Why I Switched Back to AAA
I was talking to a coworker about towing coverage and recalled a Facebook post from February 2015. I parked my 1993 Miata outside of a dry cleaner in Brentwood, Missouri, ran in to drop off some sweaters, and came back to a car with frozen locks. When I called, Geico refused to help on a ridiculous technicality.
*ring ring ring*
Geico Roadside Assist: “How can I help you?”
“I’m locked out of my car.”
Geico: “Sorry to hear that. Is the key in the vehicle?”
“No, it’s in my pocket. I went to a car wash and now my locks are frozen. I brought my dog with me to quickly drop off some dry cleaning, locked the doors, and he’s inside the car.”
Geico: “I’m sorry but we don’t cover frozen locks.”
“Why not? What’s the point of roadside service then?”
Geico: “We only cover lockouts when the key is left in the car.”
“I DRIVE A CONVERTIBLE. I CAN JUST SHOVE THE KEY IN THE CAR THROUGH THE RUBBER SEAL AND THEN YOU GUYS CAN COME UNLOCK IT. THE PROCEDURE IS THE SAME EITHER WAY. YOU SNAKE A ROD BETWEEN THE GLASS AND ROOF AND UNLATCH IT FROM INSIDE.”
Geico: “I’m so sorry and I understand why you would be frustrated. It’s just that…”
“YOU ARE A TERRIBLE PERSON. IF MY DOG DIES IT’S YOUR FAULT.”
[long pause] “I’m sorry, you’re very nice. I’m just annoyed at the absurdity of the policy which you obviously don’t control. Take care.”
I walked to Dierbergs (a St Louis-area grocery chain) next door, bought a spray bottle of deicer, and was back on the road in 30 seconds. I promptly switched back to AAA.
Yes, your insurance company, auto lender, or warranty provider may offer you discounted coverage, but AAA works on any vehicle you happen to be driving and won’t leave your beagle in the parking lot on a 20-degree day.
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