AAA Motorcycle Towing: Tested & Failed

Last month I reported that was thrilled that AAA had reinstated its motorcycle insurance policy and towing service (for mc's covered by AAA). When I changed over, I mistakenly thought that my AAA Plus 100-mile towing service covered any vehicle I was in, but no, yesterday I found out the hard way that it only applies to cars. Motorcycles get towed to anyplace within 5 miles or the nearest possible location.
   But that's only part of the story. There I was, stuck on Ridge Road up at Mt Tam for a couple of hours (could have been worse) while I and a friend at home with a land line repeatedly got put on hold, told that AAA doesn't do motorcycle towing, referred us to wrong 800 numbers, or got cut off. Finally he phoned Corte Madera Tow, and Bill picked me up in a huge flatbed. (Thanks, Bill! Thanks Jacques, for calling Bill!)
   Today a AAA supervisor admitted that their staff needed further training so that they know that some members actually do have motorcycle insurance with them, and apologized that the rep that sold me the motorcycle insurance did not specify that my AAA Plus membership with 100-mile towing service did not apply to my motorcycle.
   I don't know who has the best motorcycle insurance policy, with decent towing. AMA's MoTow program will get your mc towed up to 35 miles. And would have probably gotten help to me faster. But then I wouldn't have witnessed the fog rolling over the bay and into the Mt. Tam foothills. Very lovely. Very Zen.
   Any suggestions appreciated, as I'm ready for another change.

Comments

[jodene]

Does California AAA offer a Plus RV program?

Here's the excerpt from the WA AAA website for the Plus RV package:

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AAA Plus RV includes all Basic and AAA Plus services as well as the following services:

100 miles of towing

For eligible recreational vehicles, which include motorhomes, travel and boat trailers, cars, vans, pickups with campers, and motorcycles.

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We've had this policy for the past several years and have had our motorcycle towed many times. Our last ride last season ended in an 80 mile tow -- where we were given the choice of which town in a 100 mile radius we wanted to be towed too.

Good luck!

[Bill Walker]

I've heard many positive reports about KOA's towing coverage. See http://www.koa.com/rvroadhelp/, which, among other things, says "Unlimited Towing to the nearest capable service provider". The cited page is short on details, which used to be available online, but the picture at the top of the page does show a motorcycle. KOA's plan considers it an RV.

Ah, here's a page with more details from the actual provider: http://www.allstatemotorclub.com/amc/faces/app/member_services/plans/plans.jspx

BTW, what's it say on your AAA card? Mine says "RV/Motorcycle Plus". Is that the same thing that failed you?

[Robert Fernandes]

I have my insurance policy with Progressive. It's specific for motorcycles and I was assured that the providers are adequately equipped to tow motorcycles. That God my Kawa Vulcan never needed this kind of help!

[Eric Schimmel]

The Mid-Atlantic region enjoys the 24/7 services of Independent M/C Transport (301-946-5412) who does the towing for nearly all the areas shops and clubs. These are true bikers on a mission to support the riding of all. They except most roadside programs from what I've heard. But I do know as a fact they are the BEST.

[Eric Schimmel]

The Mid-Atlantic region enjoys the 24/7 services of Independent M/C Transport (301-946-5412) who does the towing for nearly all the areas shops and clubs. These are true bikers on a mission to support the riding of all. They except most roadside programs from what I've heard. But I do know as a fact they are the BEST.

[Clyde Parrish]

I work for a company that services literally dozens of companies that provide roadside assistance to their members & many include motorcycles. Some of those companies are even mentioned in some of the postings I’ve seen here. The truth is that it's not AAA or AMA or RescuePlus that drops the ball but it's finding a tow company that can &/or WILL take a bike tow and that can be just the luck of the draw. I have had excellent service in some of the most remote areas of the country but I have also had miserable luck in or near metropolitan areas.
Every company will tell you they have "Thousands" of providers but the reality is that thousands of cycle towers DO NOT EXIST! (Do some homework in your own town & see how many tow companies can or will tow a Hog.) I recommend carrying spare tire in a can, some cash & a LOT of patience.
I drive a bike too so I know what you are up against but believe me, just because someone had a good experience with company ABC, or company XYZ says they have 7000 providers, neither is a sign of what you may experience when your turn comes to need a tow. I sincerely wish I had something better to say but I have been dispatching for cycles all year now & whether it is with our own providers or ANY provider in a given area, getting a cycle towed is not to be expected right off the bat.
When you map out your trip, don’t rely on what your carrier (AAA & Such) says, do some calling ahead of time to the dealers in the areas you are going to & ask THEM who they use. Most will only have 1 or 2 recommendations if that, because as I said, there are NOT thousands of Tow Companies that tow motorcycles. (Typically trailers being towed by the bike are also covered on the “policy” but the reality is even more hit & miss that the cycle tows!)

[Ruth Mcdonald]

I have had AAA Plus RV for 10 years now. I have traveled on my bike from Houston, TX to as far as N.C. to the East and CO to the West. I have NEVER had any problem with AAA and towing. I do advise them I am on a bike and insist on a flat bed tow truck. I have not had the occasion to be towed since AAA introduced the AAA Premire. I do hope the addition of this service has not effected my service.

[Dan]

Always talk to local motorcycle dealerships and see if there are any motorcycle towing specialists in your area. A service manager at the BMW shop in scottsdale arizona turned me on to Precision Motorcycle Towing and I've used them about 5 times in the last 2 years - they just make it that easy.

[Dan]

Always talk to local motorcycle dealerships and see if there are any motorcycle towing specialists in your area. A service manager at the BMW shop in scottsdale arizona turned me on to Precision Motorcycle Towing and I've used them about 5 times in the last 2 years - they just make it that easy. (sorry for the edit - it had a bad link in the other post)

[Mike]

I have AAA (ACA) and have had good luck. I will say that I am prepaired with my own emergency soft tie loops (made from parashoot cord0. The tow truck drivers are not always familiar with motorcycles and I make sure I supervise the tiedown. If I don't like what I see, I make them change things around.

[Philip]

CC Rider Tow
162 Clara St
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 334-8697

for any Bay Area location, good guys. I have rarely found that any of the generic (AAA, BMW Roadside Assistance, etc.) services are all they are cracked up to be. Since flats are far and away the biggest cause of stranding, carry a Stop&Go plugger.

[Neil]

I am tow operator out of Winchester VA, we serve frederick, Clarke, Loudoun and Fairfax Counties in Northern Virginia and yes we tow bikes local or long distance, on a flat bed or wheel lift strapped right towed right.
703 980 7322 from 3pm to 3 am
We are one of very few tow-ers for AAA in Nova to tow bikes.