Towing plan

[andrew_j]

Hi

I ran in auto issues requiring a tow. I left no start vehicle at wife’s employee lot unlocked/key in it knowing I’d call next day for tow out.

I have an insurance extra of $10/vehicle road assistance option with 15 miles towing or nearest facility if beyond. I used tow benefit once before but was with vehicle and easy.

The challenge I ran into and not sure if roadside person misinformed, is that they wanted me at vehicle when tow operator arrived but wife and I were 40 miles north. I cancelled and just schedule a local flatbed tow for $65.

Does anyone know if this standard to need to be with vehicle for tow and their service. Also do you suggest any tow service that would cover 4 vehicles and 4 drivers well ?

 

[Rand]

they know its your car because insurance has the vin.. so its not like you are cheating the system to get a cheap tow for a coworker or something like that....

So what is the reason you need to be there? Maybe pre-tow inspection for damage?!?? seems strange.

 

[GON]

they know its your car because insurance has the vin.. so its not like you are cheating the system to get a cheap tow for a coworker or something like that....

So what is the reason you need to be there? Maybe pre-tow inspection for damage?!?? seems strange.

Might be to gain in person approval to steer the disabled vehicle to a shop the tow company gets a commission/ referral fee from.

 

[TnT_M]

We had an issue several years ago with 2 flat tires on our Jeep. I wasn't there and I'm pretty sure they yanked it on the roll down without anyone there. IIRC my wife met them at the shop for the unload.

 

[Boomer]

Join AAA?

 

[4wd]

Check with insurance company …
Some offer good rates …

 

[CarbonToast]

This is why I never pay for the add on coverage. You're in a jam and need a tow now but there's hoops and checks and balances. Couldn't even use the coverage you paid for.

 

[IndyIan]

If you can get towing for $65, then just do that, IME towing is much more expensive here.
We have CAA (Canadian AAA) but its like $150/year, but you get a 200 mile tow and four 100 miles ones. In theory I have to be there with the card, but the drivers show up and don't ask questions other than the card number, so they can bill CAA, and in my youth I helped a few friends get their old cars towed.

Maybe AAA is the same, just have everyone have a picture of your AAA card on their phone, for the tow truck driver, and he will tow whatever for whomever.

 

[CKN]

If you can get towing for $65, then just do that, IME towing is much more expensive here.
We have CAA (Canadian AAA) but its like $150/year, but you get a 200 mile tow and four 100 miles ones. In theory I have to be there with the card, but the drivers show up and don't ask questions other than the card number, so they can bill CAA, and in my youth I helped a few friends get their old cars towed.

Maybe AAA is the same, just have everyone have a picture of your AAA card on their phone, for the tow truck driver, and he will tow whatever for whomever.

No-AAA says the person enrolled has to be with the vehicle needing assistance. This is in their "rules of the road". And let's face reality-it sells more memberships. You can use it for any vehicle you are in (or can get to)-but you must be with the vehicle.

 

[The_Jeff]

And remember that AAA has regional offices (eg AAA of Northern New England) and potentially regional contracts, even though they're honored nationwide. Rules you read about on the internet may not apply to you.

 

[fantastic]

Being present is something very typical of my experience with roadside assistance. I just renewed my 11th year with AMA & also pay the small fee through my insurance. I will mention that you need to only use it say 2-3 times per year. Many years ago I used my then current Progressive insurance I think 3-4 times in one year & they sent me a nasty cancellation letter.

Which is why I also pay for the AMA roadside since that's not part of my auto insurance.

 

[shortyb]

Most of the towing companies in my city require that someone be present, or can be there at the time of the tow. We've had a few instances over the years where an angry spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend would call to have their significant other's car towed without their knowledge. Granted, if the caller was the vehicle owner, no problem (except at home ). Most didn't want to be present for obvious reasons though.