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Community Alumni's avatar
Community Alumni
May 18, 2025

Help refused by Good Sam

I recently needed roadside assistance, I called and was connected to a New York agent, I'm in WA state. I had a metal wheel well protector dislodge, causing a flat tire. The metal had to  be removed (it was riveted on) before tire could be replaced. A cold chisel and hammer would do it, or a drill and 1/2" bit, I explained this to the agent in New York. After sending requested pictures, I was denied assistance, stating that the type of help I needed is not covered, but will send a tow truck. All I needed I explained was a hammer, and possibly a larger cold chisel. Denied!  A tow truck for a 5th wheel would take hours, if not days. I've been there before. The flat could not be fixed until the metal wheel well liner was removed. Luckily a real good samaritan stopped, supplied the needed hammer and chisel, and I was on the road in 20 minutes. I threw him a $100. I find your "service" insurance worthless. Cancel my policy.

2 Replies

  • My advice is to concentrate less on complaining about something you should know isn’t covered (unless that was your point, but last I checked roadside assistance plans aren’t mobile mechanics). Then spend some time at least becoming minimally self sufficient.  Or call a mobile mechanic. 

  • Keep it simple... I have a flat and need assistance.

    Once the tow truck gets there, odds are he will have tools that could have done the job. By getting overly specific, you brought up issues that at least appeared outside of standard roadside assistance. They guy on the phone probably isn't a mechanic and it didn't sound like a typical flat tire replacement.

    Better yet, it's a good idea to always carry some basic tools when traveling. Stuff on RVs break and it's handy to be able to handle most basic repairs.