A flat battery rarely picks a good moment, and the first question is usually how much a jump start will cost. This guide explains what the price depends on, the different ways you can get a jump start, when a jump start won't be enough, and how to stay safe while you wait.
The short answer
The cost of a jump start depends on how you get help, not only on the jump itself. If you already have breakdown cover, a call-out may be included in your policy. If you don't have cover, you pay for a single call-out from a roadside assistance company like ours. If someone nearby has jump leads, it may cost nothing but your time.
We don't publish market price comparisons, because call-out prices vary and change often, and we can't vouch for other companies' figures. For our price, call 020 8088 4032 and ask before we set off. If the car turns out to need recovering instead, our car recovery starts from £120.
What affects the price of a jump start call-out
These things usually make a difference to a call-out:
- Whether a jump start is actually enough. If the battery is old or damaged, the car may start but fail again later, or not start at all. That turns a quick jump start into a battery replacement or a recovery.
- Where the car is. A driveway is simple. An underground or multi-storey car park, a red route or a motorway hard shoulder takes more planning.
- The type of vehicle. Cars with start-stop systems often use AGM or EFB batteries. Hybrids and electric cars have a separate 12V battery. Some cars have remote jump points under the bonnet instead of access to the battery itself. Tell us the make and model when you call.
- What else is wrong. A flat battery is sometimes a symptom rather than the cause. A faulty alternator, for example, will drain a good battery again. Our guide to flat battery vs alternator problems explains how to tell the difference.
Your options for getting a jump start
1. Your breakdown cover
If you have breakdown cover, check what your policy includes before calling anyone else. Some policies only cover you away from home, and some have an excess.
2. A pay-on-the-day call-out
If you don't have cover, or you'd rather not wait, you can call a roadside assistance company directly and pay for that one call-out. That's the service we provide. Call 020 8088 4032, tell us where you are and what's happening, and ask for the price.
3. Jump leads and a second car
If a friend or neighbour has jump leads and a working car, you can jump start the car yourselves. Always follow the jump-starting instructions in both cars' handbooks. They show where to connect the leads and the order to connect them. If you're unsure, or the battery looks swollen, cracked or leaking, don't attempt it.
4. A portable jump starter
A portable jump starter pack means you don't need a second car. Our portable jump starter guide covers what to look for.
Jump start or new battery?
A jump start gets you going when a healthy battery has gone flat, for example because the lights were left on or the car hasn't been driven for a while. It won't fix a battery that's worn out. Signs that the battery itself may be the problem include:
- the engine turning over slowly on cold mornings
- the car needing repeated jump starts
- a battery warning light on the dashboard
- the battery being several years old
Our guides to signs your car battery is dying and jump start vs battery replacement go into more detail. If the car starts after a jump but you're not sure the battery will hold its charge, have the battery and charging system checked before you rely on it again.
If the car still won't start
Sometimes a jump start isn't enough. The battery may be beyond recovery, or the fault may be elsewhere, such as the starter motor, the alternator or the fuel supply. In that case we can talk you through the next steps, including car recovery from £120 to a garage or your home.
Staying safe while you wait
The Highway Code's breakdown rules (rules 274 to 277) are worth knowing:
- Get your vehicle off the road if you can, and switch on your hazard warning lights.
- Keep your sidelights on if it's dark or visibility is poor.
- Don't stand between your vehicle and oncoming traffic.
- On an ordinary road, you can place a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind your car. Never use one on a motorway.
- On a motorway or other high-speed road, leave the car by the left-hand door if it's safe, and wait well away from the traffic, behind the barrier if there is one.
- If you can't get out safely, stay in the car with your seatbelt on and call 999.
If you've broken down on a motorway, our motorway flat battery guide has more advice.
What to have ready when you call
- Your exact location: road name and nearest junction, a postcode, or a location from your phone's map app. On a motorway, use the numbers on the marker posts or driver location signs.
- Your car's make, model and registration.
- What happened: no power at all, clicking, slow cranking, or warning lights.
- Whether the car is automatic, lowered, or parked somewhere with restricted access or a height limit.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a jump start cost?
It depends on how you get help. It may be included in your breakdown cover, or you can pay for a single call-out. For our price, call 020 8088 4032 and ask before we set off. If the car needs recovering instead, our car recovery starts from £120.
Is it cheaper to use my breakdown cover?
It can be, if your policy includes a call-out where you are. Some policies exclude breakdowns at home or have an excess, so check your policy documents or app first.
How quickly can you get to me?
We're available 24/7 and we aim to reach you within 45 minutes in London. Call 020 8088 4032 and tell us where you are.
What if my car still won't start after a jump start?
The battery may be worn out, or the fault may be elsewhere, such as the alternator or the starter motor. We can talk you through the options, including car recovery from £120.
Can you jump start a hybrid or a car with start-stop?
Hybrids and electric cars have a separate 12V battery, and start-stop cars often use AGM or EFB batteries. Tell us the make and model when you call so we can confirm how we can help.
Can I jump start my car myself?
Yes, with jump leads and a working car, or a portable jump starter, as long as you follow your car's handbook. Don't try it if the battery is visibly damaged, swollen or leaking.
Need a jump start now?
Call 020 8088 4032 at any time, day or night. Tell us where you are and what's happening. We aim to reach you within 45 minutes in London.