Start Rescue Breakdown Cover Review

Start Rescue is a UK breakdown cover provider offering flexible, competitively priced roadside assistance and recovery services. Rather than operating its own branded fleet, Start Rescue works with a network of recovery operators across the UK to deliver fast help at what many motorists consider excellent value for money. In this review we break down what Start Rescue covers, how its policies differ, and whether it’s a good fit for your driving needs.

Start Rescue is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has earned positive customer satisfaction ratings, including Trustpilot scores around 4.6/5, multiple Which? recommendations, and awards in customer satisfaction surveys. The company offers breakdown cover for cars, vans, motorcycles, electric and hybrid vehicles, and provides options for UK wide and European assistance. It emphasises affordability, straightforward policy structuring, and a high roadside repair rate.

Start Rescue offers a spectrum of cover levels, from budget options to more comprehensive policies. All plans include core services, but the benefits increase significantly with higher-tier plans.

All breakdown cover policies include unlimited callouts, so you’re not charged extra if you need help more than once. Assistance is available day and night, 365 days a year.

If you put the wrong fuel in your vehicle, Start Rescue will cover the cost of draining and flushing the tank and supply up to 10 litres of the correct fuel.

If your vehicle becomes undrivable after an accident, Start Rescue will recover it in line with your policy level.

On higher-tier policies, if your vehicle can’t be repaired quickly, Start Rescue may pay towards alternative transport or overnight accommodation to help you continue your journey.

Where roadside repair isn’t possible, Start Rescue will recover you, your passengers, and your vehicle to a destination within the UK (depending on the level of cover chosen).

Some policies include assistance if your vehicle breaks down at or near your home (within a quarter-mile).

Higher-level plans (Four and Five Star policies) allow you to add cover for driving in over 40 European countries, including short-term holiday options, although terms apply depending on vehicle age.

Start Rescue also offers personal breakdown cover, which protects you and up to three additional household members in any eligible vehicle you are travelling in. This can be ideal for multi-car households. Vehicle breakdown cover remains the baseline, meaning the policy applies to the specific vehicle rather than the driver — unless you opt for the personal cover version.

Unlike some providers that charge extra for electric vehicle cover, Start Rescue includes electric and hybrid vehicles in its standard policies at no additional premium. If your EV runs out of charge, they’ll take you to the nearest working charging point to get you moving again

- Nationwide UK roadside assistance and recovery - Unlimited callouts included on non-commercial policies - Misfuel cover and accident recovery as standard - No excess or call-out charges when purchased direct - Cover for electric vehicles at no extra cost - European breakdown cover available on select plans - Highly rated by customers and third-party reviewers

Before you buy, it’s important to be aware of some policy limits: - European cover has vehicle age limits for cars and motorcycles. - Some benefits are only available on higher-tier levels, so the cheapest plans may lack features like Home Assist or alternative travel. - Coverage excludes certain vehicle types like motorhomes, limousines, and vehicles used for hire or racing. - Policies don’t provide cover if you break down within the first 24 hours of purchase.

Start Rescue breakdown cover starts at around £28.59 per year, with its popular Three Star plan priced significantly lower than comparable cover from some larger providers — for example, quotes show Start Rescue around £52.20 versus £127.83 for RAC and £164.79 for AA on similar covers. The final cost you pay will depend on: - The level of cover you choose - Your vehicle type and age - Whether you add extras like European cover or personal cover

Start Rescue consistently receives positive customer feedback. Its Trustpilot rating is strong, and it maintains high recommended scores post-assistance. The company has won multiple awards and has been a Which? recommended breakdown provider for several years running, demonstrating that an affordable price doesn’t necessarily mean lower service quality.

Start Rescue is well suited to: - Drivers seeking value-for-money breakdown cover - Owners of electric and hybrid vehicles who want inclusion without extra charges - Households with multiple cars benefiting from personal cover options - Those who want unlimited callouts and roadside assistance as standard The provider particularly appeals to drivers who want essential but reliable cover without paying premiums for a branded patrol fleet.