Breakdown Cover From Just £20.87* Per Year

With over 78% roadside repair success rate** and affordable premiums and products with 5 Star Ratings by Defaqto, thousands of UK motorists rely on breakdown cover from Start Rescue.

With our breakdown cover policies, all vehicle fuel types are covered; petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric cars. Plus, with no additional premiums for electric vehicles, our EV breakdown cover provides a great fit for many electric car drivers and amongst many other great features, if you run out of battery charge we will take you to the closest working charging point to get you back on the road in no time!

* The price of your policy will depend on the age of your vehicle and the level of cover you choose. ** Based on data of breakdowns attended between October 2023 and September 2024.

Vehicle Breakdown Cover

From our budget One Star cover, through our Two, Three and Four Star options to our comprehensive Five Star insurance product, we have the perfect breakdown policy for your needs and budget.

This vehicle breakdown cover range covers every benefit you might need***, from home cover (protecting against a breakdown within a quarter of a mile of your home address), to cover for theft, vandalism and illness.

*** Benefits included within your policy are dependant on the level of cover you choose. Please see the policy wording for full details as to what is included.

European Breakdown Cover

Along with car, motorcycle and van national recovery services, we provide cover for driving in over 40 European countries for cars and motorcycles too, with our Annual and Short Term European Cover.

As well as offering a European breakdown cover service, we also provide a wealth of handy driving tips such as advice on driving in France.

Personal Breakdown Cover

In the UK, in order to enjoy Start Rescue cover when travelling in somebody else’s vehicle should it suffer a breakdown, customers find our Personal Cover policies ideal.

Start Rescue's Personal Cover allows you and up to 3 others in the same household to be covered in the event of a breakdown, for whichever vehicle**** you are using to travel; an ideal policy for a multi-car household!

**** All vehicle types must not exceed 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight. (Please note: We cannot cover minibuses, limousines, motorhomes or horseboxes, any request for service if the vehicle is being used for motor racing, rallies, public hire, private hire, courier services or any contest or speed trial or practice for any of these activities).

Did you know, if you have an EU drivers licence, you can still benefit from our breakdown services.

Find out more about driving in the UK with an EU licence.

Breakdown Cover with 5 Star Ratings By Defaqto 

Start Rescue's Three Star Cover level (our customers' favourite) has been awarded a 5 Star Rating by Defaqto.

Top ratings from Defaqto show that the features and benefits of our Three Star Cover Level are of the highest quality on the market.

For more information on who Defaqto are and how our products are rated check out our Defaqto page.

Roadside Assistance for Almost Any Eventuality

We understand how stressful it can be when you have broken down. That's why our roadside assistance teams will work to get you quickly back on the road and driving again – no matter what the problem.

Flat tyres, diagnosing wrong fuel usage, as well as assistance with home emergency breakdowns, national recovery transport, onward travel arrangements and overnight accommodation – all these problems and more are dealt with on a daily basis by Start Rescue.

We can also advise on where and how to get car windscreen repairs undertaken.

And whether you find yourself broken down on the way to work, on holiday or enjoying a family day out, when you call us, our Recovery Agents will aim to get you moving again, fast.

24/7 UK-Wide Cover

Get a car breakdown cover insurance quote today and buy online quickly as well as securely.

If you suffer a breakdown you can contact us out anytime by contacting our Control Centre, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or by reporting your breakdown via our app.

If we cannot repair your vehicle by the roadside, we will recover it to a garage or your home – under the specific terms and conditions of your selected roadside assistance policy.

Read more about vehicle recovery.

The Latest Technology in Breakdown Assistance

As a national recovery breakdown organisation that embraces the latest technology in its operations, Start Rescue manages an advanced Control Centre that will get you the help you need fast.

We also harness a range of digital technologies such as our dedicated breakdown repair app that enables you to request assistance – without calling us by phone.

Motoring Advice

In addition, our regularly updated blog and motoring advice section offers advice and information about dealing with a breakdown, customer news and motoring repair advice.

We have tips on driving abroad, car body maintenance, replacement parts and car repairs, tyres car windscreen repairs, home cover for home emergencies and wrong fuel use.

We also have helpful motoring articles on choosing car accessories, licences, driving in adverse weather conditions, understating motoring terminology (such as what do Cat C and Cat D mean) – and much more.

What is Breakdown Cover?

Breakdown cover is a service which ensures that if your vehicle suffers a mechanical failure, you and your passengers will not be stranded at the roadside.

This can include roadside assistance where a technician tries to fix the problem on the spot, or roadside recovery to get your vehicle to a nearby garage for repairs, or alternatively, towed to another destination.

When a breakdown is reported, Start Rescue will send out a Vehicle Recovery Operator to repair your vehicle at the roadside, or if this is not possible, the vehicle will be towed to your home or to a local garage, dependent on your circumstances and policy cover level.

Motorcycle and car breakdown policies are available from Start Rescue across five different levels which cover you at home, nationally and throughout Europe - it's important to read through each policy and decide which one is best for you.

For vans and Personal cover options we offer three different levels of breakdown cover.

Annual Breakdown Cover That Suits Your Needs

• Enjoy year-long coverage with the convenience of automatic renewal.
• Manage your policy 24/7, online in your Customer Lounge
• Free breakdown cover App for fast and straightforward reporting of your breakdown. 
• Our standalone Breakdown Cover is not only budget-friendly but also ensures you're protected throughout the year. 
• Request an online quote or give us a call at 01206 655000. We're here to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.

What’s Covered With Your Breakdown Cover?

Unlimited callouts

You can call us  as often as necessary. It’s important to note that if you call us again for the same issue with your vehicle within 28 days, there might be an extra charge.

24/7 Roadside Assistance and Breakdown Recovery

If your car, van or motorbike breaks down and you're more than a quarter-mile from home, we'll be there to give you expert assistance or tow you to the closest garage.

Misfuel Cover

If you incorrectly fill your car with the wrong fuel, we will pay towards the draining and flushing your vehicle. We will also include up to 10 litres of the correct fuel to get you back on the road.

Accident Recovery

If your vehicle is made undriveable as a result of an accident, our vehicle recovery service is on hand to assist you in line with your policy terms for recovery.

Alternative transport and overnight accommodation

if your vehicle is unable to be repaired on the same working day, or a period agreed between you and our Recue Coordinator, we can pay towards the cost of alternative travel or car hire to complete your original journey, or emergency accommodation.

Other Start Rescue Breakdown Cover Benefits

Nationwide Recovery

Opt for a policy with Nationwide Recovery included and if we can't fix your vehicle on the spot, or at a local garage in the same day, don't panic. We'll transport you, your vehicle, and any passengers to you home or, if it’s closer, your original destination.

Nationwide recovery is available on our 2,3, 4 and 5 Star policies.

Cover at Home

If you choose a policy with Home Assist included, if your vehicle breaks down right on your doorstep (or within quarter of a mile of your home), we’ll send out our experts to get you back up and running again.

Home Assist is available on 3 and 5 Star policies.
 

European Cover

Even if you're in Europe and your car or motorbike breaks down, we've got you covered with our 4 or 5 Star policies*, which include (*Available on vehicle cover breakdown policies for cars and motorbikes under 10 years of age)

Important information about our breakdown cover

• You will be covered in the event of a breakdown after 24 hours of your policy start date and time. If you break down within the 24 hour time period, we will be unable to offer you assistance under your policy
• We will not be able to provide you annual cover if you are already in a situation where you have broken down. Please contact us and we can discuss the options available to you.
• Your vehicle must be taxed, insured and have a valid MOT certificate.
• We cannot provide assistance if you call us out for the same fault within 28 days, unless the vehicle has been fully repaired at a suitable garage, declared fit to drive by the recovery operator or is in transit to a pre-booked appointment at a suitable garage.

For full details of our breakdown policy terms and conditions please see the policy wording.

What do I need to get a breakdown insurance quote? 

• Personal Information: For all policies we need personal information about you as the policy holder, such as your date of birth, address, and contact details. For personal breakdown cover policies, we will also require the details of any additional drivers you want to include on the policy.
  
  
• Vehicle Information: For all vehicle based breakdown cover policies, we will require details about your car, including its make, model, and registration number.

FAQs

What does breakdown cover mean?

Breakdown Cover is a service designed to assist you if your vehicle experiences mechanical failure. 

Roadside Assistance where a technician tries to fix the problem on the spot, or roadside recovery to get your vehicle to a nearby garage for repairs, your home or original destination. 

A breakdown cover service offers peace of mind for anyone who relies on their vehicle for commuting, travel, or daily chores.

Is it worth getting breakdown cover?

Investing in Breakdown Cover isn’t a legal requirement. However, having a breakdown cover policy in place not only provides peace of mind but also ensures that you're not left stranded in the event of a vehicle breakdown. 

The convenience of having professional help at the ready can be invaluable, especially in emergency situations or when you're far from home.

Does your Breakdown cover flat tyres?

Yes, our Breakdown Cover includes help for flat tyres. If you ever find yourself in a situation where your tyre's gone flat, don't worry. Just give us a call, and our team will be right there with you. 

Please note, you must have a legal and serviceable spare wheel which can be fitted. You must also have all keys for any locking wheel nuts with you and the correct wheel studs for the spare wheel if it is a different size to the standard wheels.

If you do not have the necessary parts to enable us to change the wheel, we will recover your vehicle up to 10 miles to effect a repair. If you need to be recovered further than 10 miles, you will need to pay for the additional mileage immediately on a pay on use basis by providing debit or credit card details.

Does your Breakdown cover all types of vehicles?

Our Breakdown Cover caters for a variety of vehicles including standard Car Breakdown Cover, vans, classic cars and Motorbike Breakdown Cover. 

As well as petrol and diesel vehicles, we offer a breakdown service for hybrid and electric vehicles.

We understand the unique needs of different vehicle types and provide tailored services according to the type and specific needs of your vehicle.

Are other members of my household also covered for breakdown cover?

If you opt for a vehicle based breakdown cover policy, this covers the vehicle and not you personally, so anyone who is driving the vehicle at the time of suffering a breakdown will be assisted.

Alternatively, our Personal Breakdown Cover plans are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing you to include multiple members of your household under the same policy. 

This means that not just you, but up to 3 other people living in your home can enjoy the same level of coverage. It's a great feature because it ensures that each family member can be protected, regardless of which vehicle* they happen to be using.

* All vehicle types must not exceed 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight. (Please note: We cannot cover minibuses, limousines, motorhomes or horseboxes, any request for service if the vehicle is being used for motor racing, rallies, public hire, private hire, courier services or any contest or speed trial or practice for any of these activities).

How much is your Breakdown cover?

Our Breakdown Cover offers great value, starting at just £19.75 per year. However, the final price you'll pay can vary based on a few key factors. One of the main things that affects the cost is the age of your vehicle. 

Generally, newer vehicles might cost less to cover since they're less likely to have issues, while older vehicles might require a higher premium due to a higher risk of breakdowns.

Another factor is the level of cover you choose. We have a range of packages, each offering different levels of protection.

Do I have to pay a breakdown excess if I call you out?

We pride ourselves on transparent pricing with no hidden costs. This means, for any policies purchased direct through our website, there are no excess fees for call-outs, providing you with straightforward and hassle-free service.

Whether your vehicle breaks down once or multiple times, our policy is designed to provide assistance without any additional call-out fees**.

If you purchase through an aggregator there is an option to choose to pay an excess and this will be stated on the policy schedule. You can amend your policy at any time, to remove the excess payment. (An additional premium will be payable, and will be based on the vehicle type, age and level of cover).

** You will not be covered for subsequent callouts for any symptoms related to a claim which has been made within the last 28 days, unless the vehicle has been fully repaired at a suitable garage, declared fit to drive by the recovery operator or is in transit to a pre-booked appointment at a suitable garage.

I have breakdown cover with you. What should I do if I break down?

In the event of a vehicle breakdown, the quickest and easiest way to report your breakdown is via our app.

Alternatively you can count on our round-the-clock helpline for immediate assistance. Available 24/7, our dedicated team is always ready to take your call, no matter the time or day. 

Once you reach out to us, we'll quickly dispatch our skilled technicians to your location for Roadside Assistance.

What should I do if I have a Road Traffic Collision rather than a breakdown?

In the event of a road traffic collision, firstly, ensure your safety and contact the emergency services if required. 

If your vehicle is immobile or illegal to drive as a result of the accident, we will recover your vehicle in line with your policy terms and conditions.

Is breakdown cover in Europe essential?

As with driving in the UK, if you are going to be driving your vehicle in Europe, having European Breakdown Cover offers peace of mind should anything unexpected happen.This cover works like your regular UK breakdown service, but it's for when you're abroad. 

It's all about making sure you're not stuck if your car has issues in a foreign country. You'll have the comfort of knowing that if something goes wrong, help is just a call away, just like back home.

What happens if my car breaks down in Europe?

If your car breaks down while you're in Europe, our European Breakdown Cover ensures you receive the same level of support as you would in the UK. 

We provide assistance across over 40 European countries, helping you get back on the road as quickly as possible.

What is personal cover for car breakdown?

Personal Breakdown Cover is an excellent choice for individuals who use multiple vehicles. It ensures that you, as a person, are covered within the UK in any eligible vehicle* regardless of which vehicle you're driving, or as a passenger in another vehicle. 

This is ideal for families with multiple cars or for individuals who frequently switch between vehicles.

* All vehicle types must not exceed 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight.

Do you provide nationwide breakdown cover?

Yes, our Breakdown Cover reaches every corner of the UK. No matter where you find yourself, from the busy city streets to the quiet countryside, we're ready to provide quick and effective help. 

Our network of local recovery operators is set up to ensure fast response times across the country, so you can travel with the confidence that assistance is always available if you need it. 

FCA Regulated

Start Rescue is operated by Call Assist Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority).

Great Reviews

Our service has received many excellent breakdown cover reviews, so when you buy from us or renew your cover, you can, you can be sure you will be protected by one of the UK’s leading breakdown recovery services.

Get a Quote Today

Buying or renewing vehicle breakdown cover or personal breakdown insurance from Start Rescue is quick and easy.

Get a quote online for your ideal breakdown cover option then buy securely using your credit or debit card.

What's more, if you cover two or more vehicles on a vehicle breakdown policy an additional 10% discount on your multi-car policy. (Discount will automatically be applied at the checkout).

Enjoy first class breakdown assistance cover for a price that suits you.