Roadside Assistance

[smithy]

We looked into this and wanted to update the situation.

The member was able to drive his coach to the closest qualified repair center. Since they were not a Cummins certified repair shop, the member chose to have it towed 90 miles away to the closest Cummins certified dealer. The policy was followed, as it clearly states that towing is covered to the closest qualified repair center. After reviewing the file, VAS decided to allow the claim at what their provider would charge. Pretty confident that most providers would stick to the policy language and not reimburse the tow. Very happy with VAS in their decision.

VAS also reimbursed the member for trip interruption. Both claims were paid and closed.

In the future, I would advise to make sure the tow is covered before scheduling it. Especially since the policy is clear on how towing is covered. VAS provides unlimited towing to the closest qualified repair center. If you are 3 or 300 miles away from one, it is covered.

On 5/8/2018 at 6:32 PM, JSPERRELLA said:

Just had a bad experience with the FMCA roadside assistance regarding a qualified facility. We broke down in Trinidad, CO with our Cummins 425 ISL engine locked up due to leaking coolant into the engine.  The engine was going to need a rebuild. We told the FMCA service that we wanted to be towed to a certified Cummins shop in Pueblo (90 miles away).  They said no and first offered us two locations in Raton, NM and one in Walsenburg, CO.  The first one in Raton was out of business,  the second was an RV park with no mechanic.  The one in CO, their phone was no longer in service.  They had no idea of what qualified meant.

Our tow truck driver said we should have had AAA RV Plus as they will tow you where you want within a 100 miles.  We paid $1,500 to be towed to a certified Cummins shop and we are still fighting with the FMCA roadside assistance.  I called AAA and they confirmed what the driver told us, that for $145 membership they would have towed us.

 

[manholt]

Smitty.

"The closest qualified repair center"!  When one is no longer in Service, another is a RV Park & the last has no phone?  VAS did not do, due diligence and therefore was libel!  VAS did not settle with OP, out of the goodness of their heart...they had no choice!  OP 100% correct, case closed.

[elkhartjim]

How do they define "a qualified repair center"?

[manholt]

Jim, at one time, I guess someone asked and got a Duh! Bubba is good with engines! 

[smithy]

4 hours ago, manholt said:

Smitty.

"The closest qualified repair center"!  When one is no longer in Service, another is a RV Park & the last has no phone?  VAS did not do, due diligence and therefore was libel!  VAS did not settle with OP, out of the goodness of their heart...they had no choice!  OP 100% correct, case closed.

Manholt/all,

The member was able to drive to the qualified repair center. Mechanic on site diagnosed the problem immediately. As with many repair facilities, they were booked and could not do the repairs immediately. The member wanted a Cummins certified dealer and didn't want to wait. Member was informed up front that a tow to the Cummins dealer would not be covered. The policy says closest qualified repair center. Not the customer's preferred dealer. 

Any other roadside has the same policy and would have handled it the same way.

[smithy]

16 minutes ago, manholt said:

Jim, at one time, I guess someone asked and got a Duh! Bubba is good with engines! 

The network VAS uses for roadside services 80 million drivers. 75% of new vehicles (both auto and RV) use the same network VAS uses. I think the method of choosing qualified repair centers is a bit more extensive than your suggestion.