Complaint Review: Choki

I did read the policy before purchasing a Good Sam Roadside Auto Assistance membership.  Having used AAA previously, I checked to see what their towing miles limit was.  It didn't say there was a towing limit.  What it did say is they would tow to the "nearest" repair facility, and that the maximum is 5 times limit per year.  

I realize now the implications of what that meant.  One cold night around Thanksgiving, I broke down in a town 35 miles from home, two towns away.  No problem, I have Roadside services, I thought...  First, the dispatcher couldn't find "Elk Grove, CA", only Elk Grove, Chicago".  She needed to know the zip code of the town I was stuck in.  (Note to self) I was supposed to memorize the zip code prior to breaking down.  Finally, after being on hold for awhile (did I mention it was cold), she came on the line and concluded Elk Grove, CA didn't exist in her computer.  

Nevertheless, she told me I could only be towed one mile to some garage I never heard of, and on a street I never heard of.  I told her she was probably sending me to (A) Chicago, or (B) a garage nearby on the rough side of town.  Either way, I argued it wasn't safe or acceptable to be there.  Too bad, she said.  Okay then, you can pick a garage but only within a one mile radius.  She made a power play over me; I was helpless and not in a position to negotiate.  I realized then that I made a serious mistake purchasing this membership, and it wasn't worth arguing that my safety comes first.  I took back the initiative, I told her her this policy was worthless,  and cancelled the call.  I finally contacted a friend to come pick me up.  I made my own tow truck arrangements out of my pocket, and cancelled my membership the next day.  Ladies, if you have Good Sam Roadside Assistance, you  may be putting your safety at risk if your car breaks down.