Experiences and comparisons on roadside service plans

Thanks, all. I stopped by my insurance agent, and road service on the RV is covered by my auto insurance ... towing, flat tire, breakdown, etc. In all 50 states and Canada. And yes, it's counted as a claim, but they don't bump my rate until 2-3 claims in the same year. It's State Farm, BTW. In essence, I'm already paying for this. Is there some subtle issue I'm missing?

R

Excellent insight into the pitfalls of the insurance game, from the RV perspective. Thanks beemerphile and guidry.

guidry wrote:

Understand that if you use your current vehicle insurance company that any use of roadside assistance can be designated as a claim later when shopping for another vehicle insurance company. I found out the hard way.

It varies by insurance company but this is a true statement.

wildtoad wrote:
Most insurance companies now have a roadside service rider for your RV. When I had a 2000 Thor Hurricane I had insurance thru Progressive and as I remember the coverage cost about $48 a year. I had to use their service once and Progressive did a good job, but the tow service took their sweet time for a variety of excuses given. Fortunately we were at a state park and no one was scheduled for the spot we were in. Anyway I’d use them again.

Right now we have a new motorhome still under Ford’s 5 year RSS coverage so I‘m sticking with it. When it runs out if I still have the mh i’ll Opt for the Progressive coverage.

Understand that if you use your current vehicle insurance company that any use of roadside assistance can be designated as a claim later when shopping for another vehicle insurance company. I found out the hard way.

My plan is free with membership in the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association). They will tow motorcycles, cars, trucks, motorhomes, travel trailers, you name it. It is limited to 30 miles but the most expensive part of a tow is the hook, additional mileage isn't expensive.

Good Sam Roadside recently changed their policy for motorhome support/service. You have to buy a Platinum plan to get motorhome coverage. The old basic plan only covers towables. Still no answers about whether people who prepaid several years of coverage in advance at the old rate, will automatically get upgraded to Platinum by Good Sam Roadside.
FYI.

In 6yrs.of RVing, including 3 trips from Ga. to Ca. I used nothing but Progressive. Only used them 1 time was very well pleased. Traveled in a 36 ft. class A.

Someone related a story here about a massive road hazard problem. A bunch of cars, trucks and RVs ran through a load of metal dropped on the road and got flat tires. The RVs all had different RSA plans and the same provider showed up for all 3.

AAA - they will tow you anywhere you want to go. You will pay beyond a certain amount. That amount is based on the miles and the type of tow truck required.

Coachnet/Good Sam - they will tow you to the closest contracted repair shop once they get an acceptance from the shop.

So, they operate in different ways. AAA is great if you're in an area you are familiar with and/or on holidays and weekends. This is because they only need to find a tow truck - not a repair shop. Finding a repair shop is up to you.

Coachnet/Good Sam is better if you are in an unfamiliar area as they will locate a repair shop for you.

However, on a holiday or weekend, you may have a long wait while the operator tries to make contact with a repair shop as they will not send out a tow until they have gotten a repair shop confirmed.

For the cost, I find that having both the AAA and one of the others is well worth it as you will be able to get help from one or the other.

Most insurance companies now have a roadside service rider for your RV. When I had a 2000 Thor Hurricane I had insurance thru Progressive and as I remember the coverage cost about $48 a year. I had to use their service once and Progressive did a good job, but the tow service took their sweet time for a variety of excuses given. Fortunately we were at a state park and no one was scheduled for the spot we were in. Anyway I’d use them again.

Right now we have a new motorhome still under Ford’s 5 year RSS coverage so I‘m sticking with it. When it runs out if I still have the mh i’ll Opt for the Progressive coverage.