| Someone e-mailed me recently and wanted to know | | | | agreements. If you don't understand something, ask |
| what my thoughts were on extended service plans | | | | to have it explained to you. You will also want to |
| for RV's. I replied that I thought extended service | | | | make sure that the company offering the plan is |
| plans offered great protection as long as you | | | | reputable and will be acknowledged by other RV |
| understand a little about them and how they work. | | | | dealers and RV repair centers. It should offer |
| When you are doing the finance paperwork on your | | | | coverage in all of the USA and/or Canada. If you plan |
| RV most RV dealers will offer you some type of | | | | to travel outside your country of origin make sure |
| extended service plan that you can purchase. Before | | | | the coverage is still available. You will also want to |
| you agree to purchase a plan make sure you | | | | check on how a claim is paid. I have seen cases |
| understand all of your options. You should not be | | | | where you pay for the repairs up front and then get |
| pressured into buying an extended service contract. | | | | reimbursed when you send in a copy of the service |
| If you buy a new RV and purchase an extended | | | | order or repair bill. If the repair facility agrees to file |
| service plan that covers both the coach and the | | | | the claim most plans only require that you call for |
| chassis, the plan would take over the day after all of | | | | approval before any repairs are made. A good plan |
| the original factory warranties expire. For example, if | | | | should be transferable if you sell your RV, it should |
| you purchase a seven year extended service plan | | | | be renewable so you can extend the coverage and it |
| and the motorhome has a one year warranty on the | | | | should offer a pro rated refund if coverage is |
| coach and a three year warranty on the chassis the | | | | terminated during the term of the contract. |
| service plan would be in affect for six years after | | | | Pricing for these plans will be based on several |
| the coach warranty expires and for four additional | | | | factors. I have already mentioned some; the length |
| years after the chassis warranty expires. The | | | | of the plan, the extent of coverage, if the RV is |
| advantage of purchasing the plan when the RV is | | | | new or used, the age and mileage, and the |
| new is that it will be less expensive for a new unit as | | | | deductible. The deductible can range from $0 to over |
| opposed to a used unit. Most plans can be purchased | | | | $200. This is not bad considering a $500 or $1,000 |
| anytime up until the factory warranties expire if you | | | | average repair bill if an appliance fails. Some items on |
| don't purchase the plan when you initially buy the RV. | | | | the RV, like slide outs and entertainment systems |
| Some extended service plans will offer coverage on | | | | may not be covered unless you pay an additional |
| used units that meet the plans criteria if you | | | | surcharge. Make sure you understand what these |
| purchase the plan when you buy the used unit. | | | | items are and if you want them to be covered by |
| Coverage on a used unit will cost more. It is usually | | | | the plan. |
| based on the age of the unit and the mileage if it's a | | | | Do not be pressured into purchasing a plan. Ask your |
| motorized RV. | | | | RV dealer to give you a price on the plan they have |
| I mentioned if you buy coverage for the coach and | | | | to offer and then you can shop around and compare |
| the chassis. That's because most of these service | | | | pricing for extended service plans. Just make sure |
| plans offer different levels of coverage. You may | | | | the plans you are comparing offer similar coverage. |
| only want additional coverage on the coach portion | | | | Research and know in advance what you plan to do |
| or on the chassis portion. In addition to different | | | | about an extended service plan before you go in to |
| levels of coverage, plans are available for different | | | | sign the finance paperwork. |
| terms. | | | | Happy Camping! |
| Make sure you read and understand the extent and | | | | Mark |
| time period of coverage before signing any | | | | Copyright 2007 by Mark J. |