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Car trouble anyone?

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Access

I had such an interesting afternoon of showing houses!  Took my clients to a few homes one of which they really liked.  As we left the last house, I got in my car, checked my phone, organized my paperwork and got ready to take off to my house to get dinner started.  Insert car key, turn......nothing.  Must have been a fluke so I try again, and again, and again...same result.

 picture courtesy of: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/youmeus/learnit/learnitv44.shtml

It is confirmed my car battery is D-E-A-D.  By this time, my clients are long gone and I am all alone with a dead battery in a car that is quickly becoming oven-like.  That is when I remembered that there is a number on the back of our Texas Driver's License...it is a Roadside Assistance number (800-525-5555)!  I wasn't sure exactly what kind assistance would be offered but I thought it was worth a shot.  I called.

The very nice lady informed me that had I been on a Texas Highway I would have been in luck!  Unfortunately, my car battery decided to die in a residential neighborhood.  She did give me the number of the SAPD helpline.  I called that number, again...I was not technically in San Antonio, I was in Schertz.  The SAPD helpline gave me the number of the Schertz PD helpline.  On this call, I was told that they would be happy to send a wrecker to help me.  Ten minutes later, a very nice gentleman from Roadrunner Towing was there and my car (along with the A/C) was back in action!  I did have to pay for his services but the fee was well worth the convenience and fast relief! 

I know I probably could have used my blackberry to find a towing service but this way I at least knew that the police were referring the company so the chances of me getting good service were increased.  Although the Texas Roadside Assistance number did not help me this time, I did find out that they do indeed help stranded motorists (dead battery, flat tire, no gas, etc).  You just have to be on a Texas Highway!  So if you are in Texas and get stranded on a highway, turn your license over and give the number a shot.  I am not sure if other states have this or not...but it is nice to know there is someone out there if we ever need them! 

 

Kristin Moran
Owner - RE/MAX Access - KristinMoran@Remax.net - San Antonio, TX
San Antonio,TX - Real Estate - 210-313-7397

Drama!  Not good!  So sorry that happened.  I had that happen to me recently, was showing a couple (wife in the car w/me, husband following w/their 2 kids) & I got a flat tire!  Sooooooooo grateful the husband was HANDY & changed the tire for me & they didn't think I was the biggest loser in the world for it!

Glad you got home safely!  Thanks for the tip.  I very much dislike car trouble! I just want to get in & go!

May 21, 2009 01:06 PM
Michael J. Gallo
Florida Luxury Realty - New Port Richey, FL
Florida Luxury Realty - Gulf Home Sales Team

My AAA membership renewal notice is sitting here on my desk as we speak.  That is one check I will be sure to write tomorrow.  I'm glad you got assistance.  Down here in Florida I know all too well how hot a car gets with no AC in May. 

May 21, 2009 01:09 PM
Donna Harris
Donna Homes, powered by JPAR - TexasRealEstateMediationServices.com - Austin, TX
Realtor,Mediator,Ombudsman,Property Tax Arbitrator

I had no idea there was a number on the driver's license to call...

May 21, 2009 01:15 PM
Joanna Szwyd
StoneHouse Properties - Great Barrington, MA

Jeanna, look at the bright side...Your cell phone was charged and working!:))

May 21, 2009 01:17 PM
Jeanna Martinez
RE/MAX Access - Schertz, TX

Kristin - What a nightmare, at least you were with a "handy" and apparently good humored family! 

Michael - I may have to look into AAA, I am sure the Florida heat is just like the heat we have here!

Donna - It's not a bad "fall back" plan to have handy!

Joanna - you are right!  Without the cell phone, I would have been going door to door in the neighborhood ;-)

May 21, 2009 01:21 PM
Sheila Moran
RE/MAX Access (Garden Ridge, San Antonio, New Braunfels) - New Braunfels, TX
SanAntonioSheila.com, RE/MAX Access, 210-32

girl, 3 kids in the heat?

terrible..

i feel for you sister.

May 21, 2009 02:00 PM
Irene Tron
Valparaiso, IN

I wonder if the Indiana license has the same thing?  I guess I should look.  Thanks for the heads up. 

May 21, 2009 02:05 PM
Elizabeth Benefield
Montana Country Real Estate - Libby, MT

It's a good thing you didn't brake down with you clients in the middle if no where.

May 21, 2009 04:48 PM
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I was a member of AAA for many years.  When I switched car insurance companies, they now provide road side assistance. 

May 21, 2009 11:49 PM