QuestionHas a winter storm here in PA Tues. On Wed while driving to class, I had to make a decision, hit the car in front of me or aim for the driveway at an angle on my right. I chose the latter and struck a stone light pole.
My car was not drivable and awaited the state police. The trooper asked if I had a choice for a towing company, I said yes. Once the local company showed up with a flatbed, he told me to call AAA and have them put it in so that it would save me money. I thought, how nice of him. He then tells me to wait in the truck with him if I like. I get in and ask him what we are waiting for. He said that he was waiting for another truck because he was in a bad position to get my jeep.
We wait for about an hour, and he was like, "This is gonna cost ya" I thought he was kidding. The othher guy shows up and asks me, "You mean he couldn't pull in this driveway and do this?" I told him I did not know how the towing thing worked actually.
He pulled me out on the driveway and then the other guy loaded me on the flatbed. When we get the car to the shop, the shop owner shows me a towing bill of $300 for 2 trucks. AAA supposeldly only covered the other truck in route (I think). Why should I have to pay for two trucks, esp when the 2nd driver was upset that the other guy wasn't able to do his job. Should I complain or are they justified? Or should I call AAA to complain? I have to AAA Platinum service w/ 100 free towing miles.
AnswerWell I am going to go on a bit of a "RANT" here first.
First of all AAA the all mighty cover it all program is a
"EMERGENCY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM"
By definition that is changing flat tires, jump starting vehicles with dead batteries, unlocking vehicles, bringing gas to vehicles, and simple other repairs..
Second your auto insurance covers claims (when you have full coverage insurance) for collision related incidents (accidents, going in the ditch and the like)
Now as a general rule, flatbed tow trucks are not designed for recovery work (in fact only one manufacturer rates theirs for recovery work) but are designed to get the vehicle from point A to point B.
I am not sure but the other truck most likely is generically called a tow truck like the flatbed, but it really is a recovery truck. Which means it has winches and an elevating boom which allow it to perform more advanced recovery operations. A flatbed can do basic recovery but when dealing with ditches and such it really becomes safer with a recovery truck.
Now, as to the charges for both trucks, well both of them were used and as such can be charged for. AAA does cover recovery work at times, subject to each Clubs policy (there are many different clubs and policies about what is covered or not.
Now another issue is the second truck driver asked about the ability of the flatbed driver, well not every tow truck driver is trained to the maximum skill levels, and as such some times unneeded trucks and equipment are called for.
Plus at times the potential for further damage can be to great with some operations.
Now since it is an accident, you can contact your insurance company about this issue if you have full coverage (that was your choice as to what degree of risk you want to cover)
AAA, on the other hand might help you a bit with this but I am not sure they will do much... It all goes back to if it is an insurance claim...
Now one good thing with the AAA coverage is that you can also submit the tow bills to them and see if they will reimburse some of the money back that you had to pay out.
But in a nutshell the answer is that AAA is not always the answer to covering everything that happens, even thought they make it out to be the answer.
Hope this helped, if not feel free to ask more.
