katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,610 
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Post by katybee on Jun 21, 2017 15:13:57 GMT
Ok...stupid me, I left the dome light in my car on all night. Get up to leave this morning, and the battery is dead. I have AT&T roadside service on my phone, so I call them up, state very clearly that I need a JUMP, they say no problem, 30 minutes. Great. An hour later, the guy shows up. He has a huge tow truck. Asked me if I wanted to tow it,I said NO, I want a jump. Well, he cannot do a jump with this truck. He flags down the maintenance man from my complex who happened to be driving by in his golf cart. He asks the maintenance man to jump my car with his golf cart. The maintenance man is very uncomfortable and tries to explain he doesn't think his golf cart is charged enough. I am also very uncomfortable and tell the driver I can wait for another truck. The tow truck driver is very pushy and insists it is no big deal. So he hooks the golf cart up to my car (I had to show him how to get the battery cover off). I also have a keyless ignition, which really confused him. We try once, it doesn't work. He adjusts something. Tries again, there is a huge POP, but my car starts. I am immediately concerned that we hurt the golf cart. But the pushy driver insists it is OK. I am apologizing profusely to the maintenance man. He starts to drive off and the gold cart dies. Now the golf cart doesn't work, I'm sure my maintenance man has things to do, and he has to PUSH the golfcart back to the garage (a LONG ways away) in 90 degree heat. To be fair, the tow truck driver did offer to tie a rope to the golf cart and pull it back. My maintenance man said no, and I don't blame him. The tow truck driver insists that the golf cart battery is just dead and needs to be charged. He leaves me to put my car back together and drives off. I call AT&T, which is really just a 3rd party dispatcher in another state, and they keep me on hold for 45 minutes. Eventually a supervisor comes on and explains that it's the tow truck company that's liable, not them. The tow truck company turns out to be 2 months old, only has one Yelp review--one star and they damaged that guy's car. So I guess if the golf cart is permenantly damaged, and this tow company bails (like they did on the Yelp review guy) I am responsible. I am so upset. I am embarrassed, I am angry at "AT&T Roadside Service" and I am worried that I will have to pay to fox a golf cart.  |
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Post by SweetieBugs on Jun 21, 2017 15:22:37 GMT
That was terrible service, all the way around. Nothing positive about it, even the wait time!! So sorry that happened.
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,610
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Post by katybee on Jun 21, 2017 15:24:38 GMT
Ugh....after doing a little more research, I found a bunch of reviews under another company name--all one star. They have done so much damage, to cars, and other stuff (like knocked over some guy's neighbor's stone mailbox). There were lots of pictures, even of my tow truck driver. Yet, multiple Roadside Assistance companies use them (USAA, Allstate, State Farm). What's the point of having roadside assistance if you can't count on it? I'm so angry!
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blue tulip
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,049
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Post by blue tulip on Jun 21, 2017 16:09:51 GMT
Ugh....after doing a little more research, I found a bunch of reviews under another company name--all one star. They have done so much damage, to cars, and other stuff (like knocked over some guy's neighbor's stone mailbox). There were lots of pictures, even of my tow truck driver. Yet, multiple Roadside Assistance companies use them (USAA, Allstate, State Farm). What's the point of having roadside assistance if you can't count on it? I'm so angry! wow, that's horrible! why would At&T even contract out with this company?! |
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Jun 21, 2017 16:09:53 GMT
The maintenance man should have straight up refused him. I'm sure he agreed to it to be helpful to you so I don't blame you for feeling bad about it. What a crappy situation.
I think I might spend some of my time to try to reach the right person at your roadside assistance program about this company. It would be a service to all the other unsuspecting users who might be harmed by them.
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,610
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Post by katybee on Jun 21, 2017 16:15:06 GMT
The maintenance man should have straight up refused him. I'm sure he agreed to it to be helpful to you so I don't blame you for feeling bad about it. What a crappy situation. I think I might spend some of my time to try to reach the right person at your roadside assistance program about this company. It would be a service to all the other unsuspecting users who might be harmed by them. Oh...I have been. I have (politely, but very firmly) insisted that THEY need to reach out to my complex and apologize and find out what happened to the cart. They are going to call me back by 1 to tell me what happened. |
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Post by Darcy Collins on Jun 21, 2017 16:20:54 GMT
I don't think there's any accountability anymore with roadside assistance. All the companies contract it out and any issues become a finger pointing game. AAA left me stranded last summer in brutal heat. The wait was ridiculous, but of course there's nothing they can do as they're at the mercy of xyz towing company. I hope there's no damage to the golf cart.
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,610
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Post by katybee on Jun 21, 2017 16:21:16 GMT
Also...I'm going to push to make sure this company is dropped from AT&T's roadside service. Although I don't think it mattters. After doing a little more digging, it seems like AT&T's service is just BAD. They contract out to the cheapest, not best, service providers. And since so many other companies (USAA, Allstate, State Farm) use this same towing company, it seems they all choose cheap over quality. As a matter of fact, I would not be surprised if they all share the same 3rd party dispatch service. Bait and switch at it's finest.
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,610
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Post by katybee on Jun 21, 2017 16:22:21 GMT
I don't think there's any accountability anymore with roadside assistance. All the companies contract it out and any issues become a finger pointing game. AAA left me stranded last summer in brutal heat. The wait was ridiculous, but of course there's nothing they can do as they're at the mercy of xyz towing company. I hope there's no damage to the golf cart. Exactly! Think I'll save my $2.99 every month and just call my own tow truck next time. |
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Post by Really Red on Jun 21, 2017 17:19:15 GMT
Wow. I pay $8/car every six months for my kids to have Geico roadside assistance. Once they towed the car at least 40 miles. No complaint, no question, no bill. If you have Geico for insurance, I'd look into it $48/yr, it seems to me you should be able to get better insurance with your own insurance company, whatever it is. For me, I use AAA and love them. Also always speedy and no problems.
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,992
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Jun 21, 2017 17:19:53 GMT
I can't believe they even sent a tow truck. For dead batteries, they are supposed to send the guy in the car with the battery re-charger. I don't blame you for being so mad. That is ridiculous.
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quiltz
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,086
Location: CANADA
Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
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Post by quiltz on Jun 21, 2017 18:16:19 GMT
Also...I'm going to push to make sure this company is dropped from AT&T's roadside service. Although I don't think it mattters. After doing a little more digging, it seems like AT&T's service is just BAD. They contract out to the cheapest, not best, service providers. And since so many other companies (USAA, Allstate, State Farm) use this same towing company, it seems they all choose cheap over quality. As a matter of fact, I would not be surprised if they all share the same 3rd party dispatch service. Bait and switch at it's finest. I don't understand where the bait and switch part is. Exactly! Think I'll save my $2.99 every month and just call my own tow truck next time. What are you expecting for $2.99/month? Usually these 3rd party deals are always the cheapest and not the best. I have the ONSTAR and I will be towed to the nearest GM dealership. I have never had to use roadside, but a friend did and said that they came quickly and boosted her battery. Good luck with the outcome of the golf cart. |
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Post by maryland on Jun 21, 2017 18:24:07 GMT
We use AAA and they send someone who jump starts the car very quickly. He or she could also install a new batter if we would need that. We haven't had problems with AAA and we have had them a long time. Thanks for sharing your experience! That makes me want to stay away from AT&T.
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georgiapea
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,846
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Post by georgiapea on Jun 21, 2017 18:38:49 GMT
I've only had AAA road service and Good Sam. I've had road assistance by each of those and nothing like what happened to our OP has occured. I was unaware AT&T even offered a roadside assistance plan.
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ginacivey
Pearl Clutcher
refupea #2 in southeast missouri
Posts: 4,685
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Post by ginacivey on Jun 21, 2017 18:43:19 GMT
i hate that you had such a chaotic morning
i am surprised that people expect much from a $3 a month charge
I figured everyone called a friend to come jump them if their battery died
i have cables in my trunk - so i could get a jump just about anywhere
i'm not critiquing...just genuinely curious
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Jun 21, 2017 18:45:47 GMT
We have a Noco battery booster the kids gave us for Christmas. You charge it up and keep it on hand. We now keep it in the trunk when we go out of town. We have used it to charge a friends car when they were parked in a place that regular booster cables wouldn't reach safely. The booster pack takes up very little room and you don't need another car to use it. We have booster cables in each of our cars and I asked someone to boost my car at Walmart once.
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,610
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Post by katybee on Jun 21, 2017 19:13:14 GMT
i hate that you had such a chaotic morning i am surprised that people expect much from a $3 a month charge I figured everyone called a friend to come jump them if their battery died i have cables in my trunk - so i could get a jump just about anywhere i'm not critiquing...just genuinely curious I've had this roadside service as long as I've had my phone--so 10+ years. It's AT&T, so I thought it was good. Lesson learned. I also have jumper cables and, as a matter of fact, just gave someone a jump about a month ago. I could also change a tire if I had to.  But I was at home, and didn't want to ask anyone to leave work, or leave their kids to come give me a jump at 8am when my roadside service, which I trusted, could come in 30 minutes. It shouldn't have been difficult, it was a simple jump start. How could I have ever predicted it would go so wrong? And you know what? It shouldn't matter that it only cost $2.99 per month. Companies should be able to provide the service that they advertise: "Whether you’re the driver or the passenger, in your car or theirs, travel with peace of mind. Services include: Towing (for mechanical failures) Battery service / jump-start Flat-tire assistance Out-of-gas fuel delivery (up to three gallons, gas or diesel) Lockout assistance Key replacement" If they cannot provide said service, they should not offer it for that price. Simple. |
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,610
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Post by katybee on Jun 21, 2017 19:18:06 GMT
Exactly! Think I'll save my $2.99 every month and just call my own tow truck next time. What are you expecting for $2.99/month? I'm expecting them to provide the services that they advertise in a safe, courteous and professional manner. Nothing more. If they cannot, they should stop offering the service. |
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quiltz
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,086
Location: CANADA
Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
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Post by quiltz on Jun 21, 2017 19:36:46 GMT
What are you expecting for $2.99/month? I'm expecting them to provide the services that they advertise in a safe, courteous and professional manner. Nothing more. If they cannot, they should stop offering the service. What is the bait & switch part? |
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Jun 21, 2017 19:38:03 GMT
Personally, I think you should have refused to let the Tow Truck use the golf cart. I would have stood in front of the car, and block his way. You should have called roadside assistance back, and request that they someone out that had the capabilities to jump your battery.
I hope the maintenance man, doesn't get in trouble for allowing the use of the golf cart. I hope he isn't held liable for the repair costs.
I hope the complex, doesn't hold you financially responsible for repairs to the golf cart.
There are many pushy people in the world, is okay to tell them no. No, is a complete sentence.
You should have said, "No, not using the golf cart. I will call roadside assistance , again, and have them send someone who can provide a jump". I would have had my phone video on, for proof of golf cart refusal and subsequent conversation.
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,610
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Post by katybee on Jun 21, 2017 19:59:25 GMT
I'm expecting them to provide the services that they advertise in a safe, courteous and professional manner. Nothing more. If they cannot, they should stop offering the service. What is the bait & switch part? Because AT&T Roadside Service isn't AT&T at all. It's American Traveler's Motor Club. Not on my paperwork at all. Had to google to find that out. |
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,610
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Post by katybee on Jun 21, 2017 20:03:27 GMT
Personally, I think you should have refused to let the Tow Truck use the golf cart. I would have stood in front of the car, and block his way. You should have called roadside assistance back, and request that they someone out that had the capabilities to jump your battery. I hope the maintenance man, doesn't get in trouble for allowing the use of the golf cart. I hope he isn't held liable for the repair costs. I hope the complex, doesn't hold you financially responsible for repairs to the golf cart. There are many pushy people in the world, is okay to tell them no. No, is a complete sentence. You should have said, "No, not using the golf cart. I will call roadside assistance , again, and have them send someone who can provide a jump". I would have had my phone video on, for proof of golf cart refusal and subsequent conversation. I said no. I said I would wait for another truck. He didn't want to listen to me. He didn't want to lose his fee. It's really easy to say "Well, I would have/should have..." after the fact. Not so easy to do when it's happening. My maintenance man was pressured into doing it. That's how pushy this guy was... ETA: if there is damage to the golf cart, I will pay if I cannot get the tow company to. |
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,975
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Jun 21, 2017 20:12:48 GMT
Ugh....after doing a little more research, I found a bunch of reviews under another company name--all one star. They have done so much damage, to cars, and other stuff (like knocked over some guy's neighbor's stone mailbox). There were lots of pictures, even of my tow truck driver. Yet, multiple Roadside Assistance companies use them (USAA, Allstate, State Farm). What's the point of having roadside assistance if you can't count on it? I'm so angry! I would be too. That's ridiculous! |
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ginacivey
Pearl Clutcher
refupea #2 in southeast missouri
Posts: 4,685
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Post by ginacivey on Jun 21, 2017 20:24:06 GMT
do you know if the golf cart was gas or electric?
i'm betting it was electrical and the jump really drained the battery
if it had fried the battery the golf cart wouldn't have even started out on the trip back
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Deleted
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Aug 18, 2025 19:45:40 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 21, 2017 20:33:13 GMT
The thing about using roadside service from an auto insurance provider versus acell phone provider - the car insurance company has a lot better and more vested relationship with their customers and they know a heck of a lot more about automobiles. Insurance companies solve problems. AT&T provides a service. This is a distinct advantage in how a business will address a customer issue.
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,610
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Post by katybee on Jun 21, 2017 20:33:59 GMT
do you know if the golf cart was gas or electric? i'm betting it was electrical and the jump really drained the battery if it had fried the battery the golf cart wouldn't have even started out on the trip back It's electric. I'm hoping it just needed to be charged. But still--my maintenance man was working. And he couldn't do whatever he was on his way to do because he had to push the golf cart back to the garage and then wait for it to charge. The tow company, at the very least, owes him an apology. (I apologized already, and am sending him cookies from a local bakery tomorrow). |
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,610
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Post by katybee on Jun 21, 2017 20:35:46 GMT
The thing about using roadside service from an auto insurance provider versus acell phone provider - the car insurance company has a lot better and more vested relationship with their customers and they know a heck of a lot more about automobiles. Insurance companies solve problems. AT&T provides a service. This is a distinct advantage in how a business will address a customer issue. It seems a lot of insurance companies use the same company AT&T does--this American Motor Traveler's Club. I want to find a service that does it themselves instead of farming it out... |
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AmeliaBloomer
Drama Llama
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Jun 26, 2014 5:01:45 GMT
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Post by AmeliaBloomer on Jun 21, 2017 21:51:41 GMT
Oddly enough, I had a dead battery this morning. I don't work in the summer and everybody I knew was at work, so I called the roadside assistance through Geico. They estimated 75 minutes but arrived in 40 minutes. The guy was super nice. Took two minutes. We chatted for a while about my plan to buy an electric car, he made some recommendations, I gave him a bottle of Bai, and off he went.
Related yet strange: a few months ago I pulled over on the way home from work to help a guy who was stranded with a dead battery on a busy street near my house. Long story longer: he turned out to be psychotic and got so angry at my hybrid car (which he didn't understand and accused it and me of further draining his battery) that I walked away and called the police because I was afraid to walk past the guy to get back into my car while he was screaming at me. Police came; cop knows Livid Man; calls his family to come collect him; police officer holds the guy back as I got into my car and drove away.
The whole encounter took more than an hour. Fortunately, the experience really affected my willingness to be a Good Samaritan…or to even ask a stranger for a jump. So roadside assistance it is. I hope your next experience with them will be more like mine was this morning.
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,025
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Jun 21, 2017 22:02:47 GMT
Sorry you had a bad experience. We have USAA and have used roadside service several times with no issues. They are in pretty close contact via phone/text after my initial call until the driver arrives. Afterward we get a call to provide feedback regarding service. If your provider is not listening to your feedback that would be a huge red flag to me.
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Post by busy on Jun 21, 2017 22:25:11 GMT
That sucks. I'm sorry for the hassles. Do yourself a favor and get a portable jump starter and never have to deal with that grief again. We have this one in both of our cars and have used them multiple times (mostly for other people) and it's fantastic. Plus it's quite small, so very convenient to keep in the car. I set a reminder in my task manager to charge them quarterly so they're always ready to go. We have roadside assistance through USAA and while they do use a third party to provide the services, the name of the company is not the one you listed (It's Ajera or something like that.) We've used it several times and the service has always been quite good. |
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But I was at home, and didn't want to ask anyone to leave work, or leave their kids to come give me a jump at 8am when my roadside service, which I trusted, could come in 30 minutes. It shouldn't have been difficult, it was a simple jump start. How could I have ever predicted it would go so wrong? 
