*This post has been created in paid partnership with Wholesale Warranties*
There’s a lot that goes into joining the RV community. From finding your perfect rig, to learning how to operate it, and deciding on travel plans, it can be easy to skip out on researching some of the less exciting parts of RV life. Often, the idea of RV protection falls into this category. There’s so much to learn, and you may want to put it off, and hit the road! Unfortunately, that gut reaction might end up being a costly mistake.
The simple fact is: RV breakdowns happen! Even more importantly, the cost of repair is only going up. Investing in an RV protection product like an extended RV warranty could save you big down the road, but it’s important to understand what exactly you’re purchasing.
So let’s start at the beginning:
What is an RV Warranty?
What is commonly referred to as an RV warranty or RV extended warranty is actually a form of mechanical breakdown protection called an extended service contract. Because these contracts are written and handled by 3rd party companies that are not affiliated with the manufacturer of your coach, they are not technically warranties. However, most travelers know these products as RV extended warranties, so we’ll stick with that terminology.
Simply put, an RV extended service contract, hereafter referred to as an RV warranty, is a contract that agrees to pay for the cost of certain mechanical repairs to your RV in exchange for a premium and per-visit deductible. From here, these policies vary in many ways, allowing each RVer to choose the type of coverage that makes the most sense for them. When looking at options, you’ll find different levels of coverage, terms, deductibles, and more.
So, what exactly will an RV Warranty cover?
Generally speaking, an RV warranty will cover the mechanical working components of your vehicle. If a component covered by your policy fails, the warranty will pay for the costs to repair or replace that item, including both parts and labor.
However, not every RVer needs the same level of coverage. A great quality of many extended RV warranty providers is the variety of options they offer. For instance, some policies are specifically designed for catastrophic failures to a motorhome. This is called Powertrain Only coverage, and will specifically protect you from the most expensive potential failures your motorhome might face, such as your engine and powertrain components. The opposite is also true—there are many policies which offer incredibly comprehensive coverage, and will include items ranging from that diesel engine, to coach components like appliances, heating and cooling items, leveling systems, slide-outs, and more. The variety of coverage levels available allows each unique RVer to choose the policy that best meets their desired level of risk, and protection budget.
It’s also important to note that even the highest level of coverage available will not cover everything. A realistic understanding of what will not be covered by the policy is a key part of feeling confident in your RV warranty. Because they are specifically designed to cover the mechanical components of your rig, RV extended warranties will not cover aesthetic items like furniture, windows, or scratched paint. Maintenance tasks like oil changes will also be excluded, along with damages covered under your RV insurance policy, including failures caused by outside factors like weather or collision. You can learn more about the difference between standard insurance and RV warranty coverage here.
How to Lock In RV Warranty Coverage
If you are new to RVing and purchasing your unit from a dealer, they will most likely offer a warranty during the sales process. However, it’s always recommended to compare coverage and pricing options to online brokers as well. If you’re buying from a private party and they do not have an existing policy to transfer your way, or you have owned your coach for a while, you’ll need to set your sights on an online provider. Be sure to research any provider you’re considering, and see what the RV community has to say about their policies. Look to organizations like the Escapees RV Club, FMCA, and consumer protection agencies like the BBB to review their reputation.
Education is a key part of becoming an RVer! There is a lot to learn about traveling or living in your home-on-wheels, and it can feel overwhelming at times, but the research will all be worth it when you finally hit the road with confidence. Take control of your RV budget with an extended RV warranty, and travel with peace of mind.
Article provided by Wholesale Warranties
