OPEIU is pleased to report that the OPEIU Towing/Service Calls program is still a big hit with our members.
We are constantly reviewing the plan, making adjustments where necessary to ensure the program is most useful to our members and cost-effective for the union. In an effort to tighten the plan to achieve both those goals, we have instituted a few changes that went into effect October 1, 2017. These changes should have no impact on the high-level of service provided to our members, but rest assured, we will regularly review and make adjustments as needed to ensure quality control.
As always, all members will be entitled to up to two tows per year, valued at up to $100 each – $80 for the tow, plus a $20 administrative fee paid by OPEIU. In the past, OPEIU has allowed the tow limit to be upward of $100 PLUS the $20 administrative fee, making the actual value of each tow up to $120. Going forward we are enforcing the $100 limit, so each tow’s maximum will be $80, plus the $20 administrative fee paid by the union, and the member will be responsible for any amount that exceeds $80 for any tow/service call. A review of the plan’s usage over the past years indicates that the average tow/service call cost is approximately $70 plus the administrative fee, so this change is likely to affect very few members.
Our service provider, Nation Safe Drivers, informs us that our towing radius of up to 25 miles is extremely generous and much more than the industry average. Our plan’s usage reports also indicate that our average tow is 15 miles or less, therefore, we are reducing our towing coverage area from 25 miles to 15 miles.
We are encouraging our members to use our network providers only. If a towing provider outside of the network is used, OPEIU will now only reimburse up to $50 to any member who submits a receipt for service. It is not OPEIU policy to reimburse and that members should only use the OPEIU Towing/Service Calls Program through Nation Safe Drivers. Here is what you need to access the OPEIU program:
OPEIU Towing/Service Calls Program designated toll-free number: 800-617-2677
Producer Code: 74046
Plan Letter: C
Local union number/employer
Finally, we are also making an effort to make the OPEIU Membership Benefits program a paperless endeavor, and have posted the towing card – along with other OPEIU benefit materials – on the OPEIU website at www.opeiu.org and on the OPEIU app, which is available for free download at the App Store and Google Play by searching OPEIU. We encourage you to download the app today.