Start Rescue - www.startrescue.co.uk

Start Rescue - www.startrescue.co.uk
★★★★★
4.6
89.0% of users recommend this
  • Speed of response

  • Customer service

  • Value For Money

? Ask our helpful community of experts about this product or company
Start Rescue - www.startrescue.co.uk - Ask a question now

Media Gallery for Start Rescue - www.startrescue.co.uk

Refine your search

Latest Reviews

“Brilliant service ”

★★★★★

written by Crezy on 14/11/2023

I’ve called them out twice once for my scooter and once for my car both times thay we’re excellent service thay came out within 30 minutes it’s the best service I’ve ever received from any brakedown service thanks start rescue for a great service MR D CRESSWELL

Startrescue.co.ukcustomerservices's Response to Crezy's Review

Written on: 24/01/2024

Hi, thank you for taking the time to comment and leave a review. We're happy to hear you've received an excellent level of service from us on both occasions. Best wishes the Start Rescue Team.

Reply to this comment
Was this review helpful? 0 0

“Avoid at all costs. Not there when you need them”

★☆☆☆☆

written by SJMCook on 07/09/2023

After 3 years of being with Start Rescue I was recently involved in a bad road traffic accident. They messed me around and lied to myself and the police dealing with the accident for 3 hours The police then had to recover the vehicle. I then spent 2 days travelling back and forth across Scotland to recover my personal possessions from the Van. They have since offered me £30 and then £50 of compensation. I have requested a reasonable level of compensation towards costs incurred and my premium refunded as quite frankly they shouldn't be in this business as they don't offer a service. They are aggressive on the phone and don't want to know. They won't even provide details of who to complain to and state we will ring you! AVOID THEM AT ALL COSTS!

Startrescue.co.ukcustomerservices's Response to SJMCook's Review

Written on: 15/09/2023

Hi, we're sorry to hear of your experience, we would like to assure you that our Customer Services team are investigating your concerns and will be in contact with you in due course. However if you wish to contact them directly then please do so, alternatively you can email them. Best wishes the Start Rescue team.

Reply to this comment
Was this review helpful? 3 0

“Bad service ”

★☆☆☆☆

written by Seadated on 16/02/2023

Only used twice and never again. Poor service twice and no one knows what is happening. Start rescue takes the money, third party does the rescue. Told time of rescue and an hour later with no update still waiting , no one is sure what is happening. When recover driver did turn up the driver was complaining he had the wrong vehicle. When we eventually got to my drive he off load the car we had to try pushing it and had to get help from neighbour to push off the road ( still blocked other cars in). Driver was moaning that he had another 16 customers to see. 1. Once I report a breakdown I should not have to do their job by calling around 2. When a rescue time is sent to you you don’t except waiting for over a hour and half with no contact. 3. Recovery could have put vehicle on drive as room for 6 cars 4 I am disabled which I explained , but was expected to push a car , this was not taken into consideration especially as left in cold weather, which is not good for my health. I have now joined the AA , yes it’s more expensive but reliable.

Startrescue.co.ukcustomerservices's Response to Seadated's Review

Written on: 25/02/2023

Hi, we are sorry to hear of your experience, this is not the level of service we endeavour to provide our customers, we are keen to investigate your experience, in order to do so we require further information from you, therefore please don't hesitate to get in touch. All contact options are detailed within the 'Contact' section on our website, you can even provide your details through the website and we will contact you at a time to suit you. Best wishes the startrescue.co.uk team.

Reply to this comment

Sjmcook's Response to Seadated's Review

Written on: 07/09/2023

Same experience for me. They left me standing on the side of the road for 3 hours and the Police had to arrange recovery. Absolute bunch of jokers to avoid at all cost!

Reply to this comment
Was this review helpful? 3 0

“79 year old left for 6 hours without Heating in...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by qlKirby258 on 11/01/2023

Phoned at 9.30 am , gave precise directions after several calls ,they sent Breakdown to wrong address and town. Blamed me for the problems and said there Breakdown co0mpany had now refused to co0me out to me and that I had to contact them to try to persuade them to come out. They turned up at 4.30 pm acting no apology . took five mins to start the car. Long letter was sent to company in complaint, no admission of any guilt or apology. This was the Worst company I have ever had to deal with, and would never recommend it to a living soul. Lacking in any kind of empathy or Customer Service.

Startrescue.co.ukcustomerservices's Comment

Written on: 13/01/2023

Hi, thank you for taking the time to comment and leave a review, we're sorry to find your comments. We understand you have made a complaint, if we haven't done so already then we will reply to you in due course, if however there is anything further we can help with then please don't hesitate to contact us. All contact options are detailed within the 'Contact' section on our website, you can even provide your details through the website and we will contact you at a time to suit you. Best wishes the startrescue.co.uk team.

Reply to this comment
Was this review helpful? 3 0

“Excellent service”

★★★★★

written by Grappie on 12/07/2022

Been with start rescue for about 4 years and renewal price is always great. Only had to use the service recently had a flat tyre and can’t change it because I have copd. The breakdown people were with me within 30 minutes. Excellent service and will definitely renew in September

Startrescue.co.ukcustomerservices's Response to Grappie's Review

Written on: 13/07/2022

Hi startrescue.co.uk customer, thank you very much for your kind words, we're happy to hear you always find your renewal premium a good price, and that we assisted you in good time when you needed us. At startrescue.co.uk, we strive for excellence and are always very happy to find that our service has met or exceeded the expectations of our customers. With best wishes, the startrescue.co.uk Team.

Reply to this comment
Was this review helpful? 0 0

“Help when I needed it”

★★★★★

written by AyaanJenkins256 on 28/01/2022

car broke down unexpectedly, needed help, just a phone call away and help was on it's way. Picked us up and took us home with the car and saved the day. It was the first time we had needed help of this kind in many,many years and so glad we had kept it available "Just in case". The response was prompt and friendly and so comforting knowing we were not alone.

Startrescue.co.ukcustomerservices's Comment

Written on: 01/02/2022

Dear AyaanJenkins256, thank you very much for your kind words. At startrescue.co.uk, we strive for excellence and are always very happy to find that our service has met or exceeded the expectations of our customers. We would be grateful if you could contact our Customer Service Department to enable us to pass on your comments and reward the services involved. All contact options are detailed within the 'Contact' section on our website, you can even provide your details through the website and we will contact you at a time to suit you. With best wishes, the startrescue.co.uk Team.

Reply to this comment
Was this review helpful? 0 0

“excellent company”

★★★★★

written by LuciaQuinn on 27/01/2022

i have always found this brakedown service to give excellent service and its very good value for money the fact that you get free legal cover is brilliant i would have no hesitation in recommending to others

Was this review helpful? 0 0

“Excellent service”

★★★★★

written by AndyMH14bonneville on 25/01/2022

Still renew my policy with them although over the last couple of years I haven't had any need to call them out. Still the best value I have found for this type of policy. Had to call them out a couple of years ago when my bike was rendered unrideable owing to a puncture(when we still had our freedoms) and was eventually relayed all the way home from the peak district to the south coast on a Sunday afternoon with no issues whatsoever. Although relay owing to a puncture is not necessarily always granted, their policy is never to leave anyone stranded so couldn't have received a better service.

Was this review helpful? 0 0

“Good find ”

★★★★★

written by Fry1961 on 25/01/2022

Really happy with Start Rescue, one thing I'd like to change back as it used to be and that is to go back to send a SMS to confirm rescue arriving and eta. Nowadays you get told confusingly that they will send you a text message to confirm it all. Well! Nowadays you don't get a text. The message gets sent via their app, which is not good a. Because they don't tell you and you wait fir a text/sms, b. Because often you are in areas where there's not much connection or battery charge so having to go back and forth on the app is not very convenient /user friendly, plus 'text' it's universally understood as a sms not communication inside the App.

Was this review helpful? 0 0

“Super service”

★★★★★

written by Lincoln462 on 25/01/2022

I originally opted for Start Rescue on a price basis - all other recovery has cost me an arm and a leg previously & reviews were good. I have been with Start Rescue for several years now and have had to call them out for a punctured tyre & a flat battery. Easy to contact and a very quick response - no lengthy wait at roadside! Very good value for money.

Was this review helpful? 0 0

“Better than none..!”

★★★☆☆

written by 227Gleason on 25/01/2022

Unfortunately , had two less than successful experiences..very long drawn out affairs...stuck in the elements and so close to home..!!#

Startrescue.co.ukcustomerservices's Comment

Written on: 25/01/2022

Dear Customer, we are sorry to find your comments. if you would like us to investigate your experience further for you, please don't hesitate to contact our Customer Service Department . All contact options are detailed within the 'Contact' section on our website, you can even provide your details through the website and we will contact you at a time to suit you. With best wishes, the startrescue.co.uk team.

Reply to this comment
Was this review helpful? 1 0

“Consistently reasonable prices and great service ”

★★★★★

written by amy1991 on 24/01/2022

Always been efficient when I’ve needed a call out, renewals easy and staff are always friendly and helpful. Prices are always reasonable

Was this review helpful? 0 0

“Do what they say on the tin”

★★★★☆

written by TishBrighty on 24/01/2022

I've only used their services 3 times, if I remember rightly; for flat tyre and flat battery - twice. Once was in Mid- Wales and I was impressed at the speed with which a mechanic arrived and got the car going, enabling me to get to a garage for a new battery. Helpful and friendly! What's not to like? mechanic left his engine running whilst putting my spare tyre on. That fellow wasn't as smiley so I didn't dare ask him why?

Was this review helpful? 0 0

“Been with them for 30 years with our motorbikes...”

★★★★★

written by 442O'Connor on 24/01/2022

Been with them for 30 years with our motorbikes wouldnt go anywhere else Never had to wait long even on bank holidays very good customer service cannot rate them highly enough

Was this review helpful? 0 0

“Reasonable time arriving and towing my car to the garage.”

★★★★☆

written by holsdad on 24/01/2022

Reasonable time arriving and towing my car to the garage.

Was this review helpful? 0 0

“Great Service at a Great Price”

★★★★★

written by Nick197174 on 24/01/2022

I've had start rescue for several years now, so has my wife and daughter between us. We have had to call out twice and I was very impressed with the speed and the level of service that we received. I would highly recommend start rescue to anyone needing a backup for when things go wrong. The most surprising thing is that the price is so competitive. The app is also a really effective way of managing your crisis

Was this review helpful? 1 0

“start rescue is best”

★★★★★

written by ianlee135 on 24/01/2022

start rescue have always responded quickly to any call out Ihave made

Was this review helpful? 0 0

“Excellent”

★★★★★

written by BrianDe on 24/01/2022

I have only needed them twice but got me home on both occasions. Been with them for years and will continue using them. My ex wife is also with them and needed to get her car to a garage as her clutch had gone. Great service and cheaper than the major breakdown services. What more do you need?

Was this review helpful? 1 0

“Great service”

★★★★★

written by CLMace on 24/01/2022

Have renewed our membership for several years due to a reliable service and fair membership prices.

Was this review helpful? 0 0

“Good value and service.”

★★★★☆

written by Flores151 on 24/01/2022

Great prices and good service. Have used Start Rescue for a number of years now. More than happy with the service they give. Take a look at their prices compared to other breakdown companies and give them a go.

Was this review helpful? 0 0

Our helpful community of likeminded people will be happy to answer any questions that you have.

Before posting your question please check to see that it has not already been asked.

Thanks for asking a question.

Once we've checked over your question we will put it live on the site and our strong community of experts will hopefully give you some great answers that you find useful.

We will email you when the question is on the site

Asked by christinelennox on 10th March 2021 Report this content
Is there a call out charge?

Thanks for answering this question.

Once we've checked over your answer we will put it live on the site so others can gain from your experience. We rely on members like you to sustain our vibrant community so thanks again, we couldn't do it without you.

We will email your when your answer is on the site

Answers (1)
Report this content taurustime Written on: 11/03/2021
I've called them out twice - flat battery issues due to lockdown on two different cars - and there has been no charge. Out of interest, I've stayed with them for two years because, unlike some 'New Customers Only' deals, they haven't increased their premiums each year. The website membership price shown is the same for everyone, new or old. Quite refreshing!
Asked by petebaker on 30th November 2020 Report this content
Does road side assistance include tyre change or repairs?

Thanks for answering this question.

Once we've checked over your answer we will put it live on the site so others can gain from your experience. We rely on members like you to sustain our vibrant community so thanks again, we couldn't do it without you.

We will email your when your answer is on the site

Answers (1)
Report this content taurustime Written on: 30/11/2020
All roadside rescue services will attempt repairs to get you going. As for tyre changes, again, at my age, all roadside services I've used have been happy to provide this service. I can't fault Start Rescue. on the few occasions I've needed them, they've arrived promptly and got me moving again. They've adopted a 'no increase' policy for existing customers so it's unlikely that I'll leave them now for a 'new customers only' cheaper deal elsewhere.
Asked by Barbara1963 on 10th August 2020 Report this content
Does startrescue cover Northern Ireland?

Thanks for answering this question.

Once we've checked over your answer we will put it live on the site so others can gain from your experience. We rely on members like you to sustain our vibrant community so thanks again, we couldn't do it without you.

We will email your when your answer is on the site

Answers (1)
Report this content taurustime Written on: 11/08/2020
Yes. Highly recommended service.
Asked by pach1962 on 16th January 2020 Report this content
I can not believe the price compared to green flag and aa etc is this genuine cover?

Thanks for answering this question.

Once we've checked over your answer we will put it live on the site so others can gain from your experience. We rely on members like you to sustain our vibrant community so thanks again, we couldn't do it without you.

We will email your when your answer is on the site

Answers (2)
Report this content Pooty Written on: 17/01/2020
It is genuine cover but unlike the AA or RAC: They will only recover your vehicle local to wherever the car is. If your preferred garage is closed, they can take your car home but won't take your car to the garage at another time to the garage like AA/RAC They use third party recovery companies. Their attempt at fixing the car will not be as go5id as RAC/AA
Report this content Delta Echo Written on: 17/01/2020
For about five years I never needed to test Start then, last year, I suffered battery failure and was forced to call them out. My call was answered quickly and, despite it being 9pm, a breakdown technician got to me in under the hour. The control centre gave me regular updates on his arrival time. He apologised for the fact that it should have been half that time, but my local tech was already committed and they brought him in from a neighbouring patch. No doubt you will also find horror stories, but I can only tell you how good I found them.
Asked by SydCallaghan on 28th March 2018 Report this content
Will a 2 star policy cover my motorcycle on visit to Isle of Man from Mainland?

Thanks for answering this question.

Once we've checked over your answer we will put it live on the site so others can gain from your experience. We rely on members like you to sustain our vibrant community so thanks again, we couldn't do it without you.

We will email your when your answer is on the site

Answers (2)
Report this content Dunromin2 Written on: 29/03/2018
I have called them out twice and received very good service. I would give them a call if you concerns about cover. They answer quickly and are helpful on the phone.
Report this content bob80847 Written on: 29/03/2018
My recommendation would be to contact Start Rescue directly to ensure you have the facts. In my humble opinion it would be dangerous to visit the Isle of Man on the opinion of someone other than from the company - no matter how well intentioned. I have found Start Rescue to be an excellent service but - as your question rightly asks - you do need to have the right cover. Hope this helps.
Asked by vronn on 16th August 2017 Report this content
After taking you home will they collect the car the next day to take to a local garage?

Thanks for answering this question.

Once we've checked over your answer we will put it live on the site so others can gain from your experience. We rely on members like you to sustain our vibrant community so thanks again, we couldn't do it without you.

We will email your when your answer is on the site

Answers (2)
Report this content Nicknackday Written on: 18/08/2017
My understanding is that they take you to wherever you requested when making the call for the rescue - if that is home, then that is the end of it. So for my recent rescue I asked for a drop off to my local garage rather than home.
Report this content Pooty Written on: 17/01/2020
No they won't. This let's down their service significantly as it's not always practical to take your car to the garage straight away.
Asked by Nettie101 on 12th July 2017 Report this content
I am disabled and was let down by RAC was looking to join any disabled drivers reviews?

Thanks for answering this question.

Once we've checked over your answer we will put it live on the site so others can gain from your experience. We rely on members like you to sustain our vibrant community so thanks again, we couldn't do it without you.

We will email your when your answer is on the site

Answers (1)
Report this content Bagpuss332 Written on: 20/07/2017
Not really sure what you are asking..... If you're asking are Start Rescue good, yes they are. I've been with them for several years and unless they go bust, I'll not use anyone else and I have used most of the others in the past (AA, RAC, Green Flag etc). Start Rescue have always met my needs, including one very rainy Friday night, collecting me, the wife and son, plus a dead Renault Laguna from the services on the M6, taking us back to their depot, diagnosing that it was the alternator and couldn't be fixed til the morning, arranging a hire car, helping to transfer the car full of luggage (including the wifes wheelchair into the hire car) and seeing us safely on our way. The Laguna was delivered home around 4pm Monday, the hire car wasn't collected until the Wednesday, no need to panic and rush to get it ready to collect. I don't think you'll find a better service for the price anywhere..... If you're after a forum where other disabled drivers discuss their problems, I can't help, I'm not a member of any, nor have I looked for any, sorry.
Asked by Cathanne on 7th April 2017 Report this content
Who do they send out to breakdowns? Is it local garages?

Thanks for answering this question.

Once we've checked over your answer we will put it live on the site so others can gain from your experience. We rely on members like you to sustain our vibrant community so thanks again, we couldn't do it without you.

We will email your when your answer is on the site

Answers (7)
Report this content Navinwaghmare Written on: 12/04/2017
Yes, i believe they are local garages and in my case, they were pretty quick in response....
Report this content moimoimoi Written on: 12/04/2017
Yes-that's what happened to me. The chap was fast and very professional.This company doesn't want negative feedback.
Report this content djKRISS Written on: 12/04/2017
yes a local garage came out and because they were local they found us quick and sorted out our problem there and then . Would highly recommend Start rescue, and with the app on your phone they find you via GPS
Report this content Megan2002 Written on: 12/04/2017
Yes indeed, local garage and I could find no fault. Was very pleased with the whole service
Report this content Watchet Written on: 12/04/2017
Yes local garages and quick response
Report this content Lizanne Written on: 13/04/2017
Start Rescue sent the garage local to my home. I don't know what they do if you breakdown further away though, perhaps you should contact them and ask.
Report this content Pooty Written on: 17/01/2020
Local recovery agents. So the attempt to fix your car won't be as good as RAC or AA who are more specialised at trying to fix youe car
See All Answers
Asked by fudge17 on 28th December 2016 Report this content
Hi am I fully covered straight away after purchasing the breakdown cover? Other breakdown recovery companies only have roadside assistance, after 24 hours the fully policy is active. Thanks

Thanks for answering this question.

Once we've checked over your answer we will put it live on the site so others can gain from your experience. We rely on members like you to sustain our vibrant community so thanks again, we couldn't do it without you.

We will email your when your answer is on the site

Answers (3)
Report this content LizzieK11 Written on: 29/12/2016
When we purchased our cover t didn't take affect til the next day, you can always call them they are very helpful we have always used them and had no problems at all
Report this content anitagrainger Written on: 29/12/2016
I doubt if you will find any company that will cover you there and then.. I am sure it it's to avoid people joining because they have JUST broken down, to save big costs to get a tow or a quick fix. I have been with this company for a few years, and never had problems. Their prices can't be beaten!
Report this content moimoimoi Written on: 12/04/2017
Next day activation for obvious reasons. If you buy a policy and contact them before 24 hrs it's obviously a problem you already have.
See All Answers
Asked by Joe051 on 14th November 2016 Report this content
How many call outs are allowed per year?

Thanks for answering this question.

Once we've checked over your answer we will put it live on the site so others can gain from your experience. We rely on members like you to sustain our vibrant community so thanks again, we couldn't do it without you.

We will email your when your answer is on the site

Answers (1)
Report this content moimoimoi Written on: 12/04/2017
It tells you in the schedule you buy. Mine says 6 per year-I have the top policy+Europe cover.
Asked by gcrosta on 7th February 2015 Report this content
Does anyone have any experience of using Start Rescue when broken down in France?

Thanks for answering this question.

Once we've checked over your answer we will put it live on the site so others can gain from your experience. We rely on members like you to sustain our vibrant community so thanks again, we couldn't do it without you.

We will email your when your answer is on the site

Asked by 4syobb4 on 24th January 2015 Report this content
I just discovered their breakdown service tonight. I'm a motorist from Scotland, how do they manage such low quotes?

Thanks for answering this question.

Once we've checked over your answer we will put it live on the site so others can gain from your experience. We rely on members like you to sustain our vibrant community so thanks again, we couldn't do it without you.

We will email your when your answer is on the site

Answers (7)
Report this content stevemartin67 Written on: 26/01/2015
They use local garages so don't have to have a fleet of breakdown vehicles of there own and the staff to pay. Start Rescue is part of a bigger national company. I've had to use them a couple of times and can't fault there service. Would never go to AA or RAC again, there prices are just rip off by comparison.
Report this content E9LOL Written on: 26/01/2015
They use local garages who then contact you to tell you what time they will be with you so no massive overheads for fleets of vehicles. cannot fault the service. Very quick and extremely efficient.
Report this content Shirl5 Written on: 26/01/2015
Their service is excellent. They use local garages and the times I have needed assistance they have arrived in good time and have been extremely helpful, would not use anyone else for recovery
Report this content tonyhorn Written on: 26/01/2015
To put it quite simple they cut out the middle man,and in my opinion are the best breakdown service anywhere in the UK, I have had them out 3 times and they got me back on the road every time.
Report this content smeesme Written on: 26/01/2015
As others have said it is all down to local services, having said that I did have one occasion when an AA van turned up and that was to change a puntchtered wheel.
Report this content moimoimoi Written on: 12/04/2017
They use local companies-to where you break down and they get a 'volume' of customers. Brilliant company as far as I'm concerned.
Report this content Pooty Written on: 17/01/2020
Because they only recover local to where car is -. So if you are a significant distance away from home then tough luck Also won't take you home (if local) first and then to garage the next day for example - just the one tow per incident. Third party recovery agents so the attempted fix won't be good as the the more well known providers who are more geared up to fix your car and are more like mobile mechanics
See All Answers
Asked by smokeythecat2 on 29th April 2014 Report this content
Some services want car service history before helping. Does start rescue demand this?

Thanks for answering this question.

Once we've checked over your answer we will put it live on the site so others can gain from your experience. We rely on members like you to sustain our vibrant community so thanks again, we couldn't do it without you.

We will email your when your answer is on the site

Answers (5)
Report this content wiggo39 Written on: 30/04/2014
They didn't on both the occasions that they rescued me. Just asked where I was and what I thought the fault was and came and rescued me.
Report this content stevemartin67 Written on: 26/01/2015
No not at all
Report this content Andymat Written on: 26/01/2015
No they don't
Report this content anitagrainger Written on: 29/12/2016
In one word.....No!
Report this content moimoimoi Written on: 12/04/2017
No they didn't ask.
See All Answers
overview