Which? Trusted Trader

As well as being a Which? Recommended Provider for Breakdown Services since 2019, Start Rescue is thrilled to have now also been recognised by Which? as a Trusted Trader!

But what does achieving Which? Trusted Trader status really mean?

Who is Which?

Which? is a fully independent consumer champion and, with 1.35 million members and supporters. They operate via a simple ethos: to tackle consumer harm and make life simpler, fairer and safer for everyone.

Only the best performers of their rigorous process of checks can reap the benefits of their Which? Trusted Trader endorsement.

What does it mean to be a Which? Trusted Trader?

Which? Trusted Trader is an endorsement that recognises reputable traders throughout the country. The Which? Trusted Trader scheme was introduced to support consumers in making the right decision for the jobs they require.

The scheme sets a benchmark that all traders need to meet before they can be endorsed, therefore raising standards for consumers and giving the Which? Trusted Trader endorsement both reputation and trust.

What is the difference between being a Which? Recommended Provider and a Which? Trusted Trader?

To become recognised as a Which? Recommended Breakdown Provider a survey was sent out to over 12,000 respondents who had called out a car breakdown service in the UK in the last 12 months. Which? Collates these responses and if the company meets the criteria and customer satisfaction threshold they are deemed a Which? Recommended Provider for that year.

Becoming a Which? Trusted Trader is a much different process, whereby impartial assessors conduct a variety of internal tests and checks on a company. Once passing this thorough process, the company will get endorsed as a Which? Trusted Trader.

What is the process to becoming a Which? Trusted Trader?

To become a Which? Trusted Trader, a company must undergo a rigorous and thorough process of checks. Upon applying to become a Trusted Trader, it is necessary for a business to pass a series of eligibility checks to ensure they’re a suitable candidate, such as ensuring they have been trading for at least six months and have no county court judgements (CCJs).

After this, Which? then carries out a financial health and credit check and an extensive assessment is then undertaken by one of their Trading Standards qualified assessors to run through a ‘business MOT’.

For us at Start Rescue, this included carrying out a variety of crucial checks on various aspects of our business - leaving no stone unturned!

The process included a full review of our policy wording and compliance procedures, as well as a comprehensive DBS check and review of our financial viability.

Interviews were also conducted with a number of our Vehicle Recovery Operators to ensure that they provide the very best in service standards and customer service, whilst customers were surveyed by Which? to ensure they could evidence our outstanding customer satisfaction records.

Upon completion of the assessment, any outstanding actions must be fulfilled in order to meet Which?’s high standards. We are very pleased to say that Start Rescue, and the Call Assist group as a whole, came through this rigorous process with no required actions, leading to us achieving the honour of becoming a Which? Trusted Trader.