Extended Warranty or Self-Insure?

[RVNeophytes2]

Good Sam just pulled the seals and gaskets stunt again, denying us the only claim we attempted to file because they attribute our suspension problems to a broken grease seal. We're nearing the end of our contract, which has been a waste of cash.

No renewal for us, since it dawned that they could ascribe all manner of failures to seals or gaskets, using this secondary cause and effect logic. Plus, they have a horrible reputation with consumer rating agencies.

Go RV has a slightly better reputation, but their prices are almost identical to Good Slam, who won't return my emails. That latter failure has earned them a Better Business Bureau complaint. Both companies have received many complaints.

Go RV's quote on our 2005 Excursion 39S is below. Unlike Good Sam, seals and gaskets are not excluded. Has anyone had claim experience with them? Does anyone favor self-insuring? One of my closest friends, who grew up with motorhomes and has owned several, laughs at the idea of service contracts.


On the side of shunning warranty coverage, I am a former landlord (did all my own work) and a licensed aircraft mechanic, have a 3,600 sq ft shop with bus bay behind my home. Plus, my insurer included roadside assistance our policy. I'm inclined to write off the Good Sam debacle to being new, and self-insure from now on.

The Diamond coverage to include 100% Parts and Labor would be as follows: Engine, Transmission, Drive Axle, Front and Rear Suspension, Steering, Air Conditioning, Brakes, Electrical, Electronic, Heating/Cooling Systems, Fuel Delivery System, Chassis Frame, Power Step, Slide-out, Hot Water Heater, Waste System, Fresh Water System, Central/Roof Air Conditioning, Range, Oven, Microwave, LP Gas/Propane System, Heating System, Refrigerator, Auxiliary Power Plant/Generator also Seals & Gaskets. The Diamond warranty even includes Deluxe/Hi-Tech Component Coverage (Rear Monitor System, Ice Maker, Trash Compactor, Central Vacuum cleaner, Washer/Dryer, Dishwasher, Freezer, Computer dash printed circuit boards, All A-V Components including TV's, VCR, DVD, Satellite System, Stereo System, Power Seat Computer) and much more.

Used Motor Home (Exclusionary Coverage) - Our Used Motor Home warranty coverage is an exclusionary policy under which, every component on your Motor Home is Covered (whether you have it on your vehicle now or you install it later) except what is listed in the "What is not Covered" Section listed below.

What Is Not Covered

The following parts are not covered: paint, carpeting, trim, moldings, lenses, bright metal, body panels, caulking, grouting, delaminating or discoloring, ornamentation, canvas vinyl or fabric upholstery, walls, wood, panels, glass, tires and wheels, bumpers, metal supports, body adjustments, fiberglass top, weather strips and weather stripping, rust or corrosion, hubcaps, physical damage, rubber hoses, light bulbs and headlights, air bag/supplemental restraint system any repositioning refitting or realigning. All maintenance service and items such as: wiper blades, shock absorbers, alignments, wheel balances, engine tune-ups, spark plugs, brake pads, brake linings and shoes, filters, lubricants, coolants, belts and hoses, plug wires, distributor cap and rotor, battery and battery cable(s), manual/hydraulic clutch assembly, normal fluid/oil lubricant seepage, service adjustments and cleaning, body adjustments, exhaust system (excluding exhaust manifolds), retrofits or replacements of any components caused by or due to compliance with law or legislation including the 1990 clean air act, including emission control equipment and sensor(s).


The policy also includes - 24 Hour Roadside Assistance: $300.00 per occurrence, to include Towing and Wrecker service, Flat Tire Change, Emergency Fuel/Fluid Delivery, Battery Jump/Boost Service, Lost Key/Lockout Service. Rental Car - $30.00 per day, Trip Interruption - $75.00 per day (which pays for Hotel & Meals in the event of a breakdown) are included. The warranty is also Transferable to the next private purchaser as well as Renewable for as long as you own the RV.

Your Diamond warranty prices are as follows:

$100.00 Deductible (Deductible is per visit not per item.)

1 Year/12,000 Miles $3,221.00
2 Years/24,000 Miles $4,462.00
3 Years/36,000 Miles $6,077.00

$200.00 Deductible (Deductible is per visit not per item.)

1 Year/12,000 Miles $2,707.00
2 Years/24,000 Miles $3,622.00
3 Years/36,000 Miles $4,804.00

[Barbara S.]

I have the Good Sam CSP and have used it several times. I can't do any of the maintenance on my motorhome so it goes to the repair shop for everything. I have a 1996 motorhome so I think I need to have a warranty policy to cover whatever might go out.

[faye]

Originally Posted by rvneophytes2

good sam just pulled the seals and gaskets stunt again, denying us the only claim we attempted to file because they attribute our suspension problems to a broken grease seal. We're nearing the end of our contract, which has been a waste of cash.

No renewal for us, since it dawned that they could ascribe all manner of failures to seals or gaskets, using this secondary cause and effect logic. Plus, they have a horrible reputation with consumer rating agencies.

go rv has a slightly better reputation, but their prices are almost identical to good slam, who won't return my emails. That latter failure has earned them a better business bureau complaint. Both companies have received many complaints.

Go rv's quote on our 2005 excursion 39s is below. Unlike good sam, seals and gaskets are not excluded. Has anyone had claim experience with them? Does anyone favor self-insuring? One of my closest friends, who grew up with motorhomes and has owned several, laughs at the idea of service contracts.


On the side of shunning warranty coverage, i am a former landlord (did all my own work) and a licensed aircraft mechanic, have a 3,600 sq ft shop with bus bay behind my home. Plus, my insurer included roadside assistance our policy. I'm inclined to write off the good sam debacle to being new, and self-insure from now on.

the diamond coverage to include 100% parts and labor would be as follows: Engine, transmission, drive axle, front and rear suspension, steering, air conditioning, brakes, electrical, electronic, heating/cooling systems, fuel delivery system, chassis frame, power step, slide-out, hot water heater, waste system, fresh water system, central/roof air conditioning, range, oven, microwave, lp gas/propane system, heating system, refrigerator, auxiliary power plant/generator also seals & gaskets. The diamond warranty even includes deluxe/hi-tech component coverage (rear monitor system, ice maker, trash compactor, central vacuum cleaner, washer/dryer, dishwasher, freezer, computer dash printed circuit boards, all a-v components including tv's, vcr, dvd, satellite system, stereo system, power seat computer) and much more.

Used motor home (exclusionary coverage) - our used motor home warranty coverage is an exclusionary policy under which, every component on your motor home is covered (whether you have it on your vehicle now or you install it later) except what is listed in the "what is not covered" section listed below.

What is not covered

the following parts are not covered: Paint, carpeting, trim, moldings, lenses, bright metal, body panels, caulking, grouting, delaminating or discoloring, ornamentation, canvas vinyl or fabric upholstery, walls, wood, panels, glass, tires and wheels, bumpers, metal supports, body adjustments, fiberglass top, weather strips and weather stripping, rust or corrosion, hubcaps, physical damage, rubber hoses, light bulbs and headlights, air bag/supplemental restraint system any repositioning refitting or realigning. All maintenance service and items such as: Wiper blades, shock absorbers, alignments, wheel balances, engine tune-ups, spark plugs, brake pads, brake linings and shoes, filters, lubricants, coolants, belts and hoses, plug wires, distributor cap and rotor, battery and battery cable(s), manual/hydraulic clutch assembly, normal fluid/oil lubricant seepage, service adjustments and cleaning, body adjustments, exhaust system (excluding exhaust manifolds), retrofits or replacements of any components caused by or due to compliance with law or legislation including the 1990 clean air act, including emission control equipment and sensor(s).


The policy also includes - 24 hour roadside assistance: $300.00 per occurrence, to include towing and wrecker service, flat tire change, emergency fuel/fluid delivery, battery jump/boost service, lost key/lockout service. Rental car - $30.00 per day, trip interruption - $75.00 per day (which pays for hotel & meals in the event of a breakdown) are included. The warranty is also transferable to the next private purchaser as well as renewable for as long as you own the rv.

Your diamond warranty prices are as follows:

$100.00 deductible (deductible is per visit not per item.)

1 year/12,000 miles $3,221.00
2 years/24,000 miles $4,462.00
3 years/36,000 miles $6,077.00

$200.00 deductible (deductible is per visit not per item.)

1 year/12,000 miles $2,707.00
2 years/24,000 miles $3,622.00
3 years/36,000 miles $4,804.00

get a quote from www.wholesale warranties i think it is .com if not .net. I think they will give you 4 years and 100.00 deductible for a much better price. Ask to speak to jeff shelton.

[danf7]

Self insure.Those policies are big money makers those companies.

Every now and then you'll see someone benefit but the vast majority will not. You insure againest catastrophic loss not a few thousand dollars. I'm not saying a few grand is chump change, but they are making you pony up a few grand for the policy.IMHO not worth it.
Dan

[wildtoad]

Pay yourself the same amount, do your own work as much as you can as you say you have talents and after a few years you'll have a nice down payment on a new rig.

[RVNeophytes2]

Originally Posted by danf7

Self insure.Those policies are big money makers those companies.

Every now and then you'll see someone benefit but the vast majority will not. You insure againest catastrophic loss not a few thousand dollars. I'm not saying a few grand is chump change, but they are making you pony up a few grand for the policy.IMHO not worth it.
Dan

Self-insuring is looking better and better; but, lots of folks need the CSP.

'Glad to hear of positive claims experiences. Cyberspace is full of horror stories from disatisfied customers.

BTW, Dan, our seaplane fleet is looking at putting your Toad's engine in our aircraft. Talk about reliability. Honda really makes a quality product!!

[AFChap]

We self-insure by putting aside $350-400/mo in our checking or savings. That covers all repairs, maintenance, service, new tires, and a few upgrades. I don't have to wonder what is covered . We get road service throuch Coach-Net for around $110/yr that covers all vehicles we own.

[Perry White]

I renewed my EasyCare warrenty. 4 years $8300/ 48,000 miles.$100 deductible. Total Care and never had a problem.I know that's a lot but it was cheaper than Good Sams.No hassels at all. It's what most new car dealers are using now. Look them up. I just needed peace of mind for Engine, Trans, but they cover everything. Even the entry key lock. And that's on a $385,000 coach value.

[txdutt]

I usually never buy a service contract but did on our coach when we bought it last year since it was an 05 model. It was in the shop for 3 weeks last month & I've gotten back 90% of what I paid for in claims so far. I still have 3 years of service plan left so I'm pretty sure I'll come out ahead on the deal.

[danf7]

Originally Posted by RVNeophytes2

BTW, Dan, our seaplane fleet is looking at putting your Toad's engine in our aircraft. !

But how am I going to drive it if you take my engine!!!!

I'm sorry I just couldn't help myself.

I'll go back to my corner now.

and yes it is a good toad, light weight but plenty of space.

Dan

[Dave1956]

This is always one of those really tough decissons. I have had a warranty on two travel trailers (everything I buy is used) and in both cases I came out pretty much even.

On our first and only MH (Newmar DP 2003 purchased last year) I bought a program from the dealer. I bought it partly based on finances and largely based on peace of mind. This is my first coach, first diesel pusher, first generator etc. I was fairly intimidated as I thought of all the possible problems. We bought this coach with the plan of doing a lot of travel at a faster pace then we could with trailers. In less than a year we have logged 10k miles!

We have had the coach one year and have already used about $2000.00 worth of warranty. I think I paid about 7k for the warranty and that included a compatable warranty with Good Sam, a complete tire warranty, and 4 years of pre-paid coach net. I really don't want the coach to break down, but it is 8 years old and still has mostly original equipment. I figure with two slides, two AC units, and a generac generator (warranty just paid $700.00 to pull the gen and repair the temp switch) I would get into the warranty sooner than later.

Good luck it is not an easy decission.

Dave

[RickO]

Originally Posted by Perry White

I renewed my EasyCare warrenty. 4 years $8300/ 48,000 miles.$100 deductible. Total Care and never had a problem.I know that's a lot but it was cheaper than Good Sams.No hassels at all. It's what most new car dealers are using now. Look them up. I just needed peace of mind for Engine, Trans, but they cover everything. Even the entry key lock. And that's on a $385,000 coach value.

Same here. We bought an EasyCare policy when we bought our new DP in 07. We purchased it because we were also a bit intimidated by all the things that could go wrong with such a large rig that we knew nothing about. I couldn't be happier with their support. Not a single claim denied and I think I've had nearly 10 claims so far.

I have no idea how much money they have paid out vs the cost of the policy but I'm sure they're still "ahead" in the money game but we bought it for peace of mind... not as an "investment".

Good luck...

rick

[ninos]

Originally Posted by faye

get a quote from www.wholesale warranties i think it is .com if not .net. I think they will give you 4 years and 100.00 deductible for a much better price. Ask to speak to jeff shelton.

plus one on holesale warranties they are great and much cheaper then goodsam and they always pay the repairs and no questios asked. Joe

[max49]

Interstate Star ESP was a royal pain to deal with, Had to send letters to the Division of Insurance and BBB in both NY and CO but they came through and paid almost $13,000 for a new 8.1 gas engine. I had a $50 deductible but ended up having to self pay $1400, by then I was tired of fighting with both the ESP and the repair shop. as a matter of fact, I felt like I barely edged out a 15 round fight with a couple gorillas.