State Farm road assistance sucks and broken.

[lutronjim]

Pardon rant

I was going to NC from Atlanta going merrily alone ga400 when my truck shut off. Coasted to a turnoff ramp.

I tried to call State Farm road service and waited and waited for operator. I don't remember details but I got a Voice response system which answered with a menu that 1 was for a tow. Pressed 1 and it said it was an invalid response after several tries it took it. It then said I would receive a text message with a link and would use GPS to get my location. I got the message and clicked the link. It brought up a web page and I navigated to a page that had an icon to click for a tow. I clicked and it went away - no response.

I thought that odd and called back and suffered through the long wait to get a person. She checked and, sure enough, no record. She said she would set it up and wanted a mile marker - could not see one but I knew the name of street where I was off Ga 400. It took her a long time to finally find my location.

I got a text message from the system that gave me wrecker company and appox wait time of 1 to 1 3/4 hours damn - at least I was where there was some shade - many storm clouds but just sprinkles.

After 2 hours I looked up wrecker co number and dialed - Version said bad number redial. Called girl friend and she got same result on ll.

Called agent got admen and she would look into it. I waited quite a while and called back and got agent and said to cancel I would get my own wrecker.

While I was waiting again I kept getting system text msgs and finally a real person called and said he was working on it but the wrecker co wasn't answering phone. This seemed to me a lie maybe because it was disconnected . I told him don't bother I might get a lawyer.

If you happen to need a wrecker near Dawsonvile Ga - call K&K 706-429-0277. Prompt service, great equipment and reasonable.

[1971 K10 shortbox]

That’s not uncommon for State Farm roadside assistance. A little over a month ago, I had a flat tire, it was rainy and cold. I didn’t feel like getting out to change the tire in the rain, thought I never use the roadside assistance, so I call the State Farm number. I did get to speak to someone right away, she said she would send someone out. After I hung up I received a text that said it would be 1-1/2 hours, 2 hours later the guy showed up in a Ford Escape, couldn’t figure out how to lower the tire, and said it would need to be towed, then he got back in his escape and left. I called State Farm back and told them, they contacted the company and the guy told them the lug nuts were stripped. I said that’s funny because he never even touched the lug nuts. I asked them to send somebody who wasn’t stupid. Same thing another text, 1-1/2 wait, guy shows up, this time in a flat bed tow truck, I am thinking good a professional. Well, never speak too soon. I seen him fumbling around to lower the tire, walked to the back of the truck, where I observed him stick the wrong end of the tool into the hole to lower the tire. I explained to him that was the wrong end, and he said he knew what he was doing. That he couldn’t lower the tire and I would need to be towed. I said fine, you have a flatbed, load it up. He said he wasn’t authorized. I told him don’t go anywhere, I will call State Farm and get you authorized. He got in his truck and left. I have now been sitting there for over 4 hours. I call State Farm and tell them just send a tow. She says no problem, that it would be an hour and a half. I said an hour and a half, to which she replied that’s standard wait time sir. I said what about the 4 hours I have already been waiting with the first 2 idiots, was that standard? So by now I am a little upset, I am sitting there waiting for tow truck #3, I said the hell with it. Got out and changed the tire myself, had no problems lowering the tire, no stripped lug nuts. Threw the spare in the bed and decided I am wet and pissed off, I am going home. Went to start the truck, DEAD BATTERY from the flasher being on all day. we’ll now I have to wait for tow truck #3, he arrives, I tell him the day I have had, and that I just need a jump now. He says ok, just let me charge up my box. I am thinking charge your box? WTF? So as we are waiting for the box to charge he says to me what was the last guys name, I look it up on my caller ID and he says, yeah, that guy is an idiot, he works for our company. Finally jump box charged, he hooks it up and……nothing. It’s not charged enough to jump the truck. I said just put your jumper cables on it so I can go home. He says, well I don’t have cables, of course I didn’t either because they were in my diesel. I said just tow me home. Sure he says, how far, I reply 3 miles. So if you keeping track, I am now home and a flat tire has taken 3 tow drivers and 6-1/2 hours.
A half hour after I got home State Farm calls and asked if I would like to take a survey on their roadside assistance program. 😏

[lil hoodlum]

Wow guys. Incredible stories. I have State Farm, thank you for the heads up. I know in the future to not bother with them.

6 1/2 hours waiting and 3 miles from home... I would be a little more than upset.

[CG]

AAA hasn't let me down yet, courteous and informed call center, quick service from the folks they send out. Unfortunately I've had to use them more than a couple of times lol.

I have State Farm, but not their roadside assistance.

[rcrahn]

I can relate to both of the above storys. Without getting into a ton of detail here's mine. I was a AAA Premium member for 30+ years. Thinking I could save some money I asked my state farm agent about their roadside assistance. She fills me in and like a dummy I say sure, sign me up.
A couple months go by and I have this wonderful 3 day weekend planned to celebrate my wife's birthday. We were going to view the gardens at a local historic home then drive to Paso Robles for 2 days of wine tasting. We take her 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with 2.0 turbo. Just a couple miles from our 1st stop while on the highway the check engine light starts flashing, chimes are ringing and I feel a sudden power loss, it goes into limp mode. So I call the dealer's service director who I know real well and he has a very serious tone, says don't drive it, get it towed here and we will look into it. Well, I call State Farm Roadside assistance. After much fiddle farting around it takes at least 3 calls and 1.5 hours before a truck shows up. The response from State Farm sucked. I canceled the coverage as the wife insisted going back to AAA.
As for the Santa Fe, the engine was tested and it failed due to excessive vibration (bad main bearings) so at 59,000 the Santa Fe got a new engine. Caught a glimpse of the bill and it was around $5,400. All covered under warranty. Including the free use of a loaner EV car for 2 weeks.
So yea, State Farm sucks.....same goes for Hyundai 2.0T engines

[Stocker]

Not what I wanted to hear.... We were with The Hartford (AARP) for several years, and our last renewal a couple years ago had a larger-than-normal price jump. No claims, no explanations, so I started shopping around.
Ended up with State Farm, one of the few to offer fire coverage on homes here. Also just about the only one with a reputable, well-staffed local office.

If my luck holds, I will never need their road service. I have never needed road service in 50-some years, and I hope that continues.

[FleetsidePaul]

I don't like State Farm either. I dumped them years ago and got Mercury which isn't much better. But I can't say much because I've never had to file a claim.

I use AAA for roadside assistance. They have always been great and usually get there faster than promised. They even picked up my hearse when it conked out and it's a really big car. I wasn't sure if it would fit. But it was loaded on a truck in 20 minutes.

My wife called AAA when our 2015 Corvette wouldn't start. It had power but wouldn't crank at all. She was at work and got the maintenance guys to look at it. No one could figure it out.

The AAA guy came out. Looked inside. Put the car in park and it fired right up. She had left it in reverse when she parked it.

Did I mention that my wife is a blonde.

[special-K]

what a ridiculous excuse for roadside "assistance". I haven't used it in years. I would always call the local tow company nearest my house directly because they come right out and I always want my truck hauled home, which means they are back to their shop ready for the next call in whatever direction. Then I would send the bill to my insurance company for reimbursement. The last time or two, as I recall, they started giving me greif for doing it that way. Said I had to call them and the tow is to the nearest shop. Nope, sorry, my vehicle can't be sitting on some lot full of tools for the hock shop. The truck needs to get home to a secure location where I will fix it with my tools

[61_FL_Apache]

The trick I have learned with AAA, not that you want to be in danger, but it you are they move faster. If you are safe at home waiting for your vehicle to be towed to a shop, you will wait for days.

[67C10Step]

Wow, good stories and unfortunately seems consistent. I don't have a State Farm story as I dropped them many years ago but I can tell you if your vehicle you rented from Enterprise konks out on you they are more worried about their vehicle than you. They will not arrange for you to get to the closest Enterprise facility to exchange but they will make you wait with their vehicle until the tow truck arrives and leave you standing on the side of the interstate if you don't have a ride arranged.
I'll not give the gory details but all this played out with my family and I last December just outside Atlanta on the side of I75. Fortunately, the vehicle started after 45 minutes on the side of the interstate (Infinity QX80) and we were able to drive the 20 minutes to the closest Enterprise (which was fortunate) who were supposed to know we were coming but were not. They were somewhat reluctant to help us but did get us another vehicle. Oh yeah, the tow company called and told us they were on the way - four hours later.

[Ol Blue K20]

I don't think "Jake" from State Farm likes this thread!!

[The Rocknrod]

Wow great stories. I've had AAA for over 30 years and have used them in the middle of nowhere driving across country. They never let me down, of course I have premiere and rv.

[BigBird05]

I worked for a locksmith company that subcontracted out for road side assistance. We did door unlocking, out of gas calls and jump starting (from a box). All of the insurance companies just hire the cheapest service that they can.

[Barnfind46]

I had the same experience with Allstate roadside assistance. My son broke down and was on our insurance. I called and got disconnected three times. Went home and got the '68 and flatbed. The trailer was hard to get to in the back yard. That is why I called them. I got him home and called my agent the next day to have roadside removed. Want it done right ya gotta do it your self!

[Rich84]

Insurance Company roadside assistance sucks. I have several of the same 3-4 hour can't get the spare down, guy shows up in Ford Escort scaring the crap out of my daughter stories as everyone else. Both my kids have used it multiple times from a couple of different companies. They moved 3 hours away so Daddy can't be running to help.

[Sheepdip]

AAA Roadside Assistance hands down....it also has it's moments, but some of my friends can tell you horror stories of "Brand X"

[truckin 79]

I have State Farm and luckily have not had to use it. I guess it is a good thing from the sounds of it. Not trying to hijack thread but what do you guys carry now in case of a flat tire or tires. Does that green slime stuff work? I have a spare under the 79 but the hold down screw is fairly rusty, I should work on that and actually replacing it. The spare has not been used since my dad owned it like 20 years now. The term spare tire is in name only, it is so bald and old it might as well collect medicare lol. I do not take truck on to long of drives maybe 1 hour both ways but I am looking on going on some junkyard road trips soon. I dont what to get stuck on the side of the road with the 79 2 or 3 hours away from home.

[Thealien]

Safety seal kit and a cheap 12 volt compressor. And a phone and credit card.

I have had to wait a couple hours for AAA a couple of times. A tow out of pocket can quickly add up.

['68OrangeSunshine]

I have Roadside Rescue from Verizon, billed on my cell phone. Costs me $3 a month. Turns out they use Allstate. My Stepside is insured with Allstate, but to have the same service thru the insurance provider would cost me $7 a month. Go figure.
They take the usual 90 minutes to 2 hours. Most roadside gripes occur during rush hour, as per Murphy's Dictum.
Last time I needed it was last summer, about 6 PM, but still 100* outside. My clutch was going out, and I limped in to the Circle K, a local quickie mart chain. I was told a 2 hour wait. After being there long enough to go in the store get a popsicle, quart of chilled water, and use the head -- the headers had cooled off enough for me to slip under and check it out. The piece they call a ''Pivot Nut'' [not a nut, but a wedge sheped bit that links the Clutch Rod with the Clutch Fork] had cracked in 2, after only 52 years as a daily driver. (I later found half of it in the crotch of a header collector.) I decided I could run down the adjusting nuts to the clutch fork directly and get home. It worked. I ran it that way for a month until I got the right part from a vendor.
Another time, also after work in rush hour traffic, my '71 GMC Jimmy 4x4, stopped dead a a traffic lightk, Downtown. This truck has had a dead gas gauge since I bought it, so I figured the log info was wrong, and it was out of gas. Called Roadside Rescue. They sent a guy out within the 90 minutes with 3 gallons of regular [no extra charge]. Alas, it still would not start.The fuel pump was KO, so I had to wait another 2 hours for a real tow home. If I'd just had it towed the first time, I'd have saved some stress. But who can know?

[Warrens69GMC]

AAA is the best EXCEPT in the sticks or very little population. Aaa should have had you on a flatbed in 30 min or less, just $55 a year......

[FleetsidePaul]

Originally Posted by Warrens69GMC

AAA is the best EXCEPT in the sticks or very little population. Aaa should have had you on a flatbed in 30 min or less, just $55 a year......

True. But if you're on the side of the road way out in the sticks your phone probably won't work.

Lots of places around here where you have to run around waving your phone around like you're on some kind of weird drug to find a spot that gets a signal.

[Killer Bee]

USAA insurance + AAA premier rv roadside

low cost, excellent coverage, top service

[GOPAPA]

Friends just used AAA this last week end ,, travel trailer tire blew out . it was a Sunday and ,,AAA took care of it and found a place for a tire and wheel and got them on the road again in around 3 hours .

I think I heard that if you have AAA and are in another vehicle owned not by you ,,they still will take care of you by way of a pull to a garage that can fix the problems you are having (road side service )

[richard2717]

Originally Posted by GOPAPA

I think I heard that if you have AAA and are in another vehicle owned not by you ,,they still will take care of you by way of a pull to a garage that can fix the problems you are having (road side service )

True. We were out to dinner with my grown kids. After we finished eating my daughter could not find her keys. After searching all over it was found she left them in the ignition and locked the doors. I have AAA in case the wife breaks down when I am out of town so got her to call them. They were there 30 minutes later and popped the door open. Only time I have ever used it but it paid for itself 1st call

[mr.mud1]

Originally Posted by GOPAPA

Friends just used AAA this last week end ,, travel trailer tire blew out . it was a Sunday and ,,AAA took care of it and found a place for a tire and wheel and got them on the road again in around 3 hours .

I think I heard that if you have AAA and are in another vehicle owned not by you ,,they still will take care of you by way of a pull to a garage that can fix the problems you are having (road side service )

yes sir,you guys are correct.i retired from CAA a litle over a year ago,CAA is the Canadian version of your AAA.these stories about poor service are hard to read,worse to go through.CAA/AAA keep stats on everything,that's why you usually get a survey after you've received service.it's all broken down into clubs,CAA Atlantic where i worked is one of them,AAA Texas or Auto Club of So Cal or CAA Ontario and on and on.there are over a 100 of these "clubs" and they use those stats for lots of purposes but they develop a scoring of all the clubs in North America and come up with a ranking.i'm proud that we were always in the top 10 on the continent and twice during the years i worked there,# 1.one of the benefits,as mentioned,you can be a member and travelling with someone who isn't,in their car or truck,have it break down and the member can call for service and we would come help.your coverage also covers you anywhere in North America.you can be from Ohio,as was the case with friends of ours,here travelling around Nova Scotia on the Harley's.my friend's bike with the new at that time,fly by wire throttle,broke down on the Cabot Trail.we limped back to the hotel we were staying at for the night.he was a AAA member,called CAA for help,they sent a deck truck and took my buddy Bob,his wife and broken bike to the Harley dealer which was several hours away.repairs made,never cost a nickle.on the road again.i had a case a couple years ago when a call came across the radio about a priority call for a child locked in a car and it was August and a 100 degree's,i asked where it was,i wasn't far so told the dispatcher to put the call on me and i headed that way.when the call arrived on my screen,i recognized the member's name.when i arrived,my buddy,who was this guys neighbour, ran down to the truck,another guy was running around the yard having a fit.my buddy Brian explained to me what was going on.the guy put the kid in the baby seat in a brand new Buick rental from Enterprise.he went around to get in the car,it was locked.he called his wife who was a cop,she was on the way home to get in the car one way or the other.my friend heard the commotion,came over to see,called CAA after the guy called Enterprise to see what they could do for him,nothing.they called On-Star cause they can unlock the car with a push of a button on the keyboard back at the call center,in Texas i think it is but they wouldn't cause Enterprise didn't buy the On-Star service.they told him,if he wanted to buy the On-Star service,they'd unlock the car??i was in the car in 10 or 15 seconds,momma pulled into the yard in her cruiser just in time to see her baby get out of the car.everybody was fine.i never had CAA until i went to work there,now i wouldn't be without out.