JohnnyT wrote: This thread is not about definitions or pro versus con I want to hear from those who have invested in this coverage. Nay Sayers, definition police, financial analysts start your own thread... I have never bought an extended contract on anything...But I know several who have and have benefited as a result. I am wanting this thread to give those that have a venue to express their experiences and opinions. I want to have a discussion about extended Warrantee's from those who have or have had one on their RV.
Please identify your carrier...What your perspective is
Happy...Saved me money
Satisfied.... Did not save me money but gave me piece of mind
Neutral.... Break even.... reimbursed about what I paid
Undecided .....Purchased but never had a claim
Negative..... Purchased and had claim denied
The reality is there are many who have had both positive experiences and those who have not.
Under some circumstances they can relieve some financial liability
Following the rules relative to notification and maintenance is an issue
The do's an don'ts when shopping and selecting for those that have and would do again what would you do different?
The least expensive way versus the most expensive way to purchace.
From those that have invested in an extended warranty what advice would you offer in terms of selection, where to buy, and how to maximize coverage.
JohnnyT Moderator
I have 3 policies...
1..60 in TV...never used and hope not to...
2...Treadmill...Sears...annual cost was about $35...had one belt , one drive shaft and 3 motors go out over 9 year period...last motor couldn't be replaced so they gave us a "NEW" treadmill listed at Sears for $1200....
3...On MH called Choice...purchased at time of MH purchase...exclusionary policy...their asking price was $5400...I purchased for $1800...have replaced inverter, a plumbiong leak and one other thing I can't recall...but the total paid to date is $2050...and still have 5 years left...
I am selective on what ones I buy...as an example..I never buy one on a car...
Gary And Cathy
'05 Dolphin 5342
Honda Element following us
GS, FMCA 365597 Rallys attended FMCA Albany, Or.'06 FMCA Redmond, Or.'07
Purchased a Route 66 plan when we bought our '94 Adventurer in June '06. IIRC, cost was about $2400 for 4yrs/48,000 miles. Since then, we have had electric step controller replaced, furnace blower motor and control board replaced, generator overhauled ( new stator, voltage regulator, brushes & brushholders, etc.), convertor/charger replaced, HWH jack actuator replaced. Probably missing a few other things done that I don't remember.
It would have been cheaper for them to put in a new generator.
Have a $100 deductible unless I'm at a Route 66 dealer, then deductible is $ 34.
Only thing they didn't cover was generator carb.
Needless to say, we're glad we bought the coverage.
However, if we bought new, I wouldn't have bought the extended.
We bought one for our Beaver Patriot because it was used and we thought we'd cover our tails in case there was some latent mechanical issue we didn't discover on our inspection, or if there was some major failure later.
Carrier: USA Travel Care. Purchased thru dealership.
Negative #1: Denied claim to repair broken exhaust manifold bolts broken. "pre-existing condition". The pre-existing condition clause written so that no prior knowledge required, only that the company felt the condition existed prior to sale.
Negative #2: Refund of contract premium goes through dealership. Dealership sat on refund for over 3 months, ignored written demands. Finally refunded premium after we set up camp in their showroom.
Steve & C. J.
"Gracie" the Rough Collie & "Bo'sun" the Bichon Frise
I had no plans on purchasing our CSP until we were in the finance office at the dealer and they dropped the loan rate enough so my payment wouldn't change. I haven't had any major repairs yet.
Ed and Kathy Antus
Rancho Penasquitos (PQ)
San Diego, CA
05 Bounder 32W
I've had several on several different vehicles. I haven't lost money on any of them yet. Just be sure to follow the rules about pre-approval. As an example, I had to have the heater core replaced on a Ford F150. Costed more than the price of the extended warranty. That same truck needed an AC compressor and evaporator. Well worth the investment. It seems to me that there are so many really expensive parts that can and will fail on a motor home that it's a no-brainer to have one.
Prestige, 4-year plan with $50 deductible. Everything was fine until my claims reached about $2500 (paid $3500 for coverage). At that point I assume the bean counters got involved and started nit-picking everything to the extreme. Haven't had anything approved for awhile now. Would I do it again, not likely. It did give us a warm-fuzzy for the first year of ownership (we bought a 6-year old coach) so I really can't place a dollar value on that aspect. But, in the tide of things, I would advise that the initial money be placed in an interest bearing account and added too periodically to keep the warm-fuzzies.
This is my opinion only and your mileage may vary. :-)
Purchased "The Choice" Protection Plan from Autoguard Advantage Corp in Jan 08, just before my 3yr/36K mile powertrain warranty expired. All other chassis/structure/component warranty coverages except for my EPDM roof had expired. I bought the MH service contract from my orginal dealer, who had just started offering service contracts in Nov 07.
I paid $1443.75 for a 5 yr/50K mile Deluxe plan with optional jacks, appliance, slide out, high tech, non-covered part and seals/gaskets coverage. This price is about half of what the plan normally sells for. Guess having an old Navy buddy as the Sales Manager has it's perks.
Undecided as of yet, have had no claims, but the deciding factor on getting a service contract was the recent Dometic refrigerator recall. My 12 cuft double door model with icemaker is not on the recall list...yet, but I did price a replacement for $3400.
I look at the service contract as an investment in my MH. We plan on keeping it for another 3 years, at which point I should have 2 years and 36+ K miles left on the contract, and it is fully transferable for a $50 fee. The new owner of my MH in March-April 2011 will get a well cared for, well maintained coach with a 2 year/36K mile "warranty"
It's the least I could do for my fellow RV enthusiast.
Andy, Lee & Ruby - the neurotic 9 yr old Cocker Spaniel
'05 Fleetwood Bounder 33R, F53 w/6.8L V10, Cool Ice...towing a
'07 Chevy HHR LT2 w/2.4L EcoTec, Silverstone Metallic
FMCA #F359977 - Colonial Virginians
FCRV #733452 - Tidewater Wheels
I have been following this thread with a great deal of interest as an an instructor for Life on Wheels (www.rvlifeonwheels.com). One of the subjects I teach is Continuing Servcice Plans: Are They Right for You. The purpose of the class is not to preach pro or con about "extended warranties", but to help RVers become aware of their options. There are many, many misconceptions about these products, and I have found that a majority of complaints revolve around the purchaser having failed to make themselves aware of all the terms of their contract. The people responding to this thread appear pleased with their purchase because they have followed these terms TO THE LETTER. I would most strongly encourage potential continuing service plan purchasers to become aware of what kinds of products are available and what the terms are. It is also important to ascertain the reputation and history of the product being considered. What recourse is available to you in case of dispute? Are these products regulated in your state? What kind of product are you interested in: an inclusionary policy or an exclusionary product? There is much to become aware of in order to become a truely satisfied customer. Should you be considering one of these policies please make yourself aware of all of its terms and restrictions. RVing is meant to be enjoyable and relaxing. . . being aware and prepared will help make you a happy RVer as. I hope these few words have been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Oh. . . for a more complete story of extended warranty plans, as well as lots of other information, plan to attend the Life on Wheels conference in Pennsylvania or the Gypsy Journal Rally editor@gypsyjournal.net in Ohio this September. As always, oRV e-mail me at: orvhazelton@escapees.com)
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