RAC vs Start Rescue

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Start Rescue breakdown cover vs RAC

If you’re a driver, you really should have car breakdown cover, which can provide assistance if your vehicle runs into problems and needs fixing. The good news is that there are plenty of options when it comes to car breakdown insurance, which can be as cheap or comprehensive as you need.

The RAC is the UK’s most experienced breakdown provider, a fact we’re proud of. But we’re not the only company that provides a rescue and recovery service. So, how do we compare to Start Rescue breakdown cover?
 

Contents:

Brand and Reliability
Level of breakdown cover
 

Brand and Reliability

The quality of the brand, its reliability in terms of performance, and response time of its patrols, are all crucial factors when it comes to assessing the best breakdown cover – again, it’s not just down to cost.

As Britain’s most experienced provider, the RAC have been championing motorists for over 125 years. Our patrols fix 4 of out 5 at the roadside, with repairs done on average in 30 minutes.

Our Complete cover level has been awarded 5 stars by Defaqto.

Levels of breakdown cover

What does each level of breakdown cover actually include? Both the RAC and Start Rescue breakdown cover have a range of cover options. See exactly what's included in the tables below.
 

RAC

Basic

Extra

Complete
5 callouts a year^ 5 callouts a year^ Unlimited callouts
Roadside Assistance
If you’re over ¼ from home, we’ll fix you on the spot, or recover you to a local garage within 10 miles

Roadside Assistance
If you’re over ¼ from home, we’ll fix you on the spot and if we can’t, we’ll tow you anywhere in the UK

 Roadside Assistance
We’ll fix your vehicle at the roadside and if we can’t, we’ll tow you anywhere in the UK
20-mile taxi
Following a breakdown, if you’re taken to a garage, we’ll reimburse you for a taxi home up to 20 miles
20-mile taxi
Following a breakdown, if you’re taken to a garage, we’ll reimburse you for a taxi home up to 20 miles
20-mile taxi
Following a breakdown, if you’re taken to a garage, we’ll reimburse you for a taxi home up to 20 miles
 
If we can’t fix you, we’ll tow you to any garage or destination in the UK
If we can’t fix you, we’ll tow you to any garage or destination in the UK
   
We’ll rescue you if you break down at home
    FREE MOT
At selected RAC garages. With family breakdown cover you’ll get 2 Free MOTs~.

^ 1 additional callout added for every person or vehicle added.

Other add-ons are also available – including Onward Travel, Tyre Replace, Key Replace and Battery Replace.

Start Rescue

One Star: Roadside & local
  • Roadside Assistance
  • Local Recovery up to 10 miles
  • Accident Recovery
  • Alternative Travel
  • Emergency Overnight Accommodation
  • Key Assist
  • Message Assist
  • Free Mobile Apps
  • Exclusive Deals

Two Star: Nationwide

 Includes everything in One Star and:
  • Nationwide Recovery

Three Star: Home

 Includes everything in Two Star and:
  • Home Assist
Four Star: European Includes everything in Two Star and:
  • Europe

Five Star: Full Cover

 Includes everything in One to Four-Star cover.

RAC Source – Terms and Conditions

Join the RAC today to start building your breakdown cover

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Frequently asked questions

Start Rescue should cover any driver, just like the RAC does. But you may not be getting the same level of service – unlike our well-trained fleet of uniformed patrols, Start Rescue relies on a variety of contractors.
Company Information
Product & Services
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03 numbers are charged at national call rates and included in inclusive minute plans from landlines and mobiles. Calls may be monitored and/or recorded.

Free MOT terms and conditions:

  1. The promotion is for one free MOT (up to the statutory maximum fee of £54.85) and is available to new customers purchasing Complete cover.
  2. You must purchase RAC Breakdown Cover online direct by visiting www.rac.co.uk or by calling us on 0330 159 0382.
  3. Not available to members amending or renewing an existing policy or on purchases during a breakdown situation.
  4. Each MOT can only be redeemed per unique voucher code.
  5. This offer will be fulfilled on behalf of RAC by a third party (Who Can Fix My Car).
  6. You must keep your RAC Breakdown Cover for 12 months in order to be eligible for this offer. We reserve the right to recover the cost of the MOT if this condition is not complied with.
  7. Providing your payments are up to date and you haven’t cancelled your cover you'll receive an email within 15 working days after your policy starts containing your unique voucher code and details on how to book your free MOT.
  8. You will then have a further 12 months from the date of this email to book your MOT. After this date the offer will be deemed to have expired and cannot be reissued.
  9. You will need to provide a printed copy, or show the email containing the unique voucher codes and the RAC membership number to the garage on the day of the MOT.
  10. The free MOT can only be redeemed at RAC Approved Garages bookable via the WhoCanFixMyCar platform. To find your nearest RAC Approved Garage click here.
  11. Please note that not all RAC Approved Garages are able to offer MOT's for motorbikes.
  12. Offer may be withdrawn at any time.
  13. No cash or other alternatives available.

~2 Free MOTs terms and conditions with family breakdown cover:

  1. The promotion is for two free MOTs (up to the statutory maximum fee of £54.85) and is available to new customers purchasing Complete cover on personal cover for 3 – 5 people.
  2. You must purchase RAC Family Breakdown Cover online direct by visiting www.rac.co.uk or by calling us on 0330 159 0382.
  3. Not available to members amending or renewing an existing policy or on purchases during a breakdown situation.
  4. Each MOT can only be redeemed per unique voucher code.
  5. This offer will be fulfilled on behalf of RAC by a third party (Who Can Fix My Car).
  6. You must keep your RAC Breakdown Cover for 12 months in order to be eligible for this offer. We reserve the right to recover the cost of the MOT if this condition is not complied with.
  7. Providing your payments are up to date and you haven’t cancelled your cover you'll receive an email within 15 working days after your policy starts containing your unique voucher codes and details on how to book your 2 free MOTs.
  8. You will then have a further 12 months from the date of this email to book your MOT. After this date the offer will be deemed to have expired and cannot be reissued.
  9. You will need to provide a printed copy, or show the email containing the unique voucher codes and the RAC membership number to the garage on the day of the MOTs.
  10. Your free MOTs can only be redeemed at RAC Approved Garages bookable via the WhoCanFixMyCar platform. To find your nearest RAC Approved Garage click here.
  11. Please note that not all RAC Approved Garages are able to offer MOTs for motorbikes.
  12. Offer may be withdrawn at any time.
  13. No cash or other alternatives available.

Breakdown cover arranged and administered by RAC Financial Services Limited (Registered No 05171817) and provided by RAC Motoring Services (Registered No 01424399) and/or RAC Insurance Ltd (Registered No 2355834). Registered in England and Wales at RAC House, Brockhurst Crescent, Walsall WS5 4AW. RAC Motoring Services and RAC Financial Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. RAC Insurance Ltd is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

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