Rescue Mate expands with on-demand tyre fitting and locksmith services

On-demand breakdown and recovery provider Rescue Mate has expanded its service offering to include tyre fitting and locksmith services.

The app-based non-subscription business, which launched in August, promises to be quicker, cheaper and easier to use than existing services.

Its free-to-download app aims to be the “Uber of vehicle recovery”, allowing drivers to request help in minutes from their smartphone.

Rescue Mate founder and manging director Jason Clare told Fleet News: “Downtime for businesses is a nightmare, we are looking to be a one-stop-shop for all breakdown needs with a broad range of services. We are looking for corporate partners to offer more fleet solutions.”

The introduction of a mobile locksmith service, means the company can now provide replacement keys at the roadside.

“We were getting a lot of fleet customers that were losing or breaking keys and needed a new one. In many cases we are cheaper than a main dealer and we can do it at the roadside to save having to recover the vehicle or visit a showroom,” Clare explained.

Rescue Mate has also launched a national marketing campaign for tyres and is now offering tyres using a network of mobile tyre fitters – all available via the app.

In addition, a call centre service has been opened for customers who are unable to use the app, or would prefer not to.  

Rescue Mate uses a technology algorithm to connect users with local recovery firms and service providers. 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.