Fulltime Families – RV Warranty 101
As full-time RVers, we know the importance of keeping our families, vehicles, and budgets safe while out on the road. That’s why it’s important to consider added levels of security. An Extended RV Warranty means getting to our destination with peace of mind. Today, we’ll dive into all things RV warranties and why many travelers choose this protection to complement their full-time life!
Why Might My Fulltime Family Need an RV Warranty?
Simply put, your RV will eventually need a repair. Whether the repair is big or small, it’s an inevitable part of the lifespan of your rig. In fact, 3 in every 10 motorhomes will break down by their second year on the road. By the fifth year, 8 out of 10 RVs breakdown, and nearly every RV by the eighth year on the road. Because RV components are expensive to fix, especially when skilled labor is taken into account, many travelers choose to get ahead of these repair costs with an extended warranty.
If you’re a full-time RVer or a member of our Fulltime Families community, we know how much you rely on the various mechanical components of your rig each and every day. Most full-timers don’t have the ability to quickly transition to different accommodations should a repair need to happen. This is why you shouldn’t wait to get something fixed. If you’re a full-time RVer, you need these components to work daily. An RV warranty is there to help you cover the cost of those pricey repair bills, so you don’t need to put off repairs due to cost. Processing an RV repair through a warranty also gives you access to the expertise of their claims adjustors—it’s their job to know what the right fix is for your breakdown, what the cost should be, and how long it should take. This confidence in your repair experience is just another layer of the “peace of mind” these extended RV warranties can offer.
We also recommend that you look into an RV warranty that allows you to use a mobile mechanic. In the event that you suffer a breakdown, being able to have a mechanic come to you can be a huge relief—no packing up the campsite, trying to find somewhere to spend the day, all while your home is sitting on an RV repair facility lot! We love that Wholesale Warranties policies can be used with any licensed repair facility, including these mobile technicians.
What Does an RV Warranty Cover?
Let’s take a step back now. We know that RV warranties protect your budget from the cost of repairs, but what exactly does this mean, and what exactly do they cover?
While there are a variety of coverage options available with most RV warranty providers, simply put, they are designed to cover the cost of repairs to mechanical and electrical components of your rig. You pay one deductible, and the warranty company picks up the rest of the bill!
You can expect most levels of coverage to extend to your powertrain, such as your engine and transmission, as well as your coach components like appliances, heating and cooling systems, water systems, and more. High levels of coverage will also pay for repairs to items like your leveling jacks, slide-outs, luxury electronics, and solar panels. Your specific contract will clearly define what is and is not covered on your rig, and offer between 1 and 7 years of coverage.
As they rely on their rig more than most travelers, full-timers will often start their RV protection research with the highest level of coverage, or “exclusionary” protection. An Exclusionary RV Warranty is not only the most comprehensive coverage option, it’s also the easiest policy to understand. Under an exclusionary RV warranty, every mechanical component on your coach will be covered, except for those items specifically listed under the “What is Not Covered” section of the policy. This means you only need to pay attention to the short list of what is not covered. Items excluded by most RV protection plans, including exclusionary contracts, include physical damage, aesthetic items like scratched paint or broken glass, and maintenance items.
Exclusionary coverage isn’t for everyone, and with so many options available, we believe education is an important step in finding the right policy for your RV life. A broker, like our friends at Wholesale Warranties, will be able to work with you to find the contract that best meets your budget and desired level of risk.
How Do I Secure an Extended RV Warranty?
Purchasing an RV warranty doesn’t need to be difficult! You’ll likely have options presented to you at your dealer when purchasing your RV, with online providers like Wholesale Warranties available to you as well. Going online is a great way to learn more about what your rig is eligible for, and can be the right option for those of us who aren’t in the RV buying process, as coverage is available to used units as well. We recommend finding a provider that will educate and inform you on everything there is to know about your contract, both what it does cover and what it doesn’t! You should never sign a contract without seeing the full terms and conditions. Transparency is key. This lets you know that you are in good, honest hands.
Tip: When choosing a warranty provider, read reviews on sites like Google, Customer Lobby, and the Better Business Bureau. Rely on your fellow RVers as well: RV blogs, forums, and organizations will often have recommendations for providers they trust.
Keep in mind there is no “one size fits all” policy or price. There are a variety of factors that determine the price of your policy. Knowing what goes into your cost and what type of coverage you’re looking for can prevent you from overpaying for coverage you might not need or use.
Peace of Mind for the Road Ahead
Full-time travelers are important to us, and your adventures matter. An RV extended warranty can be a huge step toward protecting those adventures by protecting your travel budget. It never hurts to know and weigh your options, and you can get a free quote from our friends at Wholesale Warranties by clicking here.