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Are RV Extended Warranties Worth It?

Published on January 12th, 2022 by Contributor, Let's RV
This post was updated on October 11th, 2023

What most RVers don’t know can hurt them. Most people wonder if RV extended warranties are worth the money. Let’s take a look at why I believe RV extended warranties are a good deal.

extended RV warranties worth it
The most common RV repairs can bankrupt you. (Image @Bilito, iRV2 Forums)

Disclaimer: our friends at WhoelsaleWarranties.com provided this content.

Yes, RV Extended Warranties are Worth the Money

  • The most common RV repairs usually cost more than the RV extended warranty itself
  • They pay for complex repairs most people cannot do themselves
  • An RV extended warranty backed by an A-rated insurance carrier will come through when you need it.

The harsh reality is that RVs suffer breakdowns. Even minor or common repairs come with hefty price tags. Thousands of RVers file warranty claims every year. Each one is for unexpected and often unaffordable repairs during their travels.

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Let’s go over surprising claims statistics. This can help you plan for and manage unexpected RV repair expenses.

Common RV Repairs Usually Covered by RV Warranties

The in-house claims staff at Wholesale Warranties compiled component failure statistics. The Top 10 most claimed components include:

  1. Electrical
  2. Air conditioning
  3. Slideouts
  4. Leveling jacks
  5. Refrigerator/ice maker
  6. Power step
  7. Toilet
  8. Awning
  9. Water system
  10. Generator

The Top 10 Items with the highest average claim costs include:

  • Rotor = $6,522
  • Engine = $2,458
  • Transmission = $2,343
  • Radiator = $2,086
  • Inverter = $1,713
  • Fuel injector = $1,282
  • Hydraulic pump = $1,232
  • AquaHot = $1,143
  • Refrigerator/ice maker = $986
  • Leveling jacks = $958

These numbers shed light on what RV repairs cost. RVs are complex machines containing an array of modern mechanical components. All of these pieces endure the stress of constant rattling and shaking when going down the road. It only makes sense that RV breakdowns are inevitable.

Luckily, there is good news! Labor rates and part costs are skyrocketing. Today, more RVers than ever are turning to RV extended warranties. These services offer protection from these expensive repair bills.

RV extended warranties worth it
RV repairs are expensive. Extended warranties lower the cost of ownership.

Why RV extended warranties are worth it.

RVers debate the value of RV extended warranties all the time. Usually, if someone thinks an RV extended warranty is not worth it, they had a bad experience buying one. Maybe a past provider did not hold up their end of the deal. When it came time to pay for a common RV repair, the RV extended warranty was not worth it.

The most common myth about RV warranties is that it doesn’t pay for itself. But check out the list of common RV repairs. An RV extended warranty costs less than the price of a new rotor. A good warranty can protect your RV budget. And you can travel with peace of mind.

The best way to ensure your RV extended warranty is worth it, is to know what type of coverages are available. Know the level of risk you desire to take on. And know ever detail about who you’re purchasing your protection from.

Wholesale Warranties - types of coverage

What do RV extended warranties cover?

Extended service warranty contracts usually cover RV repairs such as:

  • Electrical components
  • Slideouts
  • Generators
  • Radiators
  • Engines
  • Appliances (including RV refrigerators)

When looking for the right contract, get a full copy of the contract. Review it before you make any type of payment. This is the only way to be sure you have coverage for the items you’re concerned about most.

In this video, two full-time RVers discuss their RV extended warranty experience.

Types of RV extended warranty contracts

Not all RV extended warranty contracts are the same. You can buy different RV repair coverage, depending on your budget. This list of RV extended warranty types explains:

Listed component

This type of RV extended warranty covers most of the mechanical components in your RV. Pay attention to the itemized list of covered components. Do you see something missing from that list? Then it’s not covered. A listed component policy works great for RV owners who want affordable coverage. Usually you can add upgrades to tailor the contract to your needs.

Exclusionary

Want the highest level of coverage offered? The exclusionary RV warranties are worth it. These types of RV extended warranties work for RVers wanting the lowest risk possible. Exclusionary RV extended warranties cover every mechanical component on your coach.

Only a few items may not be. Look for them under the “what is not covered” section in the contract. Exclusionary policies are typically one of the more expensive options. But the extensive coverage is usually fair to the price.

RV extended warranty or DIY repair?
Can you DIY RV repairs? (Image: @GlennLever, iRV2 Forums)

Consequential loss add-on

Things are divided between covered items and excluded items in the world of RV extended warranties. The two will occasionally meet in a claim situation. This can happen when a covered component fails because of damage caused by a part that is not covered. An example is when a maintenance item like a belt causes damage to a main component such as your engine.

In cases such as those described above, that covered part will be denied. The root cause of the failure is specifically excluded in the contract. But, some contracts offer consequential damage or consequential loss. This provides coverage in case a non-covered part causes the failure of a covered part.

Are RV extended warranty plans too good to be true?

Not all sales processes are equal. You may receive RV extended warranty information that stretches the reality of coverage. For instance, a warranty described as “bumper-to-bumper coverage” or “this warranty will cover all items on your coach” is simply overstating coverage.

Bumper-to-bumper coverage is a fairly common term. But in reality, no policy will cover every item on your coach.

The exclusionary policy described above covers most mechanical components in your RV. But many items still won’t be covered. Things like hoses, belts, molding, rust or corrosion, and similar maintenance. RV extended warranty policies usually don’t cover aesthetic or physical damage items either.

A reputable RV extended warranty provider always gives a realistic expectation of coverage. They are not afraid to tell you exactly what their policy excludes.

Can you afford to replace your RV engine? (image: @max49 iRV2 Forums)

How to find the best RV extended warranty

How do you find the best RV extended warranty for your needs? You have a two options:

  1. Talk to RV dealerships. They sell extended warranty plans when you buy a new or used RV.
  2. Many RV extended warranty companies are online. Talk to companies like Wholesale Warranties, a major company with different plans.

To feel confident that your RV extended warranty is worth it, keep a few things in mind:

  • Always confirm that the extended warranty is backed by an A-rated insurance carrier. No matter what happens to the provider, you will be covered.
  • A reputable provider always gives a copy of the full terms and conditions of the contract. Reading it is essential to know the items covered on your coach.
  • Check the seller’s credentials with consumer advocacy groups such as the BBB. Online reviews, RV forums, and RV lifestyle clubs such as the Escapees RV Club are also good sources

Whether you’re starting a full-time RVing adventure or a weekend warrior, an RV extended warranty is worth it. Investing in one an important decision. Do your research to feel confident someone has your back if the worst happens to your RV.

This post may contain affiliate links or mention our own products, please check out our disclosure policy here.