What Is the Best RV Extended Warranty Plan?

Choosing a warranty plan for your RV might be a bit more difficult than you'd initially anticipated; however, having an extended warranty or service plan in your back pocket is a great idea for any RV owner who doesn't want to deal with the hassle of a mechanical failure. A warranty can provide you with some added peace of mind, but comparing warranty companies, warranty providers, and warranty covers can be overwhelming if you don't know what to look for.

What is an RV extended warranty?

You may think an extended RV warranty and RV insurance are the same thing, but they're not. Your RV insurance protects you from liability on the road and is usually purchased directly from an insurance company. In the United States, you need to ensure your RV is protected by an insurance company if you want your car to be road-legal. But RV insurance only goes so far. If you want to make sure your RV is completely covered in the event of a mechanical breakdown or issues with mechanical components, you need a warranty policy.

A warranty policy extends past what insurance can offer you. It can also go further than a manufacturer's warranty depending on the type of policy you choose and the fine print. Often, a dealership will offer you a warranty at the time of purchase; however, a dealership warranty isn't always a good deal. Compared to signing an RV warranty vehicle service contract with a third-party provider, a dealership is often more expensive and has a restrictive service contract that can limit your repair facility and service center options. When you choose an RV warranty with a third-party provider, you're able to shop around a bit. You can compare service plans from different warranty providers and choose between wholesale warranties and extended warranties that are more cost-effective and don't restrict you to a specific repair facility.

Choosing the best warranty provider

For an RV owner, finding the best warranty provider is a no-brainer. You want to have the freedom of choosing your repair facility and you don't want to have to worry about swapping out mechanical components yourself. To find the best RV extended warranty, you need to do a bit of research. First, ask how much coverage the extended warranty provides. Will it handle all the mechanical breakdowns a manufacturer warranty would cover? Are there options for wholesale warranties? Keep in mind that RVs break just like any other vehicle and you need a service plan that will handle the common issues. This is especially important because even a "simple" RV repair can cost thousands of dollars. With a comprehensive RV warranty, your warranty company handles the fine details.

Then do a bit of cost comparison. A warranty for your RV is liable to cost several hundred dollars per year. Sometimes, the warranty for your RV can be paid in several installments. Other times, the warranty needs to be paid in full. While this may seem like a high cost for a warranty, other RV drivers can tell you that it's frequently worth the investment. It's estimated that, within the first three years of ownership, an RV has a decent chance of a mechanical breakdown. Within five years, an RV is incredibly likely to experience an issue that would be covered by a warranty.

The last thing to look into is the company offering the warranty. Are they well-liked by their customers? Do they offer competitive warranties? What does the Better Business Bureau have to say about them?

As long as you're being a savvy shopper and keeping your mind open to different warranty options, you're going to find a product that meets your needs. Don't forget the important "C words": comprehensive coverage, cost comparisons, and customer comments. They'll help you pick the best warranty company for your vehicle.

A freelance writer with a BA in English from Sarah Lawrence College.