Warranties vs. Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
Comparison Chart
|
Manufacturer Warranty |
Extended Warranty |
Good Sam Extended Service Plan |
| Available for both used and new RVs |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Included in the RV’s purchase price |
Varies |
Varies |
 * |
| Covers routine maintenance costs |
No |
No |
No |
| Covers parts and labor |
Varies |
Yes |
|
Charges deductible per occurrence
(versus per item) |
N/A |
Varies |
|
| Includes emergency road service |
No |
Varies |
No |
| Transferable (without fees) |
Varies |
No |
|
| Duration of coverage controlled by the customer |
No |
No |
|
| Customized Plans with Deductible Options |
N/A |
Varies |
|
| Freedom to Choose RV Repair Center |
Varies |
Varies |
|
| Overlaps other warranties |
Varies |
Varies |
No |
| Increase in charges for usage |
N/A |
Varies |
No |
| Backed by an A+ rated insurance underwriter |
No |
Varies by state |
|
| Travel Expenses Covered |
No |
Varies |
** |
| Backed by the Good Sam Club |
No |
No |
|
* For Good Sam Extended Service Plan RVs can be 12 years or newer with less than 80,000 miles
** With Good Sam Extended Service Plan travel expenses include $100 per day for lodging, meals and possible rental car for 10 days if breakdown occurs 100+ miles from home. (RVers covered while traveling anywhwere in the U.S. or Canada.)
What is a Manufacturer’s RV Warranty?
A manufacturer’s warranty guarantees that the manufacturer will fix repairs that stem from defective materials or improper manufacturing. Usually every RV comes with multiple warranties. Each individual component, like the refrigerator, can have its own specific warranty. Motorhomes, for example, typically have two or more separate warranties—one for the coach and one or more for the chassis components.
What is an Extended Warranty?
An extended warranty, also known as a service contract or extended service contract, is sold separately by the dealership and covers components after the original manufacturer’s warranty expires. It can be backed by the Dealer or by the plan administrator.
What to review in an Extended Warranty and Service Contract
- Cost of the service plan
- Term limits
- Exclusions (unless expressed explicitly, an item is not covered)
- Pre-approval process—is it realistic to follow authorization requirements when you’re on the road?
- Overlap of original warranty
- Deductibles and increases in charges for usage
- Transfer or cancellation fees if you sell your RV
- Restrictions on service locations
- Timeframe of eligibility to purchase service plan
- Who is the underwriter, if anyone?
What is Mechanical Breakdown Insurance?
Good Sam Extended Service Plan is not an RV warranty program; it is insurance against a mechanical breakdown. Similar to home owner’s insurance and automobile accident insurance, mechanical breakdown insurance is a policy written to cover parts, labor and repairs to vehicles.
Good Sam Extended Service Plan is strictly regulated and fully insured by an A-rated underwriter. It complies with stringent insurance regulations.
For vehicles still with manufacturer’s warranty remaining, our Plan seamlessly dovetails with the original manufacturer’s warranty. When each of the original manufacturer’s warranties expires, you can be assured that you have continuous coverage. Also, with Good Sam Extended Service Plan, you get travel benefits from day one (these benefits help pay for rental car/ hotel/ dining expenses when your RV is being repaired in the shop).
Perhaps most importantly, Good Sam Extended Service Plan is backed by the Good Sam Club.