Another fail with FMCA Roadside Assistance

[bjbear]

Interesting experience with FMCA Roadside Assistance.

Just leaving Great Falls MT, I had a drive axle park brake air can spring break and rupture the diaphragm. Lost all air which stranded me on the side of the Road. Called FMCA Roadside and they said they would dispatch at Tow Truck. Received confirmation that the Tow Truck had been dispatched and would arrive in 60-90 minutes.

So all was good! ....BUT.... shortly afterward, FMCA notified me that the "Provider could no longer complete the job". They said I could find someone myself and then submit the bill for payment. I explained that the shoulder was narrow and I posed a risk to traffic. They offered to call the Highway Patrol which they did. ....

The HP responded and when I explained my predicament, they found a Tow Company and even recommended someone who could do repairs one I had MH towed to a safe location.

Now the Interesting Part ... Turns out the HP called the exact same provider that FMCA did and they would be on site in 45 minutes. They were able to clamp an air line, back off a slack adjuster and get me moving to a safe location. Talking to him, it turns out that FMCA would not pay the going rate and only offered him 1/3 his normal rate. He could not provide a low-boy and flag truck/person for that so turned down FMCA. Clearly what FMCA reported to me as the provider not able to do the job was actually, FMCA's failure to pay a fair rate. I wonder how often this happens?

If FMCA is going to offer Roadside Assistance, then they should be prepared to provide it when needed. I would not mind paying a higher rate for my large motorhome provided I knew I was going to get help when needed. Also, I am disappointed that FMCA would lie saying the "Provider would not be able to complete the job" when in fact it was just that they were no willing to pay a fair rate for the service. It is expensive to operate a flat-deck truck/trailer, provide a flag truck with flag person all for 1/3 their normal rate.

[erniee]

FMCA use to offer Coach-net. I followed Coach-net when they left FMCA and have always heard good things. 

[homefreefmca]

Just signed up with the provider for FMCA  emergency road assistance. Had to pay for another year of FMCA  before getting coverage. Cost considerably lower  than Coach -Net so we signed up.

So far have been charged on my credit card twice. We are on the road and this was first chance to check credit card on line. Will call tomorrow to hopefully get it straightened out.

We have been towed several times with Coach-Net. No real problems, though we had a major confusion in Albuquerque in April,2023/

 

 

[rayin]

bjbear, call the ERS phone number, ask for a supervisor. When one gets on the line request they explain the reimbursement procedure and mail you the proper forms to file a claim.  The initial operators are only allowed to do what is on the computer screen in front of them, which is to call down the list of approved providers and find the lowest cost provider, then dispatch that provider. As you experienced the providers have the option to accept or refuse the job..

Be polite, they have a job to perform too.

That happened to me with Good Sam ERS in 2020. I filed a claim as instructed and a month later received a check for the full amount I spent.

 

Edited November 2, 2023 by rayin

[Waybeck2023]

Interesting read. I am new to FMCA and considering the Roadside Assistance program.

[rossboyer]

I had successful results three times with FMCA Roadside Assistance. For every negative posting, there are several positives that never get reported which is true with all roadside assistance providers. 

[aztec7fan]

1 hour ago, rossboyer said:

I had successful results three times with FMCA Roadside Assistance. For every negative posting, there are several positives that never get reported which is true with all roadside assistance providers. 

this is absolutely true!!!

[rayin]

Right on Ross!  When people are satisfied with a service they seldom say so; when they are unhappy with something they yell loudly, and IMO in most cases the dissatisfaction originated with not fully complying with the terms and conditions within the contract exactly as specified.