Insurance Industry Comes to the Rescue of North Pole Nick

Just when you think you’ve seen and heard it all in the road-service business, along comes a call for road-side assistance that gives rise to a hearty chuckle.

Imagine this: With the holiday season rapidly approaching, calls have been coming in to the National Automobile Club call center all morning when one from Alaska is answered. The service coordinator, Margarita, quickly establishes the safety of the driver involved and the nature of the road-service need. At first blush, the problem doesn’t seem like a big deal; the caller needs a simple tow for a flat-tired vehicle lacking a spare.

But could it be a coincidence or holiday magic that, among other things, the disabled vehicle is in North Pole, Alaska — pulled to the side of the road on Santa Claus Lane to be exact. And, the driver’s name is Nicolas.

You can well imagine the excitement (the careful listening for little hoof beats; expecting at any moment to hear a jolly ho, ho, ho) that Margarita experienced.

As it turned out, the caller wasn’t a jolly, old elf, but rather a young U.S. Army recruiter, serving his country in the northernmost environs. He was promptly assisted and sent merrily on his way.

In reflecting on the experience, the National Automobile Club headquartered in Foster City, Calif., thought this tale was the perfect reminder to extend best wishes to all of the country’s servicemen, servicewomen and friends.

And as St. Nicholas said, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.