Rescue Mate has launched a new subscription-free app-based vehicle recovery service that promises to be quicker, cheaper and easier to use than existing services.
The free-to-download app is set to be the “Uber of vehicle recovery”, allowing drivers to request help in minutes from their smartphone.
A network of recovery firms have joined Rescue Mate, with more expected in the coming weeks, which promise to attend stricken vehicles within one hour.
Rescue Mate founder and manging director Jason Clare told Fleet News: “In today's world everything's on demand but the breakdown and recovery industry seems to have got stuck in the Ice Age really, with offerings that are a bit draconian.”
He said the average driver requires breakdown assistance once every four years, while they’ll pay around £100 per year for cover from one of the well-known providers.
Rescue Mate’s on demand service uses a pay-as-you-go pricing model, with no setup fees. Clare said the average callout will cost less than £100.
The standard fee, which includes a six-mile tow, costs £78, with any additional towing charged at £2.49 per mile. The average tow, according to Clare, is less than 10 miles.
“If you've got 50 vans and you're paying breakdown on every van, that's a lot of money each year,” said Clare. “And if only five of those per year are breaking down, you're better off just paying as you please, it's more cost effective to use the on-demand solution.”
Alongside towing and roadside repairs, Rescue Mate’s network includes Fuel Medic operators. Clare is also in talks with mobile EV charging firms, to expand the offering to include charging.
Rescue Mate uses a technology algorithm to connect users with local recovery firms. The app will automatically find and deploy the nearest operator that can provide assistance, in the same way Uber connects drivers and riders.
Pricing is fixed by Rescue Mate, which handles the transaction and takes a commission from each sale.
The app is available to download on Apple and Android devices.
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Matt has been an automotive journalist for eight years. As senior staff writer he is responsible for the automotive content on Fleet News and also contributes to Automotive Management. Prior to this, Matt worked in the automotive industry for 10 years.
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