Road side service
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 226
Likes: 22
From: Milton Ontario
Road side service
I have never subscribed to any road side service companies (like CAA in Canada) as I have always had the confidence to fix issues like flat tires or dead batteries on my own. In my younger years I actually drove a tow truck for a while so I've seen some 'stuff' like burning cars and 4x4's in the middle of a creek. However, with these cars approaching 50 years of age (and me older than that) and the potential to break down on a 5 lane highway in rush hour I doubt that I would want to deal with that now. I would also be worried about 'Bubba' showing up without a flatbed and all the damage that he could do without taking any responsibility for it. Anyone have advice or stories (good or bad) about recovering a sick car? Are there Vintage car packages available so that they show up with the right equipment? Would your insurance cover you if Bubba screwed up or do you have to deal with his company?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,151
Likes: 294
From: Opelousas, Lousiana
CI 6-7 & 9 Veteran
There does not seem to be very many "hooker" tow trucks around these days, except for the heavy rig tow trucks for 18 wheelers. I have had to have 2 of my other Corvettes picked up and I just asked for a flatbed, and that is what showed up. I watched them when they loaded the car on the truck to make sure their was no damage.
I have never subscribed to any road side service companies (like CAA in Canada) as I have always had the confidence to fix issues like flat tires or dead batteries on my own. In my younger years I actually drove a tow truck for a while so I've seen some 'stuff' like burning cars and 4x4's in the middle of a creek. However, with these cars approaching 50 years of age (and me older than that) and the potential to break down on a 5 lane highway in rush hour I doubt that I would want to deal with that now. I would also be worried about 'Bubba' showing up without a flatbed and all the damage that he could do without taking any responsibility for it. Anyone have advice or stories (good or bad) about recovering a sick car? Are there Vintage car packages available so that they show up with the right equipment? Would your insurance cover you if Bubba screwed up or do you have to deal with his company?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 434
Likes: 47
From: Lake in the Hills IL
I have AAA and once had to use it (almost). I just requested a flatbed when calling in. Took longer because of that (was going to be about an hour or so), and before the guy got there I was able to fix the issue and get home. Tow truck driver on his way helped me diagnose and fix the issue too via phone, I must have got a good driver assigned who also is handy with carb. engines.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 50
From: Laguna Niguel California
I have AAA with the premium tow option so that they don't start charging tha t mileage rate after five miles. If I'm out on a freeway (interstate) I'm usually more than five miles away from my trusted Corvette shop. And, I always flatbed it.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
My policy: 80km (50 miles). Stay close to town.
https://www.hagerty.ca/insurance/Hag...e-and-Benefits
https://www.hagerty.ca/insurance/Hag...e-and-Benefits
Last edited by Paul L; Mar 7, 2017 at 07:34 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,633
From: Draper Utah
I have Hagerty's road side service insurance add-on. Broke down, late at night, all dressed up with the wife during a night out on the town. Called Hagerty, they sent a rollback, took the car to my house and dropped it right into my garage. I couldn't have been happier with the service. It took me a couple hours to replace the broken ignition switch the next day in the comfort of my own garage. I like having the peace of mind road side service gives me. YMMV
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,633
From: Draper Utah
Something the tow truck driver told me in casual conversation when he was hauling me home. He told me they always service the insurance companies before AAA when it gets busy. I didn't ask why, now I wish I had of. I'm also not sure if that was typical for just his towing company or all companies.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 145
From: the island of misfit toys
I have AAA Premium. I seem to use it once a year.
California has the Freeway Service Patrol "(FSP) is a joint program provided by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the local transportation agency. The FSP program is a free service of privately owned tow trucks that patrol designated routes on congested urban California freeways."
If you don't know about it, you might get frightened when a strange white truck pulls up.
California has the Freeway Service Patrol "(FSP) is a joint program provided by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the local transportation agency. The FSP program is a free service of privately owned tow trucks that patrol designated routes on congested urban California freeways."
If you don't know about it, you might get frightened when a strange white truck pulls up.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 374
Likes: 21
From: Charleston SC
I have AAA for my DDs (also for wife) and Hagerty for the Corvette (BTW, I've always wondered: should "Corvette" be capitalized?). I had the C(c?)orvette towed home using AAA one time. Thought I could fix it myself. Wrong. Called AAA to tow to my shop but they wouldn't do it. Said it was a "continuation" tow and they don't do that. Even us senior citizens learn something almost every day! Have a great week, Bill
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Since i flipped to geico years back i got the road side and have used it many times,
They always send a good flat bed and pretty good drivers,
They seem to get tgere quickly except for the time the 69 busted that rear strut, that took like 2 .5 hours but tge driver said the night was insane with calls....i like road side,
They always send a good flat bed and pretty good drivers,
They seem to get tgere quickly except for the time the 69 busted that rear strut, that took like 2 .5 hours but tge driver said the night was insane with calls....i like road side,
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,211
Likes: 64
From: Bocabec, New Brunswick
I just signed up for CAA and got coverage for RV as well since I tow a fifth wheel on occasion. I like that it covers me and not a vehicle so no matter which car I drive or even if I'm a passenger in someone else's car I can call for help. And during the promo period I got a free year for my son too.
OP, hey neighbour where in Milton are you?
OP, hey neighbour where in Milton are you?