicle-based cover applies to a specific car rather than the individual driver.
This can be a suitable option if you mainly drive one vehicle and want assistance attached to that car. If you own several vehicles, separate cover may be required for each one.
Some providers offer car breakdown cover designed to protect several members of the same household.
The people covered and the circumstances in which assistance applies will depend on the policy, so check the terms carefully before choosing family cover.
Having suitable car breakdown cover in place can make dealing with a breakdown easier and reduce some of the practical difficulties that can arise when a vehicle stops working unexpectedly.
Potential benefits include:
The level of support available with car breakdown cover will depend on the policy, so always check the details before purchasing.
Choosing suitable car breakdown cover depends on your driving habits, vehicle and the type of assistance you want.
Think about where and how often you drive. If you mainly make short local journeys, basic roadside assistance may be sufficient.
If you regularly travel long distances, drive with family or travel abroad, you may want to consider additional features such as onward travel, home assistance or European cover.
When comparing car breakdown cover, look beyond the headline price and check exactly what is included.
Consider the level of roadside assistance, recovery arrangements, home assistance, onward travel and any restrictions that could affect you.
A cheaper policy may offer fewer services or have lower limits, so comparing the overall cover is more useful than looking at price alone.
Before purchasing car breakdown cover, check important details such as:
Understanding these details can help you avoid unexpected limitations if you need assistance.
Depending on the provider, car breakdown cover may include or offer some of the following:
Not every policy includes all of these features, so check the terms before making a decision.
Vehicle recovery can be particularly useful when a car cannot be repaired at the roadside.
Without suitable car breakdown cover, arranging recovery independently may involve additional costs and inconvenience. A policy that includes recovery can provide a straightforward way to arrange assistance when your vehicle cannot continue its journey.
However, recovery limits vary. Some policies may only cover transport to a nearby garage, while others may offer additional destinations or longer-distance recovery. Check the policy details so you know what to expect.
The cost of car breakdown cover varies depending on factors such as the level of assistance, type of cover, vehicle and additional services selected.
Some of the factors that can affect the price include:
When comparing car breakdown cover quotes, look at the overall cover rather than choosing a policy based solely on the lowest price.
Car breakdown cover policies can have exclusions and limitations, so it’s important to understand what isn’t covered.
Depending on the provider, a policy may have restrictions relating to:
These conditions vary between providers, so check the policy wording before purchasing.
Older vehicles may be more likely to experience mechanical or electrical problems, making car breakdown cover particularly useful for some owners.
However, providers can have age, vehicle-type or condition restrictions. If you own an older car, check whether your vehicle is eligible and whether any additional conditions apply.
If you’re considering replacing an older vehicle, you can also explore our range of used cars to compare available vehicles.
Before choosing car breakdown cover, consider the following:
Taking a little time to compare car breakdown cover can help you choose a policy that fits your circumstances.
Car breakdown cover can provide useful assistance if your vehicle breaks down, with options ranging from basic roadside help to more comprehensive policies that include recovery, home assistance, onward travel and European cover.
The right level of car breakdown cover depends on your vehicle, driving habits and the type of support you want. Compare the services, limits, exclusions and overall cost rather than choosing a policy based solely on price.
Understanding what is included before you purchase car breakdown cover can help you have suitable assistance available when you need it.
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