AAA+rv or Good Sam

Nomad

I've always had AAA roadside assistance and was going to add RV - But, I see mention of Good Sam Roadside Assistance in forums and got a flyer for it with my last Camping World shipment. Interested in what you all have (if anything) and the pros/cons of the two or why you chose what you chose.

Verna

AAA + RV will send out two tow trucks, if needed.   When I blew a tire on my Silver Shadow in August, the tow truck was prepared to tow my Escape and/or the Silver Shadow...it wasn't as prepared to change the tire.  I did see a AAA tow truck out West that had the client's tow vehicle on it's flatbed and the tow truck was towing the travel trailer. 

As a solo female traveler, it gives me a lot of comfort knowing that AAA will be there when I need them.  The Call Center even checks on the client until the problem is resolved. 

Jimbo

Thanks for asking this question. That is something I had dawned on me. I have both the TV and T@B insured through AAA but maybe I need to add the T@B to my AAA roadside assistance coverage. Will have to look into this. Thanks again. 

Jimbo

PXLated and Verna, Thanks again for posting re the AAA+RV. I stopped in at the local AAA office Monday and upgraded my AAA membership Plus to Premier and now the RV is also covered. Hopefully I will never need it but feel much better knowing that I have the coverage and the $28/yr additional works well for me. 

Nomad

Verna - "The Call Center even checks on the client until the problem is resolved" - I've had that happen. Was out in the boonies shooting winter wind turbin shot, crested a hill and the Jeep ended up on top of a drift. Call AAA and all I could give them was my GPS coordinates. They kept calling back to make sure I got out.

Jimbo - Gonna do it myself tomorrow.

judymac

We do not have AAA insurance on our vehicles and I am not sure if I qualify for Roadside Assistance.  Has anyone used Good Sams as an alternative?  Not being negative about GS, but have read negative reviews.
Comments, please.

ChanW

Take note that AAA is a separate, independent, organization in different regions of the country. They are not all the same group, they are 'affiliated' organizations.

We asked "AAA of Western New York" if they would cover a camper with their 'Plus RV' plan. 

They said no, if the TV needs a tow, the trailer is not included, it will be left there on the side of the road!

So,we canceled our AAA after 30+ years, and went with trailer insurance that includes a roadside-assistance plan, from Progressive Auto insurance. It covers the TV. They have a good reputation, with nice included features, like motel, and pet coverage!

Our 2nd vehicle is not included, but adding simple roadside assistance to our regular auto insurance was much cheaper than AAA (Preferred Mutual). 

We realized that we never use any other features of AAA, other than a "AAA discount" here and there, maybe at the airport parking or a motel, and the 'Plus RV' is too expensive to have that towing limitation.

So be sure to ask if they cover a trailer.

Verna

Judy, you don't have to have AAA insurance to qualify for AAA roadside assistance coverage.  They are two totally different coverages. 

As I said above here, I have AAA (meaning roadside assistance) Plus RV, which means that in case of a breakdown, flat tire, dead battery, etc., AAA will send out two tow trucks if needed.  I'm paying for my peace of mind, and I'm so glad I had in August with my SS blown tire. 

Now, I do also have Toyota Roadside Assistance with the purchase of my new truck, but I'm not sure about it, and I'm sure about AAA. 

jkjenn

I am going to see if I can switch from GS to AAA. When I had problems with my lights on Mt. Evans, I was a little frustrated with the help I received. I spent over 30 minutes on hold and finally hung up. I don't remember the total details any more, but I remember feeling as though GS might be OK in well populated areas but might do better with AAA out in the boonies. Consequently, Denver (Golden) is not that far away from Mt. Evans. I had hoped being a camping specific company they would be more acquainted with camping type locations, but they were not. If I can't get AAA, I will keep GS.

Nomad

I've not had to use my AAA roadside assistance very often but the last time I was in the boonies stuck in a snowdrift, all four wheels of my Jeep off the ground with no idea how to explain where I was - Gave the gal my GPS coordinates and she got me a tow truck - took a little while as the nearest was 30+ miles away.
The my brother tried to be adventuresome and take his newly restored VW Bus camper on a road trip. Broke down in the middle of nowhere Wyoming. AAA got him a flatbed and hauled it over 100 miles.
I now have the AAA+RV and am hoping I don't have to use it but based on past experience I've been happy.

jkjenn

In case anyone was curious, the AAA of W PA does offer AAA + RV,  I had to go in the other night to replace my licenser plate and they were offering such a good deal, I signed up for AAA coverage will add the RV coverage early in 2015,

longleafpine

judymac said:

We do not have AAA insurance on our vehicles and I am not sure if I qualify for Roadside Assistance.  Has anyone used Good Sams as an alternative?  Not being negative about GS, but have read negative reviews.
Comments, please.

I have both, but have used good sam more. They have provided a tow several times promptly and even towed me to a state park of my choice since it was a holiday weekend and then returned on the following Monday to tow me to the dealer. Very Happy.