Concerns about MOA programs

[MrsKbasa]

I wanted to cross post this to see if we could get some anwers. Since I have not used these services, I was just wondering if others have had bad experiences, or were these isolated incidents:

These were from the R1150R board's main forum under a post BMW MOA member benefits

http://www.albany.net/~doug/r1150r/

I called to make a reservation at a Super 8 motel and the girl gave me a quote per nite of $49.95. I told her of my BMWMOA membership benefit and she paused for about 10 seconds and then said, "How about $47.95."

I bought the BMW MOA roadside assistance plan when I renewed recently. Unfortunately I had the chance to use it Saturday.
My 1100R transmission has turned to trash, 300 miles from home, on the side of a dark two lane road, rainy, getting dark.

It took 28 minutes to get the call completed. Then the wrecker (nine miles up the road) will be an hour to get there, and you have to wait with the bike. 1:45 late the wrecker company calls my cell phone and says that they cannot come until the morning. I have to get a ride and leave my bike on the side of the road.

I did get the ride and the bike is now in the shop, but I was very disappointed with the benefit.

[eljeffe]

Any roadside assistance program, whether it be BMW MOA's, AMA's MoTow, or even BMW's Cross Country plans, are subject to the weakest link in the chain -- the local towing contractor. The quality, and even competency, of these contractors varies from place to place, and you are subject to the "luck of the draw" when they are dispatched.

[Scotti]

I've had two experiences with Super 8: First case: Gatlinburg, TN - The lady at the counter said no discount without a reservation. I stood in the lobby, called the 800 number and got a reservation and the discount. Walked back to the counter and paid with the discount.

Second case: The guy behind the counter said no discount unless AAA or government employee, period!

I've not had to use roadside service, knock on wood.

[MarkF]

I've never used my Cross Country Roadside Assistance but from what I've heard or read over the years you will probably get better service by calling someone in the Anonymous book than any paid program. The handful of guys I know in the Anonymous book that live here in Southern Connecticut would do anything for a fellow rider.

MarkF

[sfdave]

I agree with others' assessment of BMW Crosscountry road side
assist. (great disappointment)

Only had one opp to use it (two months ago). Waited at side of road on the freeway in SF bay area. Called roadside assist., waited on hold for twenty minutes, then was transfered to USAA roadside assis, (more holding), told no record of my 2002 BMW. (yet they had my name) Then basicly told they could not help.

Thank god that Walnut Creek BMW was just closing. They sent out a truck to pick me up! (then the salesman bought me a drink! Now that's customer service :) )

my .02 on BMW roadside -
SF Dave

[Voni]

This is an excellent topic to be sharing. We need to talk about good and bad experiences so our staff can keep only the best benefits.

But, please note the difference between Cross Country - which is affiliated with BMW Motorcycles - and MoTow which is the BMW MOA plan.

There's lots more to Eric's story above but it's better told around a campfire ; )

Fun memory now.

Voni
sMiling


:wow

[fish]

Hi Voni :wave

[Rayment6239]

Cross Country - a terrible organization.

Got a policy, gratis, when I bought my '99 K1200LT.

Had to call 4 months later with a minor transmission problem. The truck arrived and said they could not pick up the bike since there was no place on the "dresser" to tie it down. After an hours worth of calls, they told me that a truck with the proper equipment could be there in the morning at 10:00 AM (16 hours later).

Fortunately, my dealer, FootHills BMW in Lakewood, CO, sent a mechanic on his way home. He was able to get a roadside repair done at no charge. I had to practically beat him to take some "beer" money.

Then I got stupid and renewed the policy early (I still don't know why!) in response to a mail offer. I never got a card or acknowledgement from them that I had coverage. I called, sent copies of the cancelled check. Literally went through hell and they never resolved the issue.

Their customer service is abysmal and I would encourage everyone to seek other alternatives.

My 2 cents.