Does an RV Extended Warranty Make Sense? Today, it can seem like extended warranties are available on just about everything from items as small as toasters to RVs. RV Travel guest writer Jeff Shelton of Wholesale Warranties offers an opinion on why an RV extended warranty might be a good idea and what to consider before making a purchase.
RV extended warranty plans are a popular topic of discussion among travelers, but it can be surprisingly difficult to discover detailed information about these policies. The web is filled with a host of horror stories, positive testimonials, and heated opinions, making it virtually impossible to educate yourself on the contracts themselves. Before you can decide whether an RV warranty is a worthwhile investment for you, you’ll need to answer the who, what, and when behind these hotly debated contracts.
What is an RV warranty?
Now that we know “who” to buy from, do we need to find out “what” exactly does an RV warranty do? RV warranties, or RV extended service contracts, provide coverage for mechanical failures on your towable or motorized RV. These policies will step in to pay for recreational vehicle repair costs for mechanical components ranging from the diesel engine to the sliders, the leveling system, the hot water system, the air conditioning units, the refrigerator, and more.
There are several different levels of coverage available to RVers, but the most common options are:
- Listed Component RV Warranty – This type of policy will list exactly which items will be covered by the contract. If the failure you are experiencing is not on this list, it will not be covered.
- Exclusive RV Warranty – An exclusion policy is the most comprehensive coverage available. This contract will list items specifically excluded by the policy. If your breakdown is not on the exclusion list, you will be covered.
It is also important to understand what an RV warranty is not. An RV extended warranty is not an insurance policy, and will specifically exclude all physical and collision-related damages. RV warranties are also not designed to cover your regular maintenance, and will not pay for oil changes, tire rotations, refrigerator cleaning, or any other maintenance tasks required by the manufacturer. Recreational vehicle warranties specifically exclude cosmetic damage as well, including windows, furniture, awning materials, flooring, and upholstery.
Who Offers RV Extended Warranties?
RVers have two main options for where to buy coverage: RV dealerships or online RV warranty providers. Most RV dealerships will offer an RV warranty at some point during the vehicle purchase. Buyers also have the option of using an online provider to search for coverage. While each contract varies, online providers will generally be able to offer a policy for motorhomes and towable RVs within 13 model years of age and around 100,000 miles. Plus, you don’t need to be in the process of buying your RV to secure coverage with an online provider.
Once you’ve received a quote for one or both of these options, the real fun begins! Always research the “who” behind the policy to make sure you are buying coverage you can trust. Start your research on popular consumer advocacy websites like the Better Business Bureau, Google+ reviews, or Customer Lobby. These sites allow customers to leave honest reviews of the service they received, and cannot be altered or removed by the company in question, giving readers a genuine picture of how a warranty provider will perform.
Additionally, a trusted RV warranty provider will always allow you to see a complete copy of the terms and conditions of coverage before asking you to sign on the dotted line. They should also fully educate you on the type of policy you are buying, including what will and will not be covered, as well as how to file a claim if you face a collapse while traveling.
When should I buy an RV warranty?
The easy answer: now!
Modern RVs are complex machines, and with the added technology and features it comes at a higher cost to repair. Current RV repair and claim statistics show that the average cost of RV repair is $ 300 per hour between parts and labor. RV warranty coverage can offer protection against these high repair costs, but you need to secure coverage before you run into a problem.
Another reason to buy as soon as possible lies in its probability of breakdown. With each passing year and you drive miles, the likelihood of your vehicle having a major breakdown increases. In fact, 3 out of 10 motorhomes will suffer a mechanical failure just for their 2nd year on the road. This jumps to 8 out of 10 mobile homes for their 5th year and almost all RV for its 8th year in service. As time goes on, you are more likely to suffer a costly collapse, and you are more likely to see an increase in the cost of RV warranty coverage.
If you’ve decided that an RV warranty is worth the investment, getting coverage now can save you a lot down the road.
Buyer beware
Like many extended warranties and insurance coverage offered on the market, it is important to read the fine print. Terms and conditions will vary between RV warranties. To avoid surprises when you need service, you should read everything your extended warranty covers and make sure you know what it doesn’t. Many extended warranties do not offer coverage simply for a service center to check your RV; many companies also pay months later compared to the most timely. You may have to pay out of pocket for services provided and wait for your extended warranty company to reimburse you in certain circumstances.
One of the best ways to determine if an RV warranty is right for you is to talk to the service centers in your area. They will be able to advise you on the companies they have found best to work with, pay on time, and offer comprehensive coverage. This can give you an idea of whether an RV extended warranty is the right way to go. Be sure to visit RV forums, membership communities, and just talk to your fellow RVers to find out whether investing in this type of coverage will help or delay you in the long run.
Whether or not to buy an RV warranty is a personal decision, but each traveler should be educated on the type of protection available to them. Major mechanical failures are a real threat to an RVers budget, and the sooner you get coverage, the easier your life will be when an inevitable breakdown occurs. Always purchase your coverage from a reputable RV dealer or online RV warranty provider, read the contract carefully to make sure you understand what will and will not be covered, and buy early to better prepare for the road ahead. .
Jeff Shelton has spent more than a decade in the RV industry, becoming the leading expert on RV protection products. As the owner of Wholesale Warranties, Jeff has established himself as an elite member of the RV industry and community.
