Executive Director’s Commentary
By Don Eversmann, F240000, Executive Director
February 2009
This month, I’m sharing a list of questions we often receive at the FMCA national office and providing answers to them in the hope that other members will benefit from the information. Just give us a call at (800) 543-3622 and ask for FMCA’s Member Services Department (or e-mail membership@fmca.com) if you need details about any of the benefits and services discussed here.
I travel each year between a winter and summer location. Can I have two different addresses for delivery of my magazine?
Yes; we maintain a seasonal address file and can send your magazine to your winter or summer address during the months you are staying in a different location. Contact the Member Services Department to arrange this service.
How can I sign up for FMCA’s emergency road service?
FMCA’s technical and roadside assistance program, powered by Coach-Net, is offered to members at a group rate. Members can sign up for the service by calling (877) 801-0333 or by visiting www.coach-net.com.
Can I call the national office to request a trip routing?
To obtain a trip routing, FMCA members must send a written request via mail or fax directly to FMCA’s trip routing service or submit a request using the online order-entry page at FMCA.com. The Web site also has a form that members can download and fill out in order to submit a written request. This form generally appears in each issue of FMC magazine as well. The page number is listed in the Advertising Index under “FMCA Trip Routing Service.” Please allow one week for delivery of the routing. If you submit your request online via the order-entry page on FMCA.com, you can request that your trip routing be sent to you via e-mail in the form of a PDF file, or opt to have it sent via postal mail. The service can provide routings for destinations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
I mailed you my dues payment but have not received a new membership card.
A new card is attached to your first statement and is valid upon payment of your dues. You should remove it from the statement and put it in your wallet after you send in your payment.
How can I become a life member of FMCA?
The Full Lifetime Membership program originally was established to raise funds to purchase the national office building in 1976. The program was then closed by FMCA’s Governing Board in accordance with FMCA’s Bylaws.
How does FMCA’s pinch-hit driver program work?
The purpose of this program is to assist FMCA members who encounter any type of emergency that prohibits them from driving their coach while away from home. Pinch-hit drivers are listed in the “Stoppin’ Spots” section of the January directory issue of the magazine and online at FMCA.com. Contact the national office for additional information about how to enlist the assistance of a pinch-hit driver or to volunteer to serve in this capacity.
Does FMCA offer any activities for members’ children?
FMCA’s young people are offered the opportunity to have fun participating in organized activities at the association’s summer international conventions. There are programs for FMCA’s Teen-Age Travelers (TATS), ages 13 to 18; PRE-TEENS, ages 10 to 12; TWEENS, ages 6 to 9; and TOTS, ages 2 to 5.
Where can I find detailed information about FMCA’s member benefits?
Information regarding member benefits and services can be found in the benefits guide section of the 2009 January Directory/Member Benefits Guideissue beginning on page 105. Benefit information also is available on FMCA.com.
How do I sign up to use FMCA’s Mail Forwarding Service?
You may contact the Mail Forwarding Department at (800) 448-1212 or mailforward@fmca.com for an enrollment form if you plan to be on the road for two months or longer. At the time of your enrollment you will be asked to establish a postage account with FMCA. Once you are enrolled, your mail will be forwarded to you on a weekly basis via First Class Mail. A $5 monthly handling fee and the cost of the postage necessary to send your mail to you will be deducted from your account. The guidelines for using the service are published in the January Directory/Member Benefits Guideissue of FMC magazine. See page 108 of the January 2009 issue.
Are we, as members, covered under any life or health insurance policies?
Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance coverage is automatically extended to all FMCA family members. A certificate that explains the coverage is available online at FMCA.com. The certificate should be signed, printed out, and filed away with your other insurance papers. For more information about FMCA’s AD&D benefit, please call (800) 241-8363.
Where can I get more information about the MEDEX PLUS travel assistance benefit?
Please check the information printed in the Member Benefits Guide published in the 2009 January issue starting on page 109; visit http://www.fmca.com/; or contact the FMCA Member Services Department for a brochure.
Is there any kind of insurance available to members traveling outside the U.S.?
TravMed Abroad is an optional member benefit available for purchase when you travel anywhere outside of the United States. It is a comprehensive travel medical insurance program for residents of the United States who incur a sudden illness or injury while traveling internationally. To learn more about this program or to arrange for enrollment, visit the Membership section on FMCA.com or call TravMed at (800) 732-5309. If you are not a U.S. resident, a similar program is available to you. Call TravMed at (800) 732-5309 for more information.
How does FMCA’s antitheft program work?
“FMCA Protected” decals are available from our Member Services Department for attachment to members’ motorhomes in order to discourage break-ins and motorhome theft. A $2,500 reward will be paid to any individual who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons burglarizing an FMCA member’s motorhome.
Some of my friends are carrying FMCA business cards. Can I get some, too?
FMCA “business” cards are available for family members to use to exchange mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses with people they meet while traveling. Cards are available in two styles: with one home address, or with winter and summer addresses. The cards are reasonably priced as follows: $20 for 200 cards, $25 for 500 cards, and $30 for 1,000 cards. An order form appears bimonthly in FMC magazine. Look for “FMCA Business Cards” in the magazine’s Advertising Index. Cards also can be ordered online at www.fmca.com.
Which commercial members offer FMCA discounts?
Check the listings in the Business Directory, published in the January and June issues of FMC magazine and accessible via http://www.fmca.com/, for companies that offer FMCA discounts. Family members must present their FMCA membership card at the time of service or purchase in order to receive the discounts.
I need a new set of numbered identification emblems (also known as “goose eggs”) for my motorhome. How do I order them?
Coach plates with your FMCA membership number can be ordered directly from the manufacturer, Kiley Mold Company. Kiley also sells mounting brackets, numbered identification plates for towed vehicles, and key tags. An order form appears in every issue of Family Motor Coaching magazine. To find the order form, look in the magazine’s Advertising Index under “FMCA Plates & Key Tags” or visit Kiley on the Web at www.kileymold.com.
An FMCA membership plate was attached to the motorhome I just bought. When I join FMCA, can I keep that membership number?
No. Membership numbers cannot be transferred from one person to another; the numbers are permanently assigned.
My parents are members of FMCA. Now I have a motorhome, and I was told that I could join FMCA and use their number. Is that correct?
If your parents are already members of FMCA when you sign up, it is possible for you to use their number with an “S” on the end for son, or a “D” for daughter. Similarly, applicants whose son or daughter joined the association before them may obtain a membership using their son’s or daughter’s number with a “P” on the end for parent. Members’ grandchildren may join the association and use the family membership number with the addition of the letter “G” for grandchild.
Are my FMCA membership dues based upon the calendar year?
No. The membership period begins with the month that you join the association.
Will FMCA sell my contact information to other companies?
Absolutely not! In accordance with FMCA’s Constitution, under no circumstances is FMCA’s membership list to be used for purposes other than FMCA business. Relative to this issue, on occasion you may receive an announcement about a special offer from a company providing a benefit to FMCA members. These mailings are approved by the Executive Board and are made because the board feels that they constitute a benefit to FMCA members. A confidentiality agreement protects the list against use for any other purpose.
Can I use my FMCA merchandise coupons to pay my dues?
As a result of a decision made by FMCA’s Governing Board at its 2008 meeting, starting with membership recruitment coupons issued after January 1, 2009, the coupons can be used toward payment of FMCA membership dues, as well as for FMCA and Camping World merchandise. There is no limit to the number of coupons that can be used when paying your dues, so the more you recruit, the less you will have to pay toward your membership renewal. Coupons issued prior to January 1, 2009, will not be valid for payment of dues but still can be redeemed for FMCA or Camping World merchandise.
I’ve heard that my town is considering an ordinance that would restrict RV parking. What should I do?
FMCA’s Governmental and Legislative Affairs Committee has prepared a parking rights manual that outlines the steps you should take when confronted by restrictive ordinances. A copy of the manual and related information appears online at www.fmca.com. Or feel free to contact our Member Services Department to request a copy.