FMCA Member Benefits Guide

Updated information regarding the many benefits and services available to members of the Family Motor Coach Association.

January 2010

Membership in the Family Motor Coach Association brings with it a wealth of benefits that are of value to the motorhome traveler. Some of these benefits are obvious “” the subscription to Family Motor Coaching magazine, for example “” and some are not so obvious. In fact, it’s likely that there are some benefits with which you as a member are not familiar. For that reason, all FMCA members should take the time to read through this guide to ensure that they are taking advantage of everything their association has to offer.

INFORMATION EXCHANGE

In addition to being a fun-filled organization, FMCA gives its members the added benefit of access to valuable technical and general information and to advice related to motorhoming. Much of this information can be gleaned via Family Motor Coaching magazine. Other sources of information include chapter affiliation, seminars held at FMCA conventions, the association’s Web site (www.fmca.com), and fellow members met along the road or in campgrounds.

Family Motor Coaching Magazine

A subscription to Family Motor Coaching magazine is perhaps the most tangible benefit of membership in FMCA. The association’s monthly magazine provides FMCA members with timely news concerning motorhome technology, the RV industry, and the association. Each issue contains colorful travel features that describe areas of the United States, Canada, and beyond that are of interest to motorhomers, as well as reviews of new motorhomes, technical and how-to articles, and special features that focus on various aspects of the RV lifestyle. Abundant classified and display advertisements keep readers up-to-date on the latest products available in the RV marketplace.

As a service to the family and commercial members of FMCA, FMC magazine offers a reader service program. A reader service card, which contains numbers that correspond to the various companies whose advertisements appear in the magazine, is included in each issue of the magazine.

FMC readers have two ways of requesting information about a product or service they have seen advertised in a particular issue of FMC magazine. One is to fill out and mail the traditional reader service card that is included in the magazine. The second is to take advantage of the online version of the program that is available at FMCA.com (information is available for up to a year).

To use the reader service card that is inserted in a particular issue, simply fill out the information and drop the postage-paid card into the mail. Once your card reaches FMCA’s national office, reader service personnel will enter your requests into a computer program. This information is then directed to the advertiser in question via a report that lists your address and the advertisement in which you expressed interest. Once the advertiser receives this report, the company will then forward the appropriate information directly to you.

To submit your request for advertiser information online at FMCA.com, click on FMC magazine and then Free Product Info, and search for an advertiser by company name, reader service number, product category, or magazine page number. Provide your contact information and submit your request. You can ask advertisers to contact you with more information, and you also can connect directly to their Web sites in most cases.

Also included with your subscription to Family Motor Coaching is the annual directory/member benefits guide issue, published in January. FMCA members will want to keep this directory handy as they travel, as it includes a variety of useful information to which they can refer throughout the year.

Educational Programs*

FMCA enables members to participate in important RV-related education programs. The association is contributing toward the expense of these learning opportunities to reduce out-of-pocket costs to members.

In 2010 the FMCA Education Curriculum will include the following RV-related courses: the RV Safe Driving Course, the Coach Weight and Tire Safety program, and the Fire and Life Safety program. These programs will be available at both of the association’s international conventions in 2010 “” in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in March, and in Redmond, Oregon, in August. The courses are not offered through the mail; members must be present and sign up at the convention to participate.

The RV Safe Driving Course is offered in conjunction with the Recreation Vehicle Safety & Education Foundation Inc. (RVSEF) to refresh motorhome drivers’ existing skills and to introduce new safe driving techniques. Topics include basic maneuvering, driving in adverse weather conditions, nighttime driving, skid prevention and correction, mountain driving, and towing and weight issues. The course takes six hours to complete and is divided into two three-hour classroom sessions. It is not a hands-on driving course. Pilots and copilots both are encouraged to attend. Successfully completing this course may qualify participants for a reduced rate on their RV insurance premium.

The Coach Weight and Tire Safety course is offered in cooperation with RVSEF. This course helps FMCA members to be sure that their motorhomes are being operated within the weight and tire capacities for which the vehicles were designed. Personnel from RVSEF provide their expertise for this seminar, wherein participants receive two hours of classroom instruction. Students also can have their coaches weighed and receive a load capacity analysis from foundation personnel.

The Fire and Life Safety Program, sponsored by FMCA, helps RVers prevent fires from occurring in their motorhomes and teaches them what to do if a fire does break out. It involves a classroom presentation as well as a live fire demonstration. Participants learn about different types of fires, fire extinguishers, and how different fire-extinguishing products work.

FMCA.com

The association’s official Web site “” www.fmca.com “” is a useful source of information about FMCA member benefits, conventions, Family Motor Coaching magazine, FMCA chapters, and more. At FMCA.com, members can:

• Discuss motorhoming, including technical topics and more, in the Community Forums.
• Read motorhomers’ blogs “” they’re often interesting, and sometimes funny.
• Read articles from the current issue of Family Motor Coaching magazine and search the back issues.
• Meet a Member “” get acquainted with fellow members in this regular feature.
• Register for FMCA area rallies and international conventions.
• Visit the Family Motor Coach RV Marketplace, the definitive source for finding RV products and services online. FMCA commercial member campgrounds, service/repair centers, component suppliers, and more are listed.
• Use the FMCA Photo Store to add your digital pictures to mugs, T-shirts, photo books, and calendars in just minutes. It’s a great way to preserve and share your motorhoming memories.
• Look up the names and membership numbers of fellow members.
• Renew your membership.
• Update your membership information.
• Buy FMCA-logo merchandise at the FMCA Store.
  FMCA.com is updated frequently with interesting and informative features about motorhomes and motorhoming. So, visit often, and share your love of motorhoming by participating in the FMCA.com Community.

Motorhome Owners’ Rights/Advocacy

FMCA has a Governmental and Legislative Affairs Committee that assists members who face local parking rights restrictions and other regulations affecting the use of their motorhomes. In addition, FMCA’s Parking Rights Manual & Guide is available to members. This guide summarizes significant parking rights cases. It can help members to understand their legal rights and the rights of legislative bodies that place restrictions on motorhome parking.

The Parking Rights Manual & Guide is available to members at FMCA.com, or from the Member Services Department by request (800-543-3622 or 513-474-3622; e-mail: membership@fmca.com).

TRAVEL SERVICES

Mail Forwarding Service*

FMCA members who plan to be on the road for an extended period of time (two months or longer) need not worry about missing their important mail, thanks to the association’s mail forwarding service. FMCAers who take advantage of this useful member benefit receive their mail on a weekly basis while they are on the road.

Members who wish to utilize this service must submit an enrollment form (available from the FMCA national office or on FMCA.com, along with a complete list of procedures for mail forwarding participants) and establish a $50 deposit in a postage account with FMCA. This deposit may be paid by American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or VISA. When the balance in a participant’s postage account falls to approximately $15, the member’s credit card will be charged the amount needed to bring the deposit up to $50.

In addition to the postage charge, as of January 1, 2010, mail forwarding participants pay a $10 monthly fee. The fee will be charged the first time mail is sent in a new month and postage is debited to that account, or when mail is picked up from the receptionist at FMCA’s Round Bottom Road office in Cincinnati. The $10 fee will be deducted from the mail forwarding participant’s postage account. The monthly fee is charged only to members actively using the mail forwarding service.

   The $10 charge will be identified as a “Mail Forwarding Service Fee” on the mail forwarding postage statement/invoice, along with the date. When a member notifies FMCA to close his or her mail forwarding account, the account will be removed from active status. Accounts that are not active but are in the process of being closed will be charged $2 for each mailing, and no more than $10 per month.

The United States Postal Service has determined that FMCA’s mail forwarding service operates as a commercial mail receiving agency (CMRA) by accepting members’ mail from the Postal Service and forwarding it to another address. Therefore, all mail forwarding participants must complete and submit Postal Service Form 1583, Application for Delivery of Mail Through Agent (available from the FMCA national office or online at FMCA.com). Members enrolling in the program must allow a processing period of two weeks from the date that their enrollment form is received by the national office.

Mail should be addressed as follows:
MEMBER’S FULL NAME
PMB (insert membership number)
3590 Round Bottom Road
Cincinnati, OH 45244-3026

FMCA’s mail forwarding service is applicable to all types of mail (except bulk rate catalogs), i.e. letters, magazines, and packages; however, mail forwarding personnel bundle all mail and forward it via First Class mail only. All Second and Third Class mail will be forwarded via First Class unless participants request that it be discarded.

Unless a member requests otherwise, the address for delivery of his or her Family Motor Coaching magazine will automatically be changed to the mail forwarding address, and First Class postage for forwarding the magazine will be charged to the participant’s account. Upon terminating the mail forwarding service, the member must allow six weeks for the change of address for his or her FMC magazine to take effect.

For mail forwarding information or questions about an existing mail forwarding account, call (800) 448-1212 or (513) 388-5315, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, or, send an e-mail to mailforward@fmca.com. The mail forwarding forms also are located at FMCA.com.

Trip Routing

In an effort to assure members pleasant, hassle-free travel, FMCA offers routing assistance to destinations throughout North America. Any FMCA member who would like to use this service for his or her next trip must make a request in writing to Spatial Data Sciences Inc. (SDSI) at this address:

SDSI
1749 Old Meadow Road
Suite 350
McLean, VA 22102
Fax: (240) 766-0575
www.fmca.com

The above address, fax number, Web address, and a form with which members may request such information generally appear in each issue of Family Motor Coaching and are available at FMCA.com. Neither FMCA national office staff nor travel service personnel can take requests over the phone; all requests for travel information must be made in writing and must be directed via postal mail, fax, or FMCA’s Web site using the information above.

When making a request for travel information, a member should include his or her name, FMCA membership number, and complete address. He or she also should specify where the trip will begin and its final destination, as well as whether the “most direct” or “most scenic” route is preferred. These instructions should be included for the return trip as well.

Members who request trip routing services will receive a suggested route in approximately one week.

Other trip routing options are now available online at FMCA.com for FMCA members to plan and route their future trips.

Emergency Medical Evacuation Program

The MEDEX PLUS emergency medical assistance program, first purchased for FMCA family members in January 2001, helps traveling members to effectively manage the complexities and expenses of out-of-area medical and travel emergencies. FMCA members automatically receive the benefits associated with the MEDEX PLUS program.

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, if you are within the United States, Canada, or Mexico and are more than 100 miles from your primary residence, the MEDEX PLUS program protects you. Any services you use under the program must be approved in advance and coordinated by MEDEX. MEDEX provides members with 24/7, toll-free access to travel assistance services and coordinates and pays the approved costs for the following services:

1. Emergency medical air and ground evacuation: Medically supervised evacuation to the nearest appropriate facility if an FMCA member is involved in an accident or suffers a sudden, unforeseen illness and adequate medical facilities are not available.

2. Repatriation of remains: The return of an FMCA member’s mortal remains to their home in the event of death.

3. Return home of unattended grandchildren and dependent children: Transportation home for an FMCA member’s children and/or grandchildren left unattended as the result of a member’s accident, illness, or death.

4. RV and automobile return home: Return of an FMCA member’s drivable vehicle to his or her residence (or return of a rental vehicle) if the member is unable to operate the vehicle due to accident, illness, or death.

5. Transportation to join a hospitalized member (for members traveling alone and hospitalized for seven days or more): The transportation of a family member or friend to visit an FMCA member who is hospitalized for seven days or more. This benefit has a limit of $1,000.

6. Transportation home after initial evacuation: The transportation of an FMCA member to the point of origin or permanent residence following an emergency evacuation.

Unless otherwise noted, each of these services has no limit to the cost that will be paid by MEDEX.

Please note that while this program includes payment for emergency medical transportation, it does not provide payment for the initial transportation to a medical facility, and only specific conditions will warrant emergency medical transportation to a member’s home. As a general rule, MEDEX pays for an emergency evacuation when it is medically necessary to obtain a higher level of care.

Travelers concerned about medical emergencies often ask, “Will they fly me home to familiar surroundings so I can be treated by my personal physician?” Under the MEDEX PLUS program provided to you by FMCA, the destination of your evacuation is determined based on the nearest and most appropriate location that can provide care for you. Depending on your medical condition and the quality of local or regional care available, you may be evacuated to a nearby hospital, or it may be more prudent to evacuate you to a facility near your home. In most cases, the initial location will be based on getting you to the best place for care as soon as possible so you are not exposed to unnecessary risks. Under these circumstances, feel comfortable in knowing that there is a coordinated effort to make sure care is given in your best interest. The attending physician most knowledgeable of your current condition; your personal physician most aware of your ongoing health history; and MEDEX’s physician most familiar with the issues regarding medical evacuations will consult with each other and make decisions based on what is most appropriate for you.

If you have another plan purchased individually for which you pay a premium, consider all benefits you may have purchased before canceling, as it may include different coverage than what FMCA provides through this blanket plan. You can still use MEDEX coverage even if you have another plan; however, benefits for this program will be payable after benefits have been paid from your other coverage.

MEDEX has been in business for more than 30 years, protecting millions of travelers. MEDEX’s Emergency Response Center operates 24 hours a day and is staffed with specially trained, multilingual coordinators who are prepared to provide immediate help with any MEDEX service. Each ongoing case receives expert attention from case coordinators, operations management, medical personnel, provider specialists, and MEDEX Physician Advisors strategically located throughout North America “” assuring quality attention and responsiveness.

In addition to the paid services listed above, the MEDEX PLUS Program also provides assisted services both of a personal and medical nature. When talking with MEDEX coordinators, you should provide them with information regarding the specifics of your concerns and needs so they can best assist you.

Finally, we need to point out a few of the specifics of the contract language.

1. Travel that is made for the purpose of securing medical care or medical advice is not covered under the MEDEX PLUS program. Traveling against the advice of a physician is also excluded. Traveling with a chronic or life-threatening illness is excluded if that condition is the reason for the evacuation.

2. To determine whether or not you are at least 100 miles from your permanent residence, MEDEX will refer to the address on your driver’s license.

3. The MEDEX PLUS program is a travel assistance program, and payment is over and above or on top of any existing insurance program or private pay plan that is in force. Your primary payer would pay these expenses, and MEDEX will be the secondary payer.

4. The MEDEX PLUS program does not cover per diem costs or pet return.

FMCA members can call toll-free (U.S. and Canada: 800-527-0218; Mexico: 001-800-101-0061) or collect (410-453-6330) for emergency medical, travel, and personal assistance services. When calling, please refer to MEDEX group number 7030. For more information about this program, phone FMCA (800-543-3622 or 513-474-3622); send an e-mail to membership@fmca.com and ask for a brochure; or, visit FMCA.com.

In order to secure this benefit, it is imperative that MEDEX be notified immediately when medical travel assistance is required. On pages 107 and 108 of the January issue of FMC magazine, we have printed two cards for you and your spouse that you can cut out, laminate, and keep in your wallet so that you will have the information with you at all times.

The above description of benefits summarizes the principal features of the MEDEX PLUS program and is not intended to be a contract. The contractual provisions for the MEDEX PLUS program are stated in the MEDEX PLUS service agreement, Group 7030, issued by MEDEX Assistance Corporation to the Family Motor Coach Association, Inc., with an effective date of January 1, 2001. The final answer to any questions will be subject to the MEDEX PLUS service agreement

RV Technical And Roadside Assistance*

FMCA partners with Coach-Net to offer association members an all-inclusive, 24-hour RV technical and emergency roadside assistance program.

Meeting the demands of RV travelers throughout the United States and Canada since 1987, Coach-Net pioneered RV Tech Advantage. As a standard benefit, Coach-Net members have access to master-certified RVIA/RVDA and ASE-certified technicians around the clock to help them resolve operational and technical issues over the telephone.

Coach-Net supports its members at any hour of the day, 365 days a year, with unlimited towing to the nearest qualified facility, lock-out service, tire changes, jump starts, fuel delivery, and even mobile mechanic service in situations that require an on-site remedy.

Coach-Net’s technicians make every effort to resolve issues over the telephone to prevent the towing of a member’s RV, but when it is unavoidable, Coach-Net’s service providers offer a wide range of services to handle the special needs of RVs. Simple issues such as removal of the driveline, watching out for air dams and cowlings on the front of the coach, tire size, and gross vehicle weight ratings are important, and Coach-Net understands that members want to protect their investment. Coach-Net’s service provider network is expansive and available to assist members wherever they may be.

Coverage under the Coach-Net program goes beyond RV service and covers the member and his or her family (spouse/significant other and dependent children under the age of 25) while driving a registered RV, along with any other vehicle a member owns, rents, or borrows, provided it’s not older than 40 years and is not used commercially.

Other benefits include service appointment assistance. Members can call the FMCA Emergency Road Service toll-free number to obtain an appointment for chassis or component-related services. A Coach-Net customer service representative will discuss the member’s need; make an appointment with an appropriate provider nearest the member’s location; and provide the appointment time, the contact person’s name, and directions to the repair facility. Members can even call to make an appointment for routine maintenance near a future destination.

Members select from Gold or Platinum Plus memberships. Gold members receive a host of concierge services, including campsite referral and reservations; historic site location assistance; outdoor activity referral and reservations; RV storage facilities location assistance; golf course tee times and reservations; traffic reports; and turn-by-turn driving directions. Platinum Plus expands Gold Services with emergency air travel and hotel benefits. Platinum Plus adds worldwide travel and medical assistance services.

For more information about the benefits of joining FMCA’s RV Technical and Roadside Assistance powered by Coach-Net, call (877) 801-0333 or visit http://www.coach-net.com/.

Long Distance Calling Card*

In an effort to assist FMCA members in keeping in touch with family and friends while they travel, FMCA has arranged to provide a long-distance calling card that offers a rate of 10.9 cents per minute. (An additional charge applies to calls made from pay phones.) Members may apply for the card by calling American Telecom Network (ATN) toll-free at (888) 443-FMCA (3622) between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. The service is provided under the name of PowerNet Global (PNG). The vendor “” American Telecom Network (ATN) from Phoenix, Arizona “” has been offering phone card services to FMCA members since June 1997.

In addition to the calling card, the company offers FMCA members the opportunity to order up to three toll-free numbers that can be used for calling home or other frequently called numbers. The rate is 4.9** cents per minute for state-to-state calls, and there is a $2.99-per-month fee for each residential toll-free number. (An additional charge applies to calls made from pay phones.) Members with an existing toll-free line from a different carrier who want to take advantage of this rate must call ATN at (888) 443-FMCA (3622) weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time to request the appropriate form, known as a “responsible organization,” or resp-org, form.

For outgoing calls from home, a rate of 4.9** cents per minute is offered to those who wish to sign up for that service.

For more information, members should call toll-free (888) 443-FMCA (3622) or visit www.callatn.com/fmca. You will be asked to provide your Social Security number for credit-checking purposes. For more information, see the advertisement that appears on page 11 of this issue.

**As a result of new location-based pricing, some customers may initially be given a rate that exceeds 4.9 cents per minute. In many cases, the higher rate can be adjusted downward. Customers in this category should call ATN at (888) 674-2797 for a possible price adjustment.

Internet Access*

Internet access is offered to FMCA members at a special rate from American Telecom Network (ATN) and PowerNet Global (PNG). FMCA members receive Unlimited Internet Access Service for $9.95 per month. This rate applies to PC and Mac users alike. For more information about the Unlimited Internet Access Service, call (888) 443-FMCA (3622) weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm. Eastern Time or visit www.callatn.com/fmca.

Stoppin’ Spot Fellowship, Local Service Information

This important travel service is made possible only through the generous-spirited fellowship of FMCA members. Each year, the January directory issue of Family Motor Coaching contains a listing of FMCA members who offer assistance and hospitality to fellow members who are on the road in their areas. The list also is available at FMCA.com.

These members are listed in the Stoppin’ Spots directory under four categories. Stop Over Spot indicates that fellow members are welcome to stop over at the volunteering member’s home for a 24-hour emergency stay. Come Visit indicates that FMCA members are welcome to visit the volunteering member’s home for a 24-hour friendship stay, unless invited by the host member to stay longer. Mechanic’s Helper indicates that if an FMCA member’s coach breaks down along the road in a volunteering member’s area, the volunteering member is available to assist him or her in locating quality local service. Pinch Hit Driver indicates that any FMCA member who encounters an emergency that in any way prevents him or her from driving his or her coach while on the road may request the assistance of a driver to transport that member’s coach to a chosen destination at the owner’s expense. The Pinch Hit Drivers are FMCA members who have volunteered to perform this emergency service for fellow members who are in need.

Any FMCA member who would like to be included in the 2011 Stoppin’ Spots directory under one or more of the above-listed categories should contact the Member Services Department at the FMCA national office. Likewise, FMCA members who are interested in volunteering to act as Pinch Hit Drivers, or who are in need of the service of such a driver, should contact the Member Services Department at the FMCA national office. The deadline for signing up to be included in the 2011 directory is November 1, 2010. (A Pinch Hit Driver form appears on page 209 of the January 2010 issue of FMC magazine and online at FMCA.com.)

The Stoppin’ Spots directory begins on page 209 of this magazine.

INSURANCE

Accidental Death And Dismemberment Insurance

Every member of FMCA is automatically covered under the association’s accidental death and dismemberment policy as a member benefit. For more information about FMCA’s AD&D benefit, visit FMCA.com. A copy of the AD&D insurance certificate is available online.

Motorhome Insurance*

FMCA members can participate in motorhome insurance programs offered by various RV insurance specialists. These national programs offer broad coverages, competitive premiums, and RV-specialized claims handling. See the RV Marketplace “Insurance” section on pages 308 and 309 for a list of these companies, or check the Family Motor Coach RV Marketplace at FMCA.com. (Programs available in United States only.)

TravMed Abroad Overseas Travel Insurance*

TravMed Abroad is a comprehensive travel medical insurance program for residents of the United States who are traveling internationally and incur a sudden illness or injury. Because most health insurance plans will not pay directly to foreign providers, nor will they usually cover 100 percent of medical bills incurred outside the United States, TravMed Abroad fills a gap in home health insurance plans.

Following are some of the important features of TravMed Abroad:

• $100,000 major medical coverage with no coinsurance, and only a $25 deductible.
• Direct payment to foreign providers.
• Evacuation coverage, not usually included in home health insurance plans.
• Coverage for controlled, pre-existing conditions.
• 24-hour access to medical, travel, and security assistance services provided by MEDEX.

To learn more about this program or to arrange for enrollment, call (800) 732-5309 or visit the Membership section on FMCA.com. A similar program is available for non-U.S. residents. Call (800) 732-5309 for more information.

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

FMCA Credit Card*

FMCA’s credit card program provides rebates or rewards to members as they make their purchases. The U.S. Bank credit card offers points that can be redeemed for cash, merchandise, or air miles on any airline.

With the U.S. Bank credit card, specially selected travel- and leisure-related merchandise is available as point reward options. Merchandise can be selected from a list of program partners, or members can name their own rewards. If an FMCA member wants to purchase a product or service, the U.S. Bank rewards department will source the item and convert the dollar amount into points needed to make the purchase. Points also may be redeemed for gift certificates that can be used for car rentals, electronics, and restaurants.

FMCA members can choose between Select Rewards and Platinum Non-Rewards cards. Both cards are designed with visuals that reflect the motorhome lifestyle and include the FMCA name. The cards come with no annual fee.

U.S. Bank credit card holders also qualify for the use of a free program called the U.S. Bank Shopping Mall. Customers can take advantage of tremendous savings when they use their U.S. Bank Visa® credit card. These offers and partner listings are changed and updated frequently.
To apply for the card, call (800) 853-5576.

ACTIVITIES

International Conventions*

Two times this year, FMCA members will gather for a four-day extravaganza of fellowship, fine entertainment, informative seminars, and browsing through the exhibits of the many motorhome and motorhome component manufacturers. FMCA’s international conventions offer members a chance to participate in these activities as a group, and they provide the opportunity to renew old friendships that have been formed at previous FMCA gatherings and to develop new friendships. Attending an FMCA convention is an experience that should be enjoyed by every member.

The 2010 international conventions are as follows:

FMCA’s 83rd International Convention
March 22, 23, 24, and 25, 2010
EXPO New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico

FMCA’s 84th International Convention
August 11, 12, 13, and 14, 2010
Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center
Redmond, Oregon

Watch Family Motor Coaching for details about upcoming conventions, or check FMCA.com.

Chapters*

Membership in a chapter can greatly enhance an FMCAer’s enjoyment of the association.

FMCA chapters were created to enable members of FMCA to come together to exchange ideas about their motorhome lifestyle and to enjoy one another’s company on a smaller scale. Chapter gatherings are frequently held on weekends, and they are often organized locally, so long trips aren’t necessary to reach them. These chapter rallies take place throughout the year, and, as such, FMCAers have a wide choice of rallies to attend.

Sometimes chapter rallies center around an event that is of interest to the members of that chapter. Such rallies afford FMCAers the opportunity to come together with other members who share their interests, and often to forge long-lasting friendships based on those mutual interests.

One of the greatest benefits of chapter affiliation is the exchange of information that such involvement provides. Those chapters that are based upon a mutual interest or a shared model of coach provide pools of information via the experiences and knowledge of chapter members.

The Family Motor Coach Association recognizes approximately 500 chapters across the United States and in Canada. Many of these chapters encompass specific or general geographic regions. Others consist of FMCA members who own a particular brand or model of coach. And still other chapters are based upon some common interest, such as music, amateur radio communication, sports, or coach conversions.

The complete FMCA Chapter Directory begins on page 175 of this magazine. A copy of the complete directory also is published each year in the August issue of FMC, and chapter information is available online at FMCA.com.

If you can’t seem to find a chapter that suits your particular interests or that is in your geographic locale, you may wish to charter such a chapter. The FMCA Chapter Services Department at the national office can provide you with a chapter formation kit that includes guidelines for starting a new chapter. A minimum of 20 members is necessary in order to charter an FMCA chapter. Or, you can start an associate chapter with a minimum of 10 members. Anyone who would like to start a new chapter but is having problems rounding up enough FMCAers who share his or her particular area of interest is invited to call on the national office for assistance. The national office will send out a mailing to FMCA members in that member’s target area (be it members with a particular zip code, members who own a certain type of motorhome, etc.) to assist in recruiting new members.

Dates and locations for chapter rallies are published in the Association Calendar that appears in each issue of Family Motor Coaching. Included in each rally listing is a contact person for general or preregistration information. FMCA members are welcome to attend any of the rallies listed within the Association Calendar. An extended listing of chapter rallies (up to a year) also is available online at FMCA.com.

Chapters are reminded to send their rally information to the FMCA national office (use the form that appears online at FMCA.com; forms also are available from the Chapter Services Department at the national office), so that all FMCA members might be made aware of chapter activities.

The Association Calendar, which appears on page 126 of this issue of the magazine, also lists upcoming FMCA international conventions and area rallies. FMCA members are invited to look to this listing for information about these upcoming events.

Family Motor Coaching also publishes a column titled “Join A Chapter” in each January, March, June, August, and November issue. It appears on page 197 in this issue of the magazine. This column is intended to help FMCA members in locating a chapter that might interest them. It also serves as a forum for groups that wish to form a new FMCA chapter but first wish to gauge the interest in such a chapter. Each chapter is entitled to one free ad per year; additional ads may be placed at a cost of 50 cents per word.

Youth Activities*

The youthful arm of FMCA is composed of four age groups: Teen-Age Travelers, or TATS (ages 13 to 18), PRE-TEENS (ages 10 to 12), TWEENS (ages 6 to 9), and TOTS (ages 2 to 5). Youth centers are set up according to age groups at summer conventions. The FMCA Youth Activities Committee plans and schedules age-specific activities during the summer gatherings, and the children pack hours of fun into their four-day reunions. Bowling, miniature golf, roller skating, and pizza and ice cream parties are the mainstays of the program, while the committee seeks out additional activities that are interesting, fun, affordable, and challenging. On the educational side, the children have toured museums and science centers, as well as businesses that manufacture everything from school buses to toothbrushes. The TATS enjoy karaoke and dancing to all types of popular music in the TATS Center on the convention grounds.

The Youth Activities Program is open to all children in the above age groups who attend FMCA summer conventions with their parents, grandparents, or guardians.

DISCOUNTS

Campground Discounts

Many campgrounds that are commercial members of FMCA offer discounts to fellow FMCA members. A listing of these commercial member campgrounds appears in the “RV Marketplace,” published in the January and June issues of FMC magazine and online at FMCA.com. FMCA members should mention their FMCA affiliation when making reservations and present their FMCA membership card upon check-in when requesting this discount.

Passport America Discount*

FMCA maintains a partnership with Passport America, a 50 percent discount camping club. As a Passport America cardholder, you can stay at more than 1,600 campgrounds across the United States, Canada, and Mexico at 50 percent off the regular rate.

Passport America members receive an International Camping Directory in a printed version or on an interactive CD-ROM, a personalized travel card, and a one-year subscription to RV America magazine. Additional benefits include the Passport America credit card, RV insurance, and identity theft protection. Present your Passport America card to receive half off the regular rate on campsites in participating campgrounds; these facilities are listed in the International Camping Directory.

Passport America prints a new directory each January. Updates or changes to the campground list are provided throughout the year in RV America magazine. Twenty-four-hour access to all campground information and updates is also available online at http://www.passportamerica.com/.

The directory also indicates each campground’s individual guidelines. These vary, because Passport America member RV parks are individually owned and operated. For example, the majority don’t require reservations, but some suggest them, and others require them. The number of nights certain RV parks extend the discount also varies “” one night, two nights, a week, a month, etc. Access to Passport America campgrounds is on a space-available basis.

You may use your Passport America card as often as you like, for the term of your membership. Look for the Passport America order form on page 63 of this magazine. Please see www.passportamerica.com or call (800) 681-6810 for more details.

Car Rental Discounts*

Avis Car Rental offers a special discount to members of FMCA. To receive this discount, members should present the FMCA group number, A674300, and a major credit card when requesting a rental car from Avis. For information, contact Avis at (800) 331-1212.

Members should mention the association’s discount number, 343549, when making reservations with Hertz and present their FMCA membership card for identification at the Hertz counter to take advantage of the year-round discount program offered to FMCA. For information, contact Hertz at (800) 654-2210.

In addition, members receive special savings at National Car Rental by using FMCA’s Discount I.D. Recap Number 5815733. Discounts apply to National’s daily, weekend, weekly, monthly, and holiday rates. Members receive National’s business rate discount of 20 percent or the company’s promotional and holiday rates discount of 5 percent. For vehicles rented in the United States, the rates include 100 free miles per day with a charge for excess miles traveled. For information, contact National Car Rental at (800) CAR-RENT (227-7368).

Fuel Discounts

FMCA members are sent a Flying J R.V. Real Value membership card when they first join. The card entitles them to fuel discounts based on the Flying J purchases they make. The full schedule can be viewed at http://www.flyingj.com/; click on Loyalty Cards. For information, contact Flying J at (888) 438-3537.

Other Discounts

Camping World and FMCA have joined forces to provide new FMCA members the opportunity to order a free one-year membership in the Camping World President’s Club. This entitles members to a 10 percent discount on their Camping World purchases “” which is also valid for use on sale items and for installation charges “” plus additional money-off coupons when they renew their President’s Club membership. New FMCA members who are already members of the President’s Club receive a $10 coupon good toward Camping World merchandise.

Many of FMCA’s commercial members offer discounts on their products and services to family members who present their FMCA membership cards. The RV Marketplace, which is published in the January and June issues of FMC magazine and online at FMCA.com, lists FMCA commercial members and their locations. To receive the FMCA discounts offered by commercial members in their listings, family members must present their FMCA membership card at the time of service or purchase. The RV Marketplace begins on page 241 of this issue.

ADDTIONAL BENEFITS

Identity Theft Protection*

Identity theft occurs when someone possesses or uses your name, address, Social Security number, bank or credit card account number, or other identifying information without your knowledge with the intent to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in America.

The financial services industry has addressed the problem in several ways, one of which is through the development of identity theft protection products and services. These services typically cost $10 to $18 per month. However, because FMCA is able to keep its costs very low, members can purchase My Privacy Matters, one of the most comprehensive plans available, at a significant savings.

For a low monthly fee, it includes the following:

Identity Theft Prevention

• Free computer software, including Panda firewall, antivirus, and antispyware.
  Identity Theft Detection
• Daily credit monitoring*** and daily online activity alerts “” offline alerts are available monthly.
• Instant online access to your triple bureau credit reports*** and your TransUnion Credit score. When you view your credit report, it does not negatively impact your credit score.
• Easy access to your Social Security reports.

***Credit information provided by TransUnion Interactive Inc.

Identity Theft Restoration

 Identity Theft Insurance Coverage

The regular retail price for this service is $12.95 per month, with an additional $5 monthly fee to cover the individual’s spouse. For FMCA members, the cost is $4.95 per month, with an additional $2 monthly fee for the spouse. A onetime fulfillment fee of $4.95 (which covers both member and spouse) applies.

The My Privacy Matters identity theft program is a perfect way for you to protect your credit rating and your good name. Should you fall prey to an identity thief, the program will provide you with expert assistance to help you recover.

For further information, call FMCA’s Member Services Department at (800) 543-3622 or (513) 474-3622; or e-mail membership@fmca.com and ask for an Identity Theft Protection Plan brochure and application.

Monitronics Home Monitoring Systems & Services*

FMCA has partnered with Monitronics to provide home security monitoring systems and monitoring services to FMCA members at a discount. This service can provide added peace of mind while you are traveling away from your stationary home.

Monitronics offers nationwide coverage and is the largest independently owned security company in the United States. Monitronics provides coverage through 400 authorized dealers and an established network of service providers.

Monitronics can be your single source for sales and installation of monitored alarm systems with a wide range of optional sensors and accessories; 24-hour monitoring of systems from the Monitronics UL-listed Central Station; conversion of existing systems to the Monitronics home monitoring service; customer service and phone support; multilingual and hearing-impaired monitoring and support; and private response from participating patrol companies.

FMCA member benefits of this partnership agreement include the following: reduced prices on a variety of security system packages; free equipment and installation of a basic system (compare to more than $350); a low one-time activation fee; discounted rates for 24-hour monitoring service; lifetime service plan included; easy no-cost or low-cost options for transferring service when you move.

Over the course of the required 36-month monitoring agreement, the total cost savings to the FMCA member versus other national providers is significant.

If you are interested in learning more about the Monitronics home security monitoring systems and monitoring services available to FMCA members, contact Monitronics at (800) 835-5378, ext. 7042.

Membership Identification Emblems

Every FMCA member receives a set of oval identification emblems, known as “goose eggs,” which should be attached to the exterior of his or her motorhome. The goose eggs enable FMCA members to identify one another as they travel. When you notice a motorhome in a campground or on the highway that sports goose eggs, if the opportunity presents itself, introduce yourself as a fellow FMCA member “” and perhaps make a new friend.

FMCAers are encouraged to display their membership identification emblems in a prominent place on their motorhomes to increase public awareness of FMCA and to spark conversation about the association with coach owners who are not members. An RVer whose motorhome bears the FMCA goose egg is announcing that he or she has agreed to abide by the FMCA Code Of Ethics.

Rewards For Signing Up New Members

FMCA members receive a $10 coupon for each new member they recruit. Coupons issued after January 1, 2009, may be used by members toward payment of their FMCA membership dues. There is no limit to the number of coupons that can be used toward the dues payment, so the more you recruit, the less you will have to pay for your membership renewal. These coupons also may be redeemed for FMCA logo merchandise, available at FMCA’s international conventions and area rallies. In addition, Camping World will accept the $10 FMCA coupons toward the purchase of Camping World merchandise. Coupons issued before January 1, 2009, will not be valid for payment of dues but still can be redeemed for FMCA or Camping World merchandise.

Details about redeeming the new coupons toward payment of your dues are spelled out on the face of the coupons. Coupons that are earned as a reward for signing up new members are good for two years after they have been awarded. Information about “FMCA’s Member Recruitment Program” appears in most issues of Family Motor Coaching magazine; see page 85 of this issue.

Antitheft Decals

New FMCA members are issued antitheft decals, which they are instructed to attach to their motorhomes. These decals serve as a deterrent to anyone who is considering stealing or vandalizing the motorhome of an FMCA member, by stating that a reward will be awarded to “any individual who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of a thief burglarizing a member’s motorhome.”

The antitheft decal program is sponsored by FMCA in an effort to insure the security of members’ coaches. Additional decals are available from the FMCA national office.

Free Classified Advertising

Family, family associate, and life members of FMCA are entitled to 20 free words per calendar year in one issue in Classifieds, the classified advertising section of FMC magazine. This convenient member benefit is worth $10 to family members, as classified ads with standard run-on copy normally cost 50 cents per word for non-commercial advertisers (minimum of 10 words). Ads for motorhomes for sale should include information such as year, make/model, length, description, and phone number and/or e-mail address of seller. To aid persons wishing to call you, we suggest that your ad include your state or province abbreviation and the asking price.

All motorhomes-for-sale ads “” whether commercial or non-commercial “” must include the last five digits of the coach chassis serial number at the end of the ad.

Family members also may design an “enhanced text” classified advertisement for inclusion in the Classifieds section. This type of ad includes bold type, centered lines, and uppercase or lowercase letters (no photos or logos). The cost is $8 per line of type (maximum 30 spaces per line) for non-commercial advertisers. Enhanced text ads are not subject to the member discount.

The rate for commercial advertisers is $1.15 per word for standard run-on copy and $17.75 per line for enhanced text classified copy. Commercial advertisers must include the company name in their ad.

The Classifieds section of the magazine is an excellent source for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade a motorhome or coach accessories and components. Members who wish to place an ad in the Classifieds section may use the form that appears in that section of each issue of the magazine, or they may send the ad copy to the national office on regular stationery or letterhead. Ads also may be e-mailed to magazineclassifieds@fmca.com. Please read all instructions included in “FMC Classifieds Ad Rates And Procedures,” appearing on the page preceding the ad form in each month’s Classifieds section, before preparing your ad.

Important: All classified ads must be received in writing; ads WILL NOT be accepted over the telephone.

Those who place their ad in the magazine may also choose to have the ad appear online at FMCA.com. This Online Bonus Ad option is listed on the Classifieds advertising form. Check the option on the form to indicate that you would like your ad to appear online at no additional charge. Advertisers must select this option for their ad to appear on FMCA.com.

FMCA Member Business Cards*

FMCAers have the opportunity to order specially designed “business cards” that they can share with people they meet as they travel. These cards identify the holder as a member of Family Motor Coach Association. The cards are available in a standard black and red design. They may be ordered in the following quantities: 200 for $20, 500 for $25, and 1,000 for $30. These cards are not to be used for commercial purposes. Information about ordering these cards appears regularly in FMC magazine. In this issue, turn to the ad that appears on page 81. Cards can be ordered online at FMCA.com. You also can request an order form by calling the national office at (800) 543-3622 or (513) 474-3622.

Key Return Program*

FMCA members have the opportunity to purchase key rings with the official FMCA logo and a key return provision on the reverse. The key rings are available from Kiley Mold Company, supplier of the official numbered FMCA membership plates, commonly known as goose eggs. These key rings may be purchased directly from Kiley Mold Company at a cost of $2.50 each, plus shipping. Members who purchase four key rings will receive a fifth one free of charge. An ad with a form for ordering the key rings appears on page 35 of this issue; or visit www.kileymold.com.

If a set of keys on one of these rings is lost and then found by someone and dropped into a mailbox, the keys will be returned to the FMCA national office. Anyone who loses a set of keys on one of these rings should report this to the FMCA national office at (800) 543-3622 or (513) 474-3622 and describe the keys so they can be identified if and when they are returned. If found, FMCA will mail the keys back to the owner at no charge. While it might not be a bad idea to place some identifying mark on the key ring, we would suggest that members NOT put their membership number on the tag, in case they are lost in proximity of one’s goose-egg-bearing coach.

Fellowship

Of course, one of the most valuable benefits of membership in FMCA is the opportunity for long-lasting friendships. How else could you meet so many diverse people, all of whom share your interest in the exciting and rewarding motorhoming lifestyle?

Member benefit disclosure: FMCA member benefits are subject to change, including the discontinuation of any particular benefit, at any time and without prior notice.
FMCA assumes no liability for damages, either direct or consequential, to any person or organization as a result of the use of its services.

*Additional sign-up and fees required.