RV extended warranties: Are they worth it?

Traveling across the country in your very own RV should be a magical experience, but sometimes life on the open road presents challenges. Maybe your kitchen oven suddenly won’t heat properly or your motorhome engine breaks down while you’re on the road. All of these things can require costly repairs that’ll leave out of pocket hundreds— if not thousands— of dollars.

Situations like these are where RV extended warranties come in handy, allowing you to get back on the road quickly without breaking the bank.

Read more to learn exactly what RV extended warranties are and why they’re worth it for many RVers.

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What are RV extended warranties?

Though RV extended warranties might sound a little bit like RV insurance, they’re actually quite different. You’re almost always legally required to have some level of RV insurance, but RV extended warranties are totally optional, meaning the decision is completely up to you. 

Rather than protect you from the financial burden of an accident like insurance does, RV extended warranties are policies that cover the failure of the components inside your RV, including the motor (if you have a motorhome) and the appliances you probably use every day. 

Warranties can be offered by manufacturers, dealerships, or third-party providers. However, it’s important to note that not all extended warranties are the same or cover everything in your RV. What your warranty covers depends on the type of warranty you get and your specific policy. 

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Looking for the right RV insurance too? Learn more about the different policies available to RVers and which one may be best for you and your rig.

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Which type of RV extended warranty should I get?

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

It’s essential to know the difference between them before you purchase a policy, as the two policies differ in their level of coverage.

An exclusionary extended warranty is the ultimate RV extended warranty, providing you with the most comprehensive coverage possible. Every single mechanical component and appliance will be covered under an exclusionary warranty policy except those that it explicitly says it does not cover. If something isn’t mentioned, you can rest easy knowing that it’ll be taken care of by the exclusionary warranty. 

The inclusionary extended warranty, on the other hand, functions a little differently. Rather than tell you what won’t be covered, the inclusionary warranty lists only the items that will be covered. If something doesn’t appear on the list, then it isn’t included in the policy. 

Since the inclusionary warranty covers a lot less than the exclusionary policies, it’s always the cheaper option. Take a look at the extended warranties offered by the company you’re looking at and compare them to see which one is right for you. 

The best option for your RV depends on how much you’re willing to pay and what you’re looking to get covered.

What an RV warranty doesn’t cover

While we’re here, we should discuss the things that RV extended warranties do NOT cover:

• Property damage or physical injury to you or another driver 

• Accidents and collisions

• Regularly required maintenance that your RV needs

It’s best to think of an RV extended warranty as a policy that helps you pay for the continued operation of your RV’s mechanical components and appliances. 

How much does an RV extended warranty cost?

The cost of your RV extended warranty depends on several factors, including: 

• The company you’re getting it from: Much like insurance, rates can vary depending on the company you go with.

• The type of policy you’re getting: Inclusionary policies will always cost less than exclusionary policies because they offer less coverage.

• The make, model, and age of your RV: Do you have a top-of-the-line Class A RV? For an expensive and large motorhome like this, you’ll be paying a lot more for your extended warranty than you would if you had a smaller vehicle. The value of your RV directly affects the cost of the extended warranty, so keep that in mind when you go to purchase a policy.

• Length of the policy: The longer your policy runs, the more expensive it will be.

• How often you drive your RV: Driving your RV often will also make it more expensive because, with all that extra use, the components are more likely to break and need repairs.

RV extended warranties may not always be cheap, but they can often pay for themselves after one major repair. 

EXPLORE FULL-TIME RV COVERAGE

Are you a full-time RVer wanting to protect you and your home on wheels? We have everything you need to know about the coverage you need in our nifty full-time RV insurance guide. Ready for a quote? We can help you with a full-timer RV insurance quote. 

Is an RV extended warranty worth it?

The answer to this question is almost always yes. Even though you’re already paying for necessities like RV insurance, paying a little extra to cover the rest of your RV usually ends up being well worth it. 

It’s not uncommon for RVs to need repairs on their engine, appliances, plumbing system, propane system, and roofs. In fact, many RVs end up needing some kind of major fix within the first five years. Think about the reality of what’s happening when you’re out on the road driving your RV. You’re moving a giant machine with tons of complex, tiny parts inside it at fast speeds for hundreds— if not thousands— of miles. Something is likely to break or fail at some point, and it’ll probably happen more than once. 

This means that if you don’t get an RV extended warranty, you may be saving some money now, but it’ll most likely cost you even more in the long run. 

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Get on— and stay on— the road

RV extended warranties can help you get on and stay on the road. If you break down, you can rest assured that your costs will be covered. After all, RV repairs often run much higher than those in your standard car or truck. Though it certainly isn’t required, an extended warranty is a nice policy to have when you need it.