Understanding RV Service Warranties: What’s Covered and What You Need to Know

Don’t Let Unexpected RV Repairs Derail Your Adventures: The Essential Guide to Service Warranties

Owning a recreational vehicle opens up a world of adventure, but it also comes with the reality of potential mechanical breakdowns that can cost thousands of dollars. Understanding RV service warranties is crucial for protecting both your investment and your peace of mind on the road. With the right knowledge about what’s covered, what’s not, and how to choose the best protection plan, you can enjoy your travels without worrying about unexpected repair bills.

What Are RV Service Warranties and How Do They Work?

An extended RV warranty is built to cover the cost of mechanical breakdowns your rig might face. These common RV repairs are costly, and your RV warranty will cover parts and labor for covered failures. Unlike RV insurance, which protects against physical damage from accidents or weather, service warranties specifically address mechanical and electrical component failures that occur during normal operation.

Physical damage, such as from accidents or weather, is not covered by any warranty–instead this will be covered by RV insurance. Remember, warranties cover repairs needed from regular, daily operation, while insurance covers issues from weather, accidents, vandalism, etc.

Types of RV Service Warranties: Exclusionary vs. Inclusionary

Understanding the difference between warranty types is essential for making an informed decision:

Exclusionary Warranties: Exclusionary policies are the most comprehensive plans offered for RV extended warranty coverage. They are also the simplest policies to understand. An exclusionary policy lists the items that are not covered under the policy, and anything not listed under the exclusions is covered. An EXCLUSIONARY policy is the best type of RV warranty. It offers the highest level of coverage you can get on your RV. It covers EVERY mechanical component on your RV, except for what is specifically listed under your policy’s “What is Not Covered” or “Exclusions” section.

Inclusionary Warranties: Often called listed-item coverage, inclusionary coverage works the opposite way, providing a detailed list of what’s covered. If it’s not on the list, it is not covered under the plan. While these plans are typically less expensive, they offer more limited protection.

What’s Typically Covered by RV Service Warranties

Most comprehensive RV warranties cover a wide range of mechanical and electrical components, including:

  • Engines and transmissions, as well as the appliances in the coach, such as refrigerators, water heater, televisions, wiring, and cooling systems. They also cover luxury features such as slide-out mechanisms, leveling systems, and even solar panels.
  • Hot water tank, burner assembly, thermostat, thermocouple, gas valve, electronic ignition assembly, PC board, heating system, shower assembly, toilet, sink, holding tanks, gate valves, macerator pump, water pump, faucets, traps, fittings, and water lines.
  • Range/oven burner assembly, burner valves, refrigerator/freezer, microwave, convection oven, thermostat, thermocouple, burner, igniter, and PC board

What’s Not Covered: Important Exclusions to Know

Understanding exclusions is just as important as knowing what’s covered:

In short, warranties are for the mechanical and electrical items in your motorhome. This means that these policies will not cover maintenance items, collision damage, cosmetic items, or upgrades.

Common exclusions include:

  • Routine Maintenance: RV extended warranties will not cover routine maintenance. These plans are designed to cover breakdowns and failures of mechanical and electrical parts, and will specifically exclude any maintenance items and services.
  • Cosmetic Items: Aesthetic and structural components are also commonly excluded. This includes window glass, metal siding, wooden floors, furniture, and fabric. Again, keep in mind that these items do not serve a mechanical function, and are therefore not covered by an extended RV warranty.
  • Pre-existing Conditions: One thing not covered by most RV warranties is pre-existing conditions or defects in the RV at the time of purchase. If a problem already existed, but you didn’t notice or report it during the initial inspection, then any related repair costs won’t be covered.
  • Wear and Tear Items: Other exclusions include maintenance and items that are replaced during maintenance. These items include brake pads and oil filters, for example.

Key Benefits and Features to Look For

When shopping for RV service warranties, consider these important features:

Repair Facility Flexibility: All of the RV extended warranties we offer allow you to take your RV to any licensed repair facility in the United States or Canada, including mobile mechanics. This flexibility is especially valuable when traveling far from home.

Deductible Structure: With our RV warranty policies, the deductible is charged per visit to the repair facility, not per item repaired! You’re able to have multiple items repaired for one deductible.

Additional Benefits: Each warranty plan comes with a number of optional benefits for your RV, including things like roadside assistance, towing, and travel expense reimbursement.

Choosing the Right Service Provider

For RV owners in North Carolina seeking reliable rv services, it’s important to work with companies that understand the unique needs of RV travelers. Stream RV, located in Creedmoor, NC, exemplifies the values that RV owners should look for in service providers. Trusted, integrity, and respect are the bedrock of our company, and we’re proud to say that these values are translated into the services we provide our customers.

When evaluating warranty providers, look for companies that offer comprehensive coverage options, flexible repair facility choices, and strong customer support. One of our RV Warranty Specialists will work with you one-on-one to learn who you are as an RVer, and recommend a level of coverage, deductible, and term that is personalized to your needs. Wholesale Warranties is the only RV coverage provider with an internal Claims Support staff, here to walk you through the claims process, address any questions you have, and ensure fair claims handling.

Making the Most of Your Warranty

To maximize the value of your RV service warranty:

  • Keep detailed maintenance records: To make the most out of your RV extended warranty, start by keeping track of all maintenance records. This will ensure that your vehicle has been well-maintained and can prevent future problems that may not be covered by the warranty.
  • Understand the claims process: All claims processes must still be followed, including the required pre-authorization before work is completed.
  • Purchase early: By purchasing coverage while your manufacturer warranty is still in effect, you can lock in a better rate. Used RVs and older rigs cost significantly more to cover, so much so that owners often spend less total for more years of coverage when they buy early.

Conclusion

RV service warranties can provide valuable protection against costly mechanical breakdowns, but only when you understand what you’re purchasing. By choosing an exclusionary policy from a reputable provider, understanding what’s covered and excluded, and maintaining proper documentation, you can enjoy your RV adventures with greater confidence. Remember that a warranty is an investment in peace of mind – take the time to research your options and choose coverage that matches your specific needs and travel style.