RV Extended Warranties: When is the Best Time to Buy?

Owning an RV can be a one-way ticket to adventure, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be bumps along the way. And some of those bumps come in the form of repair bills. Unexpected breakdowns are one of the less fun sides of RV ownership, and they’re something that every traveler needs to be prepared for. One of the most popular ways to prepare for the rising costs of parts and labor is to invest in an RV protection product, such as an extended RV warranty. There’s a lot to learn when it comes to RV warranties, and one of the most common questions that comes up is: when is the best time to purchase an RV warranty? 

In this article, we’ll discuss the best times to purchase for your unique RV journey. Read on, and save big…

What is an Extended RV Warranty, and Where Can I Buy One?

An RV extended warranty, the commonly used name for an RV extended service contract, is a policy which agrees to pay for the cost to repair or replace failed mechanical and electrical components in your RV, in exchange for a premium and per-visit deductible. Items you can expect to be covered by these coverages range from your appliances, slide-outs, heating and cooling components, and leveling systems, to your diesel engine, transmission, and braking systems. You can learn more about what is covered, what is not covered, and the various types of policies available by clicking here.

RVs are only getting more complex, with bells and whistles added each new year. And hey, that’s why we love them! There’s nothing like enjoying the open road and the amazing places you’re able to travel with every single comfort of home along with you. But with all that comfort comes an unfortunate risk to your travel budget. The cost of repair is only going up, with the need for skilled labor and specialized parts ever on the rise. RV extended warranties step in to take care of these financial burdens, allowing you to get back on the road where you belong.

So an RV warranty can be a worthwhile investment, but do you really need one if you have a brand new rig? And if your RV is used, do you qualify for coverage? The answers might surprise you.

Buying When your RV is Brand New

You’re probably thinking something along the lines of, “why would I buy an extended RV warranty when I already have the manufacturer warranty in place”? We get it, the reality is you’ll have some double coverage there. And you don’t have to purchase right away. But there are significant benefits to purchasing your extended RV warranty while your rig is brand new, so you owe it to yourself (and your budget) to consider. Here’s why:

1. Lower Costs: Newer RVs are less likely to experience major mechanical failures. As a result, the cost of coverage is generally lower when you purchase early.

1. Comprehensive Coverage: New RVs are typically eligible for exclusionary or comprehensive coverage, which is the most extensive and offers peace of mind for a wide range of potential issues.

1. No Waiting Periods or Inspection Required: Many third-party warranty providers won’t impose waiting periods for claims on new RVs, ensuring that you’re covered from day one. Additionally, 3^rd party brokers like our friends at Wholesale Warranties who require inspections on used units won’t need to perform that inspection. 
2. Term Options: When your rig is brand new, you get the lowest cost for the longest term, giving you the best per-year rate you’ll ever receive.

It’s really this simple: you’ll never get a better price, for better coverage, on a longer term, than when your rig is brand new and your manufacturer warranty is still in place. 

Used and Very Used RVs

If you’re looking to pick up a used unit, especially one from a private party, you might be wondering if you qualify for coverage at all. The great news is that you most likely do! A broker, like Wholesale Warranties, is able to cast a much wider net than a classic dealership when it comes to eligibility, ensuring more RVers than ever are eligible for RV warranty protection. 

So, when should you buy? Now. Well, we should say, the sooner the better. When it comes to pricing ou an RV warranty, the age and mileage on your RV play a big part. Generally speaking, the newer the RV is, or the lower the mileage on the odometer, the lower the cost of your policy will be. Because it’s free to get a quote, it never hurts to check out your options early and lock in a great multi-year rate while you can!

Unfortunately, not every RV on the road qualifies. Eligibility will often look like the following:

• Age: While every provider is different, many RV warranties will be valid for vehicles up to 15 model years old. At Wholesale Warranties, motorhomes up to 20 model years old can qualify!

• Mileage: To get coverage on that pricey engine, you’ll need to lock in your policy before the odometer reads 100,000. For coach only coverage, meaning an RV warranty that excludes the engine but covers appliances and other housing components, you’ll cap at 125,000

What does January Mean for RV Warranties?

The new year can be a tricky time for RV warranties. This might seem arbitrary, but it comes down to a pretty simple fact: an RV industry-wide standard agrees that every RV is considered one model year older at the turn of the calendar year. As we’ve discussed, age is a big factor when it comes to pricing and determining eligibility for RV warranties. So January 1^st of each new year is a time when pricing and eligibility changes for all RVs!

This turn-of-the-year RV extended warranty rule is something you should be aware of when deciding on when to purchase your coverage. Vehicles that qualify in the current year can lose eligibility altogether when the new year hits. Moreover, pricing will increase for all used units, as the probability of major failure increases with every passing year. While winter might seem a counterintuitive time to lock in coverage, it can end up saving you big—and it might be your last chance to do so altogether! You can click here to learn about January 1^st and winter RV protection changes in more detail.

So when should you buy? More often than not, the sooner the better! At the end of the day, the best RV extended warranty is the one that fits your lifestyle, your budget, and your RV. Click here to learn more about coverage and get a free RV warranty quote today!.