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 you 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.
RV extended warranties cover mechanical failures and appliance breakdowns that standard insurance won't touch. It costs between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on your rig and coverage type. For motorhome owners and frequent travelers, extended warranties usually pay for themselves after one major repair.
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 entirely 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.
Manufacturers, dealerships, or third-party providers can offer warranties. 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.
Get the Right Coverage
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.
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 differ in coverage levels.
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 explicitly excluded. 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 listing what won’t be covered, the inclusionary warranty outlines 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. You can 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.
Beyond these two main types, you might also encounter:
The best option for your RV depends on how much you’re willing to pay and what you’re looking to get covered.
While we’re here, we should discuss the things that RV extended warranties do NOT cover:
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.
The cost of your RV extended warranty depends on several factors, including:
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 yourself 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.
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 systems, propane systems, and roofs. In fact, many RVs end up needing major repairs 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.
Get a Personalized Quote
No two RVs are alike— and neither is the insurance to go with it! Get a quote from Roamly based on your location, your RV, and more.
Here's a practical action plan:
Assess Your Situation
You should consider the following factors before buying an RV extended warranty:
Compare Coverage Types
Ensure you select a warranty type that matches your needs. Newer, more expensive motorhomes that are used heavily benefit most from exclusionary coverage, while older travel trailers used occasionally might only need inclusionary or powertrain coverage.
Read Every Word of the Contract
Not everyone does this, but you should, since you're making a financial investment. Here’s what you should examine in the RV extended contract:
Verify the Provider's Reputation
Look for providers with a strong track record, positive reviews, and a transparent claims process. You can check an insurance provider’s reviews on platforms like Google Business Profile, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp.
Understand Maintenance Requirements
Most warranties require you to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedules and keep detailed records. Missing scheduled maintenance could void your entire claim, so stay organized and document everything.
Ask About Mobile Mechanics
Some warranties limit you to specific repair shops or dealerships. Others let you use any licensed facility, including mobile RV techs who can come to you. This flexibility matters when your RV breaks down far from a service center.
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.
Looking to protect your RV? Click here to get a personalized quote from Roamly right away.
Roamly Insurance Group, LLC ("Roamly") is a licensed general agent for affiliated and non-affiliated insurance companies. Roamly is licensed as an agency in all states in which products are offered. Availability and qualification for coverage, terms, rates, and discounts may vary by jurisdiction. We do not in any way imply that the materials on the site or products are available in jurisdictions in which we are not licensed to do business or that we are soliciting business in any such jurisdiction. Coverage under your insurance policy is subject to the terms and conditions of that policy and is ultimately the decision of the buyer.
Policies provided by Roamly are underwritten by Spinnaker Insurance Company, Progressive Insurance Company, Safeco Insurance, Foremost Insurance Company, National General Insurance, Allstate Insurance Company, Mobilitas Insurance Company, Lyndon Southern Insurance Company and others.