im with the RAC, and have used them a number of times, most of the time they have been very good, but once or twice i got the gob***** from hell road side assistant who treated me and my car like **** (anyone who has had anything to do with minis knows you NEVER jack them up on the floor pan, he got arsey when i stopped him from doing this!) but in general i have had good service.
I never bother with homestart - i can fix most things if im at home!, but id always get recovery (the cost of recovery is massive compared to the cost of breakdown!).
there is one important thing to remember, and that is the breakdown company paradox..... when you break down on the motorway you will inevitible see very few of your companies breakdown vans, but many of every other companies as you sit and wait...!