Have you recently bought vehicle breakdown cover? Wondering how long you have to wait before you can make use of the service and how soon can I use my breakdown cover?
When does breakdown cover start? The vast majority of - if not all - breakdown cover providers won't allow you to request roadside assistance until 24 hours has passed since you made the policy purchase.
NB: Your provider may allow you to set the start date of your breakdown cover, usually up to two months in the future.
Broken down and need assistance but don't have an annual policy?
If you find yourself stranded by the roadside with a broken-down car and no breakdown policy in place, you can still call out a breakdown cover provider. However, you can expect to pay more than what you would have if you had purchased a policy. Some breakdown providers will expect you to purchase a policy and pay an additional fee for your call out.
It's not pleasant to find yourself in a broken-down vehicle by the side of the road - especially if you don't have breakdown cover. But taking out cover as an ongoing precaution will give you the peace of mind that help is available if you need it. Being covered also means you shouldn’t have to pay out any hefty recovery fees* - and all for what can be a low annual membership fee.
Types of breakdown cover and benefits
Breakdown cover generally comes in several forms: personal, vehicle, and European. Personal cover protects you as the driver or passenger in any vehicle, while vehicle cover applies to a specific car or motorbike. European cover ensures you’re protected when driving abroad. Many policies also offer optional extras, such as onward travel, hire car provision, or overnight accommodation. Having the right level of cover ensures you receive fast, professional help when it matters most – whether it’s emergency breakdown cover at home or by the roadside.
For more information, visit our pages on personal breakdown cover and European breakdown cover.
When does breakdown cover start?
With startrescue.co.uk, there is a 24 hour inception period so you can be covered from 24 hours after the breakdown cover starts. Get a car breakdown cover insurance quote today and buy online quickly as well as securely.
If you suffer a breakdown you can call us out anytime by contacting our Control Centre, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 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.
Setting a future start date
Many providers, including Start Rescue, allow you to set a future start date for your policy, usually up to two months in advance. This is particularly useful if your current cover is due to expire soon, as it ensures a seamless transition without any gaps in protection. Setting your start date ahead of time means your emergency breakdown cover begins exactly when you need it, avoiding any unnecessary overlap or downtime.
Breakdown cover that suits your needs
These days, breakdown cover is not a one-size-fits-all product. For example, with startrescue.co.uk, you can choose from five different cover levels, from One to Five Stars.
For instance, One-Star cover includes benefits such as Roadside Assistance and Local Recovery up to 10 Miles, while Two-Star includes this plus Nationwide Recovery. Five-Star cover gives complete peace of mind, with Home Assist, European Breakdown Cover, and Theft, Vandalism and Driver Illness/Injury - alongside every other benefit.
*Coverage depends on the Terms and Conditions of your particular policy.
Buying a new vehicle
When purchasing a new car, motorbike or van, it’s wise to arrange breakdown cover from the moment you take ownership. New vehicles can still experience unforeseen faults, especially during long journeys or harsh weather. Taking out instant breakdown cover ensures you’re protected immediately, giving you peace of mind from day one. Many dealerships even offer a short trial of roadside assistance, but having your own dedicated policy means you stay protected once that initial period ends.
Ready to get protected?
Get a quick quote for Start Rescue breakdown cover today and enjoy peace of mind knowing that expert help is just a phone call away, whether you’re at home, on the road or travelling abroad.
