Community Forums

billsincali · 01-31-2018, 07:47 PM

We recently bought a 2004 fleetwood revolution and opted for the (expensive) extended warranty since it was a used coach. While on a trip we got stranded in Arizona at a truck stop when after refueling the coach wouldnt start. After many calls to parts stores, we found a mobile mechanic. The starter had gone out and needed to be replaced. The mobile mechanic ordered one and 2 days later we had it installed.

After we got home we called Campers edge to make a claim. We were told to wait until I had all the paperwork and then call back and get a claim form. I contacted Campers Edge, which is also under the name Warrantech and owned by Amtrust. I was told the starter and labor would not be covered because my first call was not to Campers Edge to get the repair approved.

After explaining numerous times that we were stranded and the trucks and employees were all frustrated because we were stuck in a refueling lane, Becky at Warrantech assured me that the costs I endured would not be covered as the contract states that the repair needs to be authorized by them before any work is done.

My advice with these extended warranties is read the fine print very carefully because if they can find a loophole to not pay the claim they will.

ByeTheWay · 01-31-2018, 07:59 PM

Sorry to hear of your problem. While we think of them as insurance, I'm told they do not have to follow the same guidelines as insurance companies.
There have been many posts on irv2 about problems w/ extended warranties. I for one don't believe they are worth the paper they are written on.

Rossi6998 · 01-31-2018, 09:20 PM

Unfortunately, this is an expensive learning experience. Although I understand why you did what you did, ALWAYS call the extended warranty company for approval prior to having any repairs done.

Sorry to hear about your difficulty with your claim.

Mr_D · 01-31-2018, 09:25 PM

Yep, they have very explicit rules in the contract that MUST be followed or the claim will be denied. Not worth the cost and hastle IMHO.

A Traveler · 01-31-2018, 09:36 PM

They didn’t find a “loophole.” You didn’t comply with the terms of your own service contract!

If you had made only ONE call to Campers Edge (instead several calls to parts stores) they would have found the parts and a repair tech for you and all would be fine.

I’ve had an extended service contract with our motor home for years. They have paid many repair claims over the years, with no problems at all...but you have to comply with the terms of your agreement.

It is YOU who should have read the fine print.

lady puffin · 01-31-2018, 09:55 PM

Extended warranties come in handy
We have used our several times and only paid the deductible. No matter what, I always call them first and follow any instructions provided

Smitty77 · 01-31-2018, 10:46 PM

Yep, a lesson for sure. Suggest you look into, if you do not have it already, an emergency towing coverage. This would have got you towed to a repair center 'at least' authorized for your coaches mechanical system. While waiting, pull your emergency contacts folder, ane call the EW company and let them know what's going on, and to ask them for guidance... (But do also read and know your contract.).

Done deal now, prepare for the future, and best of luck you will not need it,

Smitty

hohenwald48 · 02-01-2018, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billsincali

My advice with these extended warranties is read the fine print very carefully .
. . .

Good advice regarding any legal document/agreement.

Gary RVRoamer · 02-01-2018, 03:41 PM

Yes, an expensive lesson, but the lesson is that you must obey the terms of any contract you agree to, and that includes an insurance policy (contract). To do that, yes you have to read the rules.

While you are studying the RV extended warranty, you might also look at your home and car policies - you may find some things you didn't know there as well.

MisterT · 02-01-2018, 03:48 PM

yes, aggravating for SURE! but Contracts don't have 'loop holes', they only have folks who don't read them.

Not to step on your toes, but bashing the 'extended warranty' company because you didn't follow their policy is just as bad as what you 'claim' they did to you.

This also reveals why most of us don't 'buy' extended warranty/service contracts... you forget about them until you find that you 'did something' that now won't be covered because you didn't follow the policy rules, and if you had not purchased it in the first place, you would be way ahead, money wise, paying for repairs yourself... and no 'company' to worry about blaming.

sorry for your situation - it was probably hot, uncomfortable, unnerving, and just dog gone a big aggravation, and to lump more coal on the fire when you called your company!

hoosierrun · 02-01-2018, 04:00 PM

So these extended warranties only work where you have phone service. I remember many times on the road last year where I had no phone service.

I think I would still report your situation to the State Consumer protection bureau...... not that you will get any compensation, but perhaps, someday laws will be changed similar to the Fair Credit Act laws that require bold print for any terms that are often overlooked by the consumer who signs up for any type of insurance or warranty coverage. I'm pretty sure that this happens quite often and the writers of those policies know that, and intentionally use it to deny paying claims.

Superslif · 02-01-2018, 04:30 PM

I would whole heatedly agree calling the extended warranty number first should be the first step.

I do for piece-of-mind carry an extended warranty on my Tundra from Toyota. In my glove box in a envelope clearly marked for easy grabbing if needed.

Quote:

someday laws will be changed similar to the Fair Credit Act laws that require bold print for any terms that are often overlooked by the consumer who signs up for any type of insurance or warranty coverage. I'm pretty sure that this happens quite often and the writers of those policies know that, and intentionally use it to deny paying claims.

[Mod Edit]

Just recently some airline "Baggage Fee" information when reserving "on-line" has changed / hidden to again keep consumers in the dark. Remember "Business / Profits First" Consumers Second

ThePowells · 02-01-2018, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superslif

I would whole heatedly agree calling the extended warranty number first should be the first step.

Then.....

[Mod Edit]

Just recently some airline "Baggage Fee" information when reserving "on-line" has changed / hidden to again keep consumers in the dark. Remember "Business / Profits First" Consumers Second

So which is it? The OP's failure to follow the procedure or the result of the last election? Are you telling me that this didn't happen to anybody between January 2009 and January 2017, or any other particular time in the past?

I bet if you went back through the thousands of previous postings on this topic, I bet you would find that this has been happening for a long, long time, and that is why they are a popular product with dealers. Calling the insurance commissioner or consumer protection will not be of help. The first thing they will tell you is that it is a product replacement contract, not an insurance policy. Our "new to us" S&B house came with a 2 year contract. We didn't buy it, it came with the house and became effective the date of sale. I called about the first three issues, and lo and behold, non were covered. Imagine that...... and they wondered why we refused to extend..

bluepill · 02-01-2018, 11:01 PM

IMO the "Call us first" clause is fair, but refusing to even consider the claim for failure to do so certainly stinks of "Loophole". Yes, the company may have been able to negotiate a lower price with a network of preferred vendors, but why not agree to offer the reduced price they could have gotten to the contract holder? The insurer is not acting in good faith.