
RVs are complex machines, and breakdowns are common. Repairs can be expensive, so many people opt for an extended warranty to cover these costs. Extended warranties are available for both new and used RVs, and can be purchased through a dealership or a third party. They cover mechanical breakdowns and repair work, while RV insurance covers damage caused by accidents and other events.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Motorhome Warranties | Class A, B, and C |
Pop-Up Camper Protection | Available |
RV Extended Warranty Cost | $1500 and above |
RV Repair Costs | $300 per hour |
Motorhome Warranty Companies | ARW, Wholesale Warranties, Good Sam Extended Service Plan, Cornerstone Extended Warranty Insurance |
What You'll Learn
RV Warranties vs. Insurance
Owning an RV can be a thrilling experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges and unexpected obstacles. RV repairs can be costly, and sudden breakdowns or accidents can put a strain on your finances and disrupt your travel plans. This is where RV insurance and RV extended warranties come into play, offering financial protection and peace of mind.
RV Insurance:
RV insurance functions similarly to car insurance and is legally required in most states. It covers damage caused by accidents, collisions, natural disasters, fire, theft, and other events. The coverage includes liability insurance, which pays for property damage and bodily injury to others if you are at fault in an accident. It also includes collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage, personal belongings coverage, and emergency roadside assistance. RV insurance is essential for protecting yourself financially in case of unforeseen events.
RV Extended Warranties:
RV extended warranties, on the other hand, cover mechanical and electrical breakdowns that occur during the regular operation of the vehicle. These are not legally required but offer additional protection against repair costs. Extended warranties are vehicle service contracts where the warranty company agrees to pay for labour costs and parts in the event of mechanical failure. They cover items such as engines, transmissions, refrigerators, generators, and slide-outs. The two main types of extended warranty policies are comprehensive and exclusionary policies, which differ in what they include and exclude from coverage. Extended warranties provide peace of mind, protect against rising repair costs, and enhance the resale value of your RV.
RV Insurance vs. RV Extended Warranties:
RV insurance and RV extended warranties are complementary forms of protection. While insurance covers accidents and damage, warranties focus on mechanical and electrical failures. Insurance is legally required, whereas extended warranties are optional. Insurance covers a wide range of risks and liabilities, while extended warranties provide additional coverage for specific components. Combining both insurance and an extended warranty maximises financial protection and ensures you're prepared for various scenarios on the road.
Where to Purchase RV Insurance and Extended Warranties:
You can purchase RV insurance from specialised RV insurance providers, who can help you find the best policy for your needs. RV extended warranties can be bought through the RV dealership when purchasing a new vehicle or from third-party warranty companies at any time. Buying from a third-party warranty company often offers more flexibility, allows you to compare prices and coverage options, and provides the ability to cancel for a prorated refund.
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What RV Warranties Cover
RV warranties are designed to cover mechanical breakdowns and repair work due to the everyday operation of the vehicle, rather than repairs needed due to accidents, weather, or theft. They are not a replacement for RV insurance.
RV warranties cover the mechanical working parts of an RV, including commonly failed items such as steps, awning motors, generators, water pumps, and water heaters. They also cover larger items, including slides (both electric and hydraulic), leveling jacks (electric and hydraulic), and major powertrain elements like engines and transmission components.
RV warranties can be purchased through the RV dealership at the time of purchase or through a third party at any point. Buying from a third-party warranty company instead of an RV dealer has a few benefits. Coverage is generally more expensive through the dealer, and coverage options are more limited. If the RV purchase is financed, then the RV owner will be paying interest on the cost of the warranty as well as the cost of the RV. If the owner chooses to cancel the coverage, the monthly payments will not decrease; instead, the payments will simply end sooner.
Purchasing with a third party allows RV owners to shop around and compare prices and coverage. Most companies provide coverage info online, and obtaining a quote is easy. Unlike extended warranties purchased from dealerships, these warranties can be canceled for a prorated refund.
It's important to note that RV warranties do not cover maintenance or items that are replaced during maintenance, such as brake pads and oil filters. They also do not cover non-mechanical components, like furniture and cabinetry. Additionally, RV owners should be aware that warranties may not cover labour costs for repairs.
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Where to Purchase an RV Warranty
Extended RV warranties can be purchased through an RV dealership at the time of purchase or through a third-party warranty company at any point. Buying from a third-party warranty company instead of an RV dealer has several benefits.
Firstly, coverage is generally more expensive through the dealer, and coverage options are more limited. If the RV purchase is financed, then the RV owner will be paying interest on the cost of the warranty as well as the cost of the RV. If the owner chooses to cancel the coverage, the monthly payments will not decrease; the payments will simply end sooner.
Purchasing with a third party allows RV owners to shop around and compare prices and coverage. Most companies provide coverage info online, and obtaining a quote is easy. Unlike extended warranties purchased from dealerships, these warranties can be cancelled for a pro-rated refund.
When researching third-party warranty companies, it's a good idea to use resources like the Better Business Bureau and Google reviews to find the companies with good reputations. Websites like Today’s Best Company compare different companies and plan features.
When reading a company’s policy, it’s worth paying attention to who can perform repairs. Many companies allow any licensed repair facility in the United States or Canada to perform repairs, making it easy to find RV services anywhere you want to travel.
Not all RVs are eligible for coverage. Most companies have mileage or age limits on the RVs they cover. Because older RVs are more likely to require frequent service, policies can be more expensive.
How to Choose a Warranty Company
When choosing a warranty company, it's important to consider online reviews, community opinions, insurance backing, and costs.
One of the best ways to determine how good and reliable a warranty company is to check their online reviews. People on Google and Yelp will share their positive and negative experiences with the company in question, lending far more insight than the company’s website ever could. It’s also a good sign if the Better Business Bureau approves them!
Most warranty plans offered through dealerships, wholesale dealers, and other third-party companies are underwritten or backed by insurance providers. This ensures that if the warranty company goes out of business or can’t pay for your repairs, the insurance company in question will cover the repairs. Therefore, it’s important that your warranty plan and provider are backed by A-rated insurance.
In addition to online reviews and insurance, it’s also important to compare the costs and stipulations of different warranty companies and plans. Cost is typically affected by the age of the RV, what you want to cover, your provider, and how long you want the coverage to last.
What to Cover with Your Warranty
The beauty of warranties for motorhomes, fifth-wheels, and travel trailers is that you have a wide range of coverage options, including custom plans. Here are some things you can choose to cover with a warranty that won’t always be covered by insurance:
- Paint protection for damages not related to storms or an accident
- Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems
- The motor of a motorhome
- Axles, bearings, and wheels
- Repair costs at any licensed repair facility
In some cases, depending on your coverage and plan, an extended warranty will even pay for roadside assistance if your vehicle needs to be towed to a local repair shop. If you need your RV towed because of a car accident, your insurance should cover the physical damage to your rig.
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Types of RV Warranty Coverage
Owning an RV is an exciting experience, but it's important to have a warranty in case it needs repairs. While a manufacturer's warranty usually covers repairs, it often isn't robust enough to cover all interior and exterior issues. Used RVs typically don't come with a warranty, but you may still want coverage. If your warranty is expiring soon, you should consider shopping around for a new one.
An extended warranty is an optional purchase, but it can be very helpful. Repairs for the home or chassis are almost always very expensive, and specialty RV mechanics for Class A or C vehicles are generally more costly than regular mechanics. Repairs to the coach part of your RV (e.g. refrigerator, AC, roof, electrical, etc.) can also be more expensive than typical repairs due to the specialty nature of RVs.
There are two main types of extended RV warranty: exclusionary and inclusionary. Exclusionary policies cover everything except a short list of exclusions, such as carpet, rust, cabinets, paint, or pre-existing conditions. Inclusionary policies only cover items that are listed. Therefore, exclusionary policies are more comprehensive but also more expensive.
When choosing an extended warranty, it's important to research different companies and policies to find one that suits your needs. Some companies offer a variety of plans at different price points, while others only offer one standard plan. You should also consider whether the company allows coverage to be transferred to a new RV if you sell yours, and whether they limit repairs to certain shops.
- America's RV Warranty (ARW): Offers three plans for driveable RVs and two for towable RVs, plus optional coverage extras such as power surges. Allows coverage transfer and does not limit repair shops.
- Eagle Vision: A newer and smaller company that offers a variety of plans for motorhomes, towables, or diesel RVs. Basic plans cover the coach and chassis, with add-ons for travel expenses, rental vehicles, food spoilage, towing, and more.
- Wholesale Warranties: Offers a variety of plans for motorhomes, towables, and pop-up campers, as well as separate coverage for roadside assistance and tire/wheel issues. Driveable RV plans range from coach-only to comprehensive or exclusionary coverage.
- Good Sam Extended Service Plan: While not technically an extended warranty, this plan has reputable reviews and functions similarly. RVers pay a flexible monthly rate with no contracts for base coverage for their motorhome, trailer, or personal vehicle. There are no yearly mileage restrictions, and additional Roadside Assistance and Travel Assistance plans are available.
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Benefits of an RV Warranty
Owning an RV is a dream for many, but it's also a big responsibility. With so many mechanical and electrical components, there's always a chance of something breaking down, and repairs can be costly. This is where an RV warranty comes in, offering peace of mind and protection for your investment. Here are some key benefits of an RV warranty:
Peace of Mind:
The biggest advantage of an RV warranty is the peace of mind it brings. RV breakdowns are common, and knowing that you have a warranty to cover unexpected repairs allows you to travel with less worry and stress. You can focus on enjoying your adventures without constantly worrying about what could go wrong.
Protection from Unexpected Costs:
RV repairs can be expensive, with average repair costs reaching $300 per hour or more. An RV warranty covers these unexpected costs, protecting your budget and saving you money. This is especially beneficial if you're on a fixed income or have a tight travel budget.
Coverage for a Wide Range of Repairs:
RV warranties typically cover a wide range of mechanical and electrical breakdowns. This includes repairs to engines, transmissions, freshwater systems, air conditioners, water heaters, slide-out mechanisms, and more. Some policies even cover luxury features like solar panels.
Extended Coverage Options:
RV warranties offer extended coverage options, typically ranging from 1 to 7 years. This means you can enjoy your RV adventures without worrying about repairs for a longer period, and you have the flexibility to choose a coverage period that suits your needs.
Transferability and Resale Value:
If you decide to sell your RV, having a warranty in place can boost its resale value. A potential buyer will appreciate the added protection and peace of mind that a warranty offers. Additionally, some warranty plans allow for the transfer of coverage to the new owner, making your RV more attractive to potential buyers.
Mobile Mechanic Coverage:
Some RV warranty providers, like America's RV Warranty (ARW), offer mobile mechanic coverage. This means you can call a mobile mechanic to come to your location and perform repairs, saving you time and hassle. ARW, for example, covers up to $500 of the mobile mechanic's service fee per issue.
Customer Service and Support:
A good RV warranty provider will offer excellent customer service and support throughout the claims process. This includes helping you understand your coverage, guiding you through the claims process, and ensuring prompt and accurate communication between all parties involved.
In summary, an RV warranty is a valuable investment that offers peace of mind, protects your budget, and provides coverage for a wide range of repairs. It allows you to travel with confidence, knowing that unexpected breakdowns won't derail your adventures. When choosing an RV warranty, be sure to read the fine print, compare coverage options, and select a reputable provider with excellent customer service.
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Frequently asked questions
An RV extended warranty is a service contract that covers the cost of repairs to your RV in the event of a mechanical breakdown. It is different from RV insurance, which covers damage caused by accidents and other events. An extended warranty is a good idea if you want to avoid the high cost of unexpected repairs.
An RV extended warranty covers mechanical breakdowns and repair work caused by the everyday operation of the vehicle. This includes repairs to essential mechanical components, systems, and appliances such as the motor, transmission, septic system, refrigerator, air conditioner, water heater, and fresh water system. Some extended warranties also offer additional benefits such as roadside assistance, towing, and travel expense reimbursement.
You can purchase an RV extended warranty through an RV dealership or a third-party warranty company. Buying from a third-party company usually offers more flexibility in terms of coverage and pricing, and you can shop around to find the best plan for your needs.