How Do RV Warranties Work? Important Things You Need To Know

RV warranties: those two words alone can make even the savviest of people overwhelmed. Contracts, repairs, companies, dealers, manufacturers, fine print! How do RV warranties work? How long does it take? No matter what kind of RV warranty or claim you have, the claims processes will be pretty similar. We break it down for you here!

Different Types of RV Warranties

There are two main types of RV warranties. Different warranties cover different things and different types of recreational vehicles. Let’s break them down here:

Manufacturer’s Warranty 

These types of warranties are for new rigs. RV manufacturer’s warranties vary in length by brand. Depending on the brand, the manufacturer’s warranty can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years (or up to a certain amount of miles). Also, depending on the brand, the warranty may be a limited warranty, structural warranty, or more. 

Many manufacturer’s warranties will cover 1-year bumper to bumper. When you purchase an RV with a manufacturer’s warranty, you can rest assured. Many of your RV’s appliances, even your RVs frame, will be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Extended Warranty

Different companies are offering extended warranties for RV purchases, one being Wholesale Warranties. These types of warranties can be a great idea if you are purchasing a used RV. Extended warranties are also great backups when your manufacturer’s warranty expires.

An RV extended warranty will cover unexpected mechanical and electrical issues with your RV. 

This can include the cost of repairing or replacing appliances, slide-outs, engines, and more.

There are two different types of extended warranties: exclusionary and inclusionary. 

An exclusionary extended RV warranty provides the highest level of coverage. This type of extended warranty covers every electrical and mechanical failure in your RV, except what is listed as “not covered” in the terms and conditions of your extended service contract.

An inclusionary extended RV warranty only covers the items listed in the contract. Because of that, it is a lower level of coverage than an exclusionary policy. 

When buying an extended warranty, the best choice is an exclusionary policy with comprehensive coverage for the most peace of mind.

How Long Do RV Warranty Claims Take? 

So, how does the RV warranty claim process work? How long do warranty-covered RV repairs take? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. 

An RV warranty claim can be completed in as little as a couple of days or as long as several months. 

Whether you’re dealing with an extended warranty company or a manufacturer, there are several considerations to consider when estimating the timeline of the job. 

Most warranty claims will need to be handled at an RV dealer’s service center. The RV dealer’s service center will communicate with the company for whatever warranty services you’re covered by. 

Dealers follow a process to complete the repair and get the repair bill paid by the manufacturers or warranty company. Oftentimes, getting warranty approval and communicating with the warranty company is what takes the longest time. 

RV Warranty Claim Process Timeline 

• First, the dealer will document the customer’s concern. 
• The dealer will take pictures of any damage or areas that require warranty repair. 
• Once the dealer has the documentation and photos they need, they will submit to the manufacturer or warranty company for approval. This is often the part that is the most time-consuming.
• Ideally, the warranty company will respond right away with approval. Sometimes, though, this requires following up with them to keep them on track. The dealer should be following up with them, of course. But as the customer, you play a role, too! Follow up with the warranty company by contacting their customer service department to keep that ball rolling! 
• Once the dealer has approval, they may need to order parts. Sometimes, if you’re in a bigger city, parts are available within the next day or two. Sometimes you have to wait a while for them to be shipped – location plays a role in how long this part takes. 
• Once the parts arrive, the dealer will verify they are the correct parts. If they’re the right parts, the work will begin! 
• If they are the wrong parts – and unfortunately, this is a common occurrence – the waiting continues for the right parts to be delivered.

RV Warranties Are Definitely Worth It

Although RV warranty claims can be a hassle, there’s no doubt that they save you a ton of money. While it might be annoying when you’re in the middle of a lengthy claims process with poor communication, it won’t last forever. 

If you have yet to buy an RV and you’re buying new, research the manufacturer. Specifically, how good are they with their customer service? RV forums can provide a lot of insight here. Choose a manufacturer that cares about you as a person, not just another number. 

If you’re choosing an extended warranty, research their customer service, too! Making an educated decision about who you’re getting your warranty through will make any claims processes in the future much smoother. 

In short: do your research, select a company with outstanding customer service, and cruise down the road with peace of mind that you’re covered wherever you may roam.