Car Breakdown Cover
Start Rescue

We’re partnered with Start Rescue to help you get the best car breakdown cover

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.

Award Winning Breakdown Cover

Which?

Which? Recommended

Start Rescue have been recognised as a Which? Recommended Provider for Breakdown Cover.

defaqto

5 Star Defaqto

Start Rescue’s most popular Three Star Breakdown Cover level has been given a 5 Star Rating by Defaqto.

Start Rescue Reviews

“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!”

Stars

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”

Stars

Daniel Harding (December 2023)

Trustpilot

Car Breakdown Cover FAQ

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.

What Is Car Breakdown Cover?

Car breakdown cover, often simply called breakdown cover, is a type of insurance designed to provide assistance when your vehicle unexpectedly breaks down. It includes a range of services, such as roadside assistance, car recovery, and sometimes repair costs, to help you get back on the road quickly and safely. Whether you’re dealing with a flat tyre, engine trouble, or electrical issues, car breakdown cover offers peace of mind by ensuring that help is just a phone call away. With various levels of coverage and options available, breakdown cover can be tailored to suit different needs and budgets.

This guide will walk you through the essentials of car breakdown cover, including what it covers, the types of breakdown assistance available, and how to choose the best cover for your needs.


What Does Car Breakdown Cover Include?

Car breakdown cover provides a range of services to help drivers in case of an unexpected vehicle breakdown. A basic breakdown cover policy typically includes roadside assistance and recovery, while more comprehensive options can offer additional support, such as home start and onward travel.

Here’s a closer look at the core services offered by car breakdown cover:

Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance is often the primary component of car breakdown cover. It involves sending a mechanic to your location to assess and, if possible, repair your vehicle at the roadside. This service can handle minor issues like a flat battery, tyre changes, or fuel issues, allowing you to continue your journey without needing a tow.

Car Recovery

If your car cannot be repaired at the roadside, car recovery ensures your vehicle will be transported to a nearby garage or to your home. Car recovery is crucial when dealing with major breakdowns that require specialised repair, or if you’re far from home. Breakdown cover that includes car recovery can save you from the hassle and cost of finding a separate recovery service.

Home Start

Home start breakdown cover, often included in higher-tier policies, is particularly useful if your car fails to start at your home address. This service sends assistance to your home, whether for battery issues or engine trouble, to get you back on the road without the need for towing.

Onward Travel

Onward travel cover provides alternative transport options if your car breaks down and cannot be fixed immediately. This can include a hire car, hotel accommodation, or other transport costs so you can continue your journey while your car is repaired. Onward travel cover is beneficial if you rely heavily on your vehicle and want to avoid delays or disruptions.

European Breakdown Cover

Some car breakdown cover policies include or offer the option of European breakdown cover, which provides assistance if your car breaks down while travelling in Europe. This is essential for those who travel frequently abroad, ensuring they have access to roadside recovery and assistance in a foreign country.


Types of Car Breakdown Cover

Breakdown cover can be tailored to fit different levels of need, from basic roadside recovery to comprehensive plans that cover various situations. Here are the main types of breakdown cover to consider:

Standard Breakdown Cover

Standard breakdown cover generally includes roadside assistance and vehicle recovery. This type of cover is ideal for those who only require basic protection, ensuring help is available for common breakdown issues. Standard breakdown cover is often the cheapest breakdown cover option, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious drivers.

Personal Breakdown Cover

Personal breakdown cover insures the individual, not the vehicle. This means that if you are the driver or a passenger in any car, you are covered for breakdown assistance. Personal car breakdown cover is ideal for those who drive multiple vehicles or share cars frequently. It provides the same breakdown and recovery support across all vehicles, making it a flexible option for regular drivers.

Vehicle-Based Breakdown Cover

Vehicle-based breakdown cover is tied to a specific car, regardless of who is driving. This type of cover is suitable if you only drive one car and want to ensure that particular vehicle has breakdown cover. If you have multiple vehicles, you can add breakdown cover to each for an additional fee. This option is often more affordable and suits those who don’t require personal breakdown cover.

Family Breakdown Cover

Family breakdown cover extends protection to multiple drivers within a single household. It’s a cost-effective way to cover several people under one policy, ensuring each family member receives breakdown assistance whether they’re driving or riding as a passenger. Family breakdown cover is particularly beneficial for households with multiple drivers and cars, offering peace of mind for every journey.


Benefits of Choosing Car Breakdown Cover

Car breakdown cover provides a number of valuable benefits, offering security and assistance whenever you’re on the road. Here are some key benefits:

  • Peace of Mind: With breakdown cover, you can drive knowing that help is available should you encounter car trouble. This assurance is especially helpful for long-distance or late-night travel.
  • Cost Savings: Breakdown recovery and roadside assistance can be costly when arranged separately. Car breakdown cover allows you to save money by bundling these services into one affordable policy.
  • 24/7 Availability: Most breakdown cover services operate around the clock, ensuring assistance is available whenever and wherever you need it.
  • Convenience: With breakdown cover, you don’t have to worry about finding a tow service or mechanic. A single call to your breakdown provider arranges all necessary help, saving you time and stress.

How to Choose the Best Breakdown Cover

Choosing the best breakdown cover depends on your specific needs, driving habits, and budget. Here are some tips to help you find the right policy:

Assess Your Driving Needs

Consider how and where you typically drive. If you primarily drive locally, basic breakdown cover with roadside assistance may be sufficient. However, if you regularly drive long distances or travel with family, you may want to opt for a more comprehensive plan that includes onward travel and family breakdown cover.

Compare Breakdown Cover Deals

Breakdown cover quotes vary between providers, so it’s helpful to compare policies to find the best breakdown cover deals. Look for providers offering the coverage you need at an affordable price. Many car breakdown companies also offer discounts for multi-year policies, no-claims bonuses, or multiple vehicles.

Evaluate Car Breakdown Cover Quotes

When reviewing breakdown cover quotes, pay attention to what’s included in each policy. Some policies may appear cheap but offer limited coverage. Make sure to choose a policy that covers essential services, such as roadside recovery and car recovery, without compromising on quality.

Look for Added Value

Breakdown cover offers and deals can include perks such as discounts on travel and accommodation, mobile app assistance, or no-claims discounts on renewal. These added benefits can enhance your breakdown cover experience, offering additional value.


Common Breakdown Cover Options

There are several commonly included or optional features in car breakdown cover. Here’s an overview of the most common options:

  • Roadside Assistance: Provides basic help to fix your vehicle at the roadside.
  • Home Start: Assists with car breakdowns occurring at home.
  • Vehicle Recovery: Tows your vehicle to a garage if it can’t be repaired at the roadside.
  • Onward Travel: Covers alternative transportation, such as car hire or accommodation.
  • European Breakdown Cover: Provides breakdown recovery and roadside assistance when travelling in Europe.

The Importance of Breakdown Recovery

Breakdown recovery is essential for drivers who rely on their vehicles for daily activities or long-distance travel. Without breakdown cover, a major car breakdown could lead to high towing costs and disruptions. Breakdown recovery offers a convenient and cost-effective solution, providing quick access to recovery services, roadside assistance, and, if necessary, onward travel options.

Choosing the best breakdown insurance with reliable breakdown recovery options ensures that help is readily available when you need it, helping you avoid lengthy delays and unexpected costs.


Car Breakdown Cover Costs, Quotes, and Deals

Car breakdown cover costs vary based on the level of coverage, vehicle type, and any additional services included in the policy. Here are some factors that influence the cost of breakdown cover:

  1. Coverage Level: More comprehensive policies with additional services, such as home start or European breakdown cover, tend to cost more than basic roadside recovery plans.
  2. Vehicle Type and Age: Older cars may require a more extensive breakdown cover policy due to a higher risk of mechanical issues.
  3. Optional Features: Adding options like personal breakdown cover or family cover may increase the premium.
  4. Breakdown Cover Deals and Offers: Many providers offer discounted rates or bundle deals, such as combining breakdown and recovery with car insurance.

By comparing breakdown cover quotes and looking for breakdown cover deals, you can find a policy that fits your needs and budget.


Conclusion

Car breakdown cover is an invaluable resource for drivers, providing assistance, security, and cost savings when dealing with unexpected breakdowns. From basic roadside cover to comprehensive options like home start and onward travel, breakdown cover can be tailored to fit individual needs and driving habits. With affordable car breakdown cover offers available, it’s easy to find a policy that offers peace of mind, convenience, and reliable support on the road.

Investing in the best breakdown cover ensures that you’re prepared for any issues that arise while driving. By comparing car breakdown cover quotes, selecting the right coverage, and exploring breakdown cover deals, you can secure a policy that suits your lifestyle and keeps you protected whenever you’re on the road. Additionally, if you’re in the market for reliable used cars, browse our extensive listings to find the perfect vehicle that suits your needs.

MotorHype is the UK’s leading online car selling website that advertises used cars for sale, motoring news, car shows and hosts an extensive car forum.

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