Not limited to South Shields, rather the entire Swinton. Their car breakdown is not worth the paper it's written on. I have been a customer of Swinton for 4-5years for breakdown. I have National recovery that states if it cannot be repaired at the roadside they will take it to a garage. I pay for and have a contract for 24 hour recovery, 7 days a week and to a garage if required. All very well you might think, however, no, no, no. My car broke down yesterday, the breakdown came, it was the clutch so could not be repaired at the road, obviously I would like it taken strait to a garage... however, here is where Swinton logic and misleading policy comes into play. It was the evening and all the garages were closed, so I had no option but to have the car towed to the safest place in the meantime- my address. As they were unable to fulfil their contractual obligation at that time- to take it a garage then I would (as would anyone) expect that the service I have paid for to be carried out in full and consequently, completed when it is possible to do so. Hence, take it to a garage when it's open. As soon as the garage opens I ring them and then I call Swinton to arrange for them to collect my car to complete the service I pay for, what they were unable to complete the previous night. I was informed that they wouldn't collect it because I don't have Home Start. Obviously, I inform them that this is a continuation of a service that were unable to carry out ...etc. etc. Get no where with complete simpletons, who are unable to deviate from a rehearsed script. I pay for and have agreed contractually for 24 hours breakdown, 7 days per week. However, as garages are actually only open 9- 5 they have been charging me for a service that they won't provide. To be taken to a garage as agreed then my car needs to breakdown during office hours 9-5 and we all know that cars are never that convenient. Hence, the policy they have mislead me with can only be validated 8 hours per day and 6 days per week. Hence if I (or anyone for that matter) is unlucky enough to break down the other 16 hours per day or on a Sunday- screwed. The policy that has been agreed is invalid as there are no garages open and they will worm their slimy little crooked bodies out completing their obligations when they are able to. Yes, I have cancelled my breakdown and yes, I have lodged a complaint in view to taking it up with the financial ombudsman. Just found out that they have previously been fined for miss selling so it appears not much has changed.