Towing Insurance

[hartk1]

I'm kicking around the idea of some sort of towing insurance. Something with just the basics. Tow, fuel, lockout. Any thoughts as to which companies are better? Is this a good idea?

[lllkrob]

You definitely need Coach Net. Their basic plan is $89 per year I believe.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Coach-net is my favorite. Some folks like Good Sam's Roadside Assist too.

[amanda_h]

Is this a good idea?

I have to think that the vast majority of RVers have ERS (Emergency Road Service) with the main ones being Coach-Net, Good Sam, Allstate, and AAA ...there may be others who offer RV coverage also but I think those are the main ones.

We have Coach-Net and are satisfied but haven't really needed them for anything crucial. A Coach-Net exclusive is their 24/7 Technical Assistance Hotline where you can call for advice about all problems you might encounter with your rig.

Some, however, claim that being "self-insured" when it comes to ERS is the way to go. In other words, paying out of pocket for any towing or other services needed and arranging for road service yourself. They claim that the money you save in ERS premiums year after year will more than pay for the occassional tow or lock out, etc. I suppose if you're lucky and have nothing go wrong, then self-insuring is something that can be considred.

However, most of us like the comfort of knowing we can call one number in case of an emergency mechanical breakdown and get some help especially in an area we might be unfamiliar with. Can you imagine the stress of having to find an on-call service provider for a tow or mechanical assist when you are in an unfamiliar area?

I think ERS is worth it for just that peace of mind whether it be Coach-Net, Good Sam or another service.

In places that are less populated, all the ERS services may use the same providers as it's not the ERS itself that comes out to you but rather they provide the service of looking up and sending an independent provider to assist you on the road.

-harry

[Belgian]

We added RV service to our AAA membership for only a few dollars a year. It includes the same coverage we had with the cars, unlimited towing, gas, lock out, jump starts plus all the great travel info and maps. Well worth the $s and peace of mind when something goes wrong.

[vraines]

There are several good towing services. We have had Good Sams for several years and have used it twice for the toad and once for the motor home. Our Dutch Star 43 ft required towing to Cummins in April and the tow truck damaged the motor home on both ends. The towing service just blew me off when I contacted them about repairs. I then contacted Good Sams about a claim and they stayed with the problem until the tow company payed the claim in full. Took about two weeks. I am not sure how most towing services handle such claims, but it is likely that a heavy diesel motor home will damaged during tow no matter how careful the operator is. I discussed the tow with the operator before moving the unit and I was satisfied that he knew what he was doing. During transit, he encountered a large steel platform in his lane and was forced to make an emergency stop, which damaged the front with the towing beam. Bottom line, I would probably had to work with my vehicle insurance company for the claim, with a large deductible if Good Sams had not used their horsepower to complete the claim.