Props to Roadside Assistance - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Mantis · 08-14-2006, 12:52 PM

While driving from Nashville to Atlanta last Thursday night, I got bit by road alligator on the interstate. Armed with nothing but a nearby exit number, the good fellow at 1-800-PORSCHE (Chris) ditched the computer and pulled out a paper map and was finally able to locate a local provider (read: towing company) and guide him in. Car and myself dropped off at house since dealer was closed and they picked me up in morning for trip to dealer and new tire. Only added 2 hours to the trip

Very good service despite the bad break. $11.00 for parts and labor on a new tire since I bought the insurance

. Unfortunately, the wheel was bent and the same plan does NOT cover bent rims. Had to take car 700 miles over the weekend for a round trip wedding but suffered no vibrations up to 120 mph.

Will still get wheel fixed when I get a few free days to research and price out...

Nasty alligator also took out 1 tire on one 18 -wheeler and TWO on another right behind me

.

No idea what we hit but it coulda been worse, the car handled great!

Norminhouston · 08-14-2006, 01:32 PM

I hit one of those alligators while doing about 70mph. Took out two plastic panels underneath and broke the rear diffuser. Nasty creatures.

z12358 · 08-14-2006, 01:38 PM

"$11.00 for parts and labor on a new tire since I bought the insurance"

Mantis, can you please provide some info on the insurance?
Thx.

blinkwatt · 08-14-2006, 01:41 PM

By "road alligators" do you guys mean those animals on Animal Planet?
If its any constilation I almost hit a washing machine that someone left in the middle of a street around a sharp turn. I can gaurentee the Boxster wouldn't have survived if I didn't see it.

redman12 · 08-14-2006, 01:51 PM

My first thought of seeing this thread, I thought it was a joke.

Mantis · 08-14-2006, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by z12358

"$11.00 for parts and labor on a new tire since I bought the insurance"

Mantis, can you please provide some info on the insurance?
Thx.

Will do Z -- on Saturday when I get back into town and can get you the information from my glove compartment

Basically, what I remember is, it was $580 for tire and wheel insurance on anything I hit on a public road that either caused a flat or cracked the rim (will get the details for ya). It lasts for 5 years or 50,000? miles whichever comes first and the tire needs to have some minimum tread depth.

One Michelin Pilot Sport tire costs $335; add the labor and the total bill came to $418, insurance picked up $407 of that.

So I only need one more flat and I will be ahead of the game!

PS. You might be wondering why I don't remember more details, but the dealer had me on file, and they processed the whole 'insurance' claim for me - it is with an independant company - so I was just worried about getting back on the road

RandallNeighbour · 08-14-2006, 02:53 PM

"...suffered no vibrations up to 120 mph"

Kinda throwing caution to the wind driving this fast with a known bent rim, arent' you?

Quote:

Originally Posted by blinkwatt

If its any constilation...

Are you seeing stars or did you mean "consolation"?

08-14-2006, 02:55 PM

Mantis:

Here is a potential link for your wheel replacement (I don't know the price):

http://www.wheelenhancement.com/index.php?t=WheelDetail&id=132

Mantis, why doesn't the insurance replace the wheel??

08-14-2006, 03:00 PM

Prices are (new):

Front (8") $725
Rear (9.5") $810

They might have a "take-off" for the front.

Mantis · 08-14-2006, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmussatti

Mantis:

Here is a potential link for your wheel replacement (I don't know the price):

http://www.wheelenhancement.com/index.php?t=WheelDetail&id=132

Mantis, why doesn't the insurance replace the wheel??

I will have to read the details on why the wheel was not replaced and I will post..However, thanks for the link, but I will not replace it, I will have it straightened by some wheel wizards - again I have to do some research on price but I got some good dope (Rail, for you, that means 'information') from some knowledgeable people that that was the way to go...

Mantis · 08-14-2006, 03:47 PM

[QUOTE=RandallNeighbour]"...suffered no vibrations up to 120 mph"

Kinda throwing caution to the wind driving this fast with a known bent rim, arent' you?

Ever hear the story about the turtle and the scorpion?
I used to fly military aircraft at high speed with known problems on the bird...what did the scorpion say? "It's my nature"