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RAC vs Start Rescue

How does our cover compare?

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
Levels 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 with Onward Travel has been awarded 5 stars by Defaqto.

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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

National Recovery
If we can’t fix you, we’ll tow you to any garage or destination in the UK

National Recovery
If we can’t fix you, we’ll tow you to any garage or destination in the UK

At Home
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

Cover level

Description

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

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Join the RAC today to start building your breakdown cover


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.

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