Extended Warranty Denial of Claim

[kide]

We had a breakdown in Gallup New Mexico that resulted in the driveline breaking off the rig. Also damaged is the transmission and engine which both need to be replaced. Our extended warranty provider Western General is denying our claim stating that because part of the driveline cannot be found that they are unable to determine cause of damage. Any suggestions to remedy this solution.

[kide]

We had a breakdown in Gallup New Mexico that resulted in the driveline breaking off the rig. Also damaged is the transmission and engine which both need to be replaced. Our extended warranty provider Western General is denying our claim stating that because part of the driveline cannot be found that they are unable to determine cause of damage. Any suggestions to remedy this solution.

[KTYSTR]

First, ask to speak to a supervisory level person and get their response after reviewing details of the incident.
Be sure to get a name and spelling of that name plus their job title.
Then contact a lawyer and sue. I am sure a lawyer can get everything resolved. The insurance company is simply trying to avoid their obligations. Ask to see specifically in the coverage policy where is covers roadside loss of parts negating their liability.
Go after them. We motor home owners pay big bucks for the units and insurance and warranty coverage. We deserve better treatment, but I guess all too often the only way to get it is through legal action. Katrina victims have found the same sort of behavior exhibited by many homeowner insurers.

[Hitchhiker]

Hello "kide",

Welcome to iRV2, we're really glad to have you here as a new member and are looking forward to reading your posts about your RVing experiences and adventures. I'm sorry about your difficulties with Western General, perhaps an escalation up the chain of command will provide some better results.

You'll find a great bunch of folks on this site who are very knowledgeable of RVing, the rigs we use, and the places we go in them. Hopefully, you'll get some good suggestions from them.

It'd seem to me that if the drive shaft separated from the motorhome, about the only cause of failure that'd create that would be a bad universal joint. Surely if the U-joint separated, the other half would still be either attached to the axle yoke or the transmission tail shaft and they could look at that part of it. Perhaps it's not that simple though.

As you'll see, our members are eager to help and share their knowledge and experiences with others.

Again, welcome to iRV2, we're glad you joined and good luck with your claim.

[Wallaby Dan]

Hi Kide,Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear about your trouble. I beleave that KTYSTR maybe right. Its a sad thing but many times even on new units with the new factory it has to be settled in court. Hope things turn out well and you can get on the road again.

[JRP]

Consumers Union/Consumer Reports recently released a thorough multi year, multi product report on extended warranties. Not specifically RV, but overall general consumer products, they are recommending consumers refuse to purchase extended warraties, as they found that over 90% result in losses to consumer and extra profit to the seller.

Jim

[Kazoo Tom]

I am one of those people that believes that the extended warranties are a waste of money for most. Although it seems that yours should more than pay for itself in this situation.

Continue to go up the line with their chain of command, and document each and every contact. There are also dispute resolution services available through Motorhome magazine and others, can't hurt to give them a try. Read your contract very carefully to locate all the exclusions, and the very specific methods of filing your claim.

With the amount of loss you are facing, it might be wise to contact an attorney sooner rather than later in this process.

[Toby]

Kide
Good luck. I do not believe the folks at the other end of the phone line are insurance adjusters. I think they are just clerks and operate on the basis that the worst that can happen is that they end up paying the claim if you hire an atty and win in a court. So what do they have to lose. If you can get an atty to handle for you, most want money up front in these kind of cases, I believe. You also have to hire an expert and etc,,lot of money up front and these people know it. You could call the State Insurance Department and report them and maybe get them to help. However if they are in a different state than you, again good luck. I do not think your State Atty General will help. Thats why extended warranties are a rip-off IMHO. s/Toby

[RV Wizard]

kide, welcome to our website and forum; only wish it were under more gentler circumstances. I agree with getting legal representation to help solve the issue of your claim. It is unfortunate that you have to resort to this method but it is what it is. Good luck and keep us posted as to the progress made.

[MonacoMama]

Kide- There is some great info from the members above- IMPORTANT - to get everyone's name AND EMPLOYEE # plus note what time and day you talked to them...
Another option instead of an Attorney is to write (or email)the 'Hotline' column at Motorhome magazine. I have not dealt with them forst hand- but they seem to help out.

JRP- the last time I read Consumer Reports on extended coverages - they reccomended buying the manufacturer's extended coverage if you bought any. Can you email me the article? I am curious if that is what they still say.

Kide- Good Luck with your claim..you should be able to get the claim paid - make sure when you talk to the supervisor that you point out you had NO way to get the part without RISKING your life - which means they could be paying out a HUGE CLAIM to your widow ..which do they prefer...

[Mac and Chris]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by MonacoMama:
...Another option instead of an Attorney is to write (or email)the 'Hotline' column at Motorhome magazine... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Good idea, and same for Good Sam and FMCA if you're a member of either or both (or even if you're not, what can it hurt).

Also contact the Attorney General in your home state, and in the state where the extended warranty company is headquartered.

Mac