Need Advice With RV Road Side Assistance Plans

Dave Siegel · August 16, 2009, 07:17:08 AM

Well it seems as though our road side assistance plan has expired. The company that was handling the plan never even bothered to send us a renewal notification. Hummm,

I guess they don't need our business. Here's my question:

We have two cars and our coach, what is the best plan out there? I have called AAA and the want $150 for the 2 cars and $80 for the bus. That comes to $230. WOW is that the going price? I got on the Good Sam website and the 800 number is not staffed on Sunday so I can't get any personal info from them.

What have you found out there that would cover our 2 cars and bus?

Thanks for the help in advance.

Dave Siegel

Ed Hackenbruch · August 16, 2009, 08:24:33 AM

Coach Net!

Hi yo silver · August 16, 2009, 03:00:35 PM

I have State Farm on my house and autos, but Good Sam for the bus. Used GS once, good response and coverage. Just my experience...for what it's worth.
Dennis

belfert · August 16, 2009, 03:37:27 PM

I use Coach-Net. I had Camping World Roadcare (Same as Good Sam), but they were stupid about getting a tire fixed so I changed to Coach-Net. (Couldn't find someone to change a tire at 7 pm, but someone showed up at 7 am no issue. I think they didn't pay enough for an after hours call so nobody would do it. It wasn't an issue to wait until morning really as I wasn't leaving until mid day.)

If I was happy with my roadside assistance provider I wouldn't drop them just because I didn't get a renewal letter.

Chuck Newman · August 16, 2009, 04:35:08 PM

Dave,

I agree, Coach Net is the way to go. I haven't used them yet, but I've heard from too many folks that are happy with them.

On the contrary, Good Sam is a farce! A few years ago I had a diesel pusher same size as my 102A3. I used them twice. Each time they sent trucks too small to handle the rig. Had to argue with the idiots about required truck size and closest dealer that could service the CAT problem. A brand new DP and they wanted to put me into a "holding yard" for the night.

I've been a Good Sam member since the early '80s. I just canceled my membership forever for a number of reasons. GS is part of the Affinity Group of holdings and they don't care at all about the quality of their various divisions services. GS won't even respond to emails or letters any longer. Particularly incorrect information in their tech articles. And the Editor's column for several months has been nothing but whining about their thinner magazines and dealer downturns.

If I sound disgusted with Good Sam and Affinity Group, I am. And I'm tired to paying for mediocrity.

Utahclaimjumper · August 16, 2009, 06:30:47 PM

COACH NET!!>>>Dan

bobsw · August 16, 2009, 09:43:39 PM

I have had very good service from good sam. The first time I used them they sent out a landol. It was new years eve they hauled us to a safe location that we could spend the weekend and then offered to pick us up on Tuesday to take us to the repair shop. I was able to fix the bus so that wasn't necessary. The next time stuck in the sand no problem they sent the biggest tow truck in AZ. The wife left the lights on on the jeep they sent out a tow truck to jump start it. This all happened within the first 3 months of having good sam roadside assistance. Each time they called to make sure the tow truck had arrived in a timely manor. I never saw a bill or paid a cent. I expected to have my rates raised or be canceled but that did not happen.

fraser8 · August 16, 2009, 10:18:26 PM

I had coach net and received excellent service. They informed me that the won't give service to any vehicle more than 25 years old, and most of my cars are from the 60's so I had to change to GS, not by choice but even my bus is more than 25 years old. I phoned them and was told that the information I got was correct, they won't won't give service to anything over 25 years. Contact them and check it out. If they have changed there policy I'll consider switching back. I've only used road service twice and the same company showed up for both GS and CN and it was an AAA truck.

jjrbus · August 16, 2009, 10:42:10 PM

Emergency Road service ryder on my State Farm policy, about $6 yes six $ per vehicle per year. JIm

Dreamscape · August 17, 2009, 05:03:31 AM

Quote from: fraser8 on August 16, 2009, 10:18:26 PM
I had coach net and received excellent service. They informed me that the won't give service to any vehicle more than 25 years old, and most of my cars are from the 60's so I had to change to GS, not by choice but even my bus is more than 25 years old. I phoned them and was told that the information I got was correct, they won't won't give service to anything over 25 years. Contact them and check it out. If they have changed there policy I'll consider switching back. I've only used road service twice and the same company showed up for both GS and CN and it was an AAA truck.

We have CN, but have not had the need, yet. Interesting fact about age, I'll have to contact them as they have not sent my membership packet yet. If true that is not good as ours is way over 25 years.

Paul

luvrbus · August 17, 2009, 05:19:54 AM

Paul, I just renewed mine for 3 years and there was no mention of a 25 years age limit only that it is for a 1974 Eagle.
I took the premium package for a few bucks extra that covers all my vehicles

good luck

belfert · August 17, 2009, 05:51:34 AM

Quote from: jjrbus on August 16, 2009, 10:42:10 PM
Emergency Road service ryder on my State Farm policy, about $6 yes six $ per vehicle per year. JIm

Does this include finding a tow truck, or do they reimburse after the fact? Some will find it worth the extra money for a service that can locate a tow in an unfamiliar area.

My auto/RV insurance includes roadside assistance, but for cars only.

Dave Siegel · August 17, 2009, 08:49:09 AM

Thank you for all the help and information folks. I took the majorities advice and went with Coach Net. I did ask the rep on the phone about the 25 year old age limit and he said that it made no difference what year the RV was, it was covered

. However there is a limit for the other vehicles covered (your personal cars, etc.) and that is 40 years old. They do have a sister company that will handle towing for those vehicles.

It was $109 for a year and you don't have to be a FMCA member any longer.

So once again thanks, and it feels good to be covered, just in case.

Dave Siegel

belfert · August 17, 2009, 08:57:53 AM

You never had to be an FMCA member, it just cost more. There are also a lot of other clubs that offer Coach-Net as a "benefit". I joined FMCA for one year just because I either paid Coach-Net or FMCA the extra $30 or $40.

Do they now give the club rate to anyone who contacts them?

Chuck Newman · August 17, 2009, 10:04:26 AM

Dave,

I just renewed my Coach Net. Read the entire "Member Benefit Guide" and under "TERMS AND CONDITIONS", section 2, it states "Benefits are not applicable to commercial vehicles or vehicles over 40 years old." Period. No classifications.

In the same area, section 1, it states "In the event there is any inconsistency between the languages of this guide and the information provided by an employee, representative, independent contractor or sales brochure, the language in this guide shall govern."

In their latest marketing brochure, they now state that Coach Net services cover not only your RV, but all autos and motorcycles you use; even rented vehicles. I called and questioned them on this contradiction and they said the marketing brochure was correct. And if you have a need for service they may in fact honor other vehicles. Then again, they may not, or come back and want reimbursement.

The point here is the only thing that is binding under the law are the Terms and Conditions. Just like any other contract. But still I think CN is the best of the bunch.

Chuck