Start Rescue

Start Rescue: breakdown cover for cars, vans and motorcycles in the UK

Start Rescue is a British company specialising in breakdown cover insurance. Its range is aimed at drivers of passenger cars, electric vehicles, vans, taxis, motorcycles and classic cars, as well as offering specific products for businesses, couriers and personal cover. The firm states that it has hundreds of thousands of motorists among its customers and operates a control centre available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Cover levels and indicative prices

The offering is structured in five levels: from basic One Star cover to Five Star, the most comprehensive. The Three Star level, the most purchased according to the company, includes roadside assistance, nationwide recovery, home assistance, alternative transport, overnight accommodation and key assist. The site indicated a premium from £31.58 per year, although the final price depends on the age of the vehicle and the level of cover chosen.

The company compares its rate with that of other operators in the UK market for the Three Star level and a vehicle up to five years old. In that published comparison, Start Rescue's premium was £55.12 compared to £70.85 for Green Flag, £123.78 for RAC and £172.06 for The AA. The company stresses that it does not apply an excess or call-out charges when cover is purchased directly with it, and includes unlimited call-outs, misfuel cover and accident assistance as standard.

Roadside assistance and vehicle recovery

The service covers punctures, diagnosis of incorrect fuel, breakdowns at home, nationwide recovery transport, organisation of alternative travel and overnight accommodation. If the vehicle cannot be repaired on the spot, it is taken to a garage or the customer's home in accordance with the policy terms. The company reports a roadside repair rate of over 78% of vehicles attended, based on assistance provided between November 2025 and April 2026.

Cover applies to vehicles of any age in the UK and, in Europe, to vehicles up to ten years old. For electric cars, no additional premium applies and, if the battery runs out, the service takes the vehicle to the nearest working charging point.

European and personal cover

The European option protects driving in more than forty countries, with annual and short-term options, for cars and motorcycles. Personal cover, meanwhile, protects the policyholder and up to three other people in the same household when travelling in someone else's vehicle, provided it does not exceed 3.5 tonnes gross weight. Minibuses, limousines, motorhomes and horse transport vehicles are excluded, as are use in competition, rallies, public or private hire and courier services.

Awards and institutional backing

Start Rescue has been a Which? recommended provider since 2019 and the company states it has received that distinction eight times. Its Three Star level holds five Defaqto stars. The company is regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and maintains a score of 4.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot from 4,730 reviews, according to data shown on its website.

Mobile app and advice content

The firm has an app to report breakdowns without needing to call by phone, integrated into a control centre that manages assistance. It also regularly publishes articles on vehicle maintenance, repair costs, safety, driving abroad and motoring terminology. The company also sells other insurance such as key, car, motorcycle, GAP, alloy wheel and home insurance, and offers a vehicle buying service.

Location and contact

Phone: 01206 655000