In Partnership with Wholesale Warranties
Mobile RV Repair vs. RV Repair Shop – Which One is Better for Extended Warranty Claims?
Owning an RV can be an exhilarating experience. The open road, the freedom to travel, and the opportunity to explore new places are all part of the allure of RV life. However, with great adventure comes great responsibility, and that includes the maintenance and repair of your home-on-wheels. This is where RV protection products like RV extended warranties, roadside assistance, and tire protection come into play. These programs offer you peace of mind and financial investment protection in the case of unexpected breakdowns. But how do you make the most of your RV’s extended warranty? In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of using both mobile RV repair and RV repair shop facilities to keep your RV in top shape while maximizing the value of your warranty.
The Importance of RV Extended Warranties
Before diving into the discussion of mobile RV repair vs. the RV repair shop, let’s first understand the significance of RV extended warranties. An RV is not just a vehicle; it’s a home-on-wheels. Unlike your everyday vehicle, RVs are equipped with complex systems. All of the bells and whistles that make living the RV lifestyle so enticing are, unfortunately, also the components that fail most often – and cost the big bucks to fix. Items ranging from diesel engines to generators, plumbing, electrical systems, and appliances are liable to break down. The cost of parts and labor can break even the most well-thought-out RV travel budget pretty quickly.
Think of RV extended warranties, then, as your safety net, providing coverage for the electrical and mechanical components and systems in your RV. They can significantly reduce the financial burden of repairs, especially when it comes to major issues. However, to get the most out of your RV warranty, you need to understand how to use it effectively, and that involves knowing where to turn for repairs when the inevitable happens and something does go wrong.
The Elephant in the Room – Do Mechanics Hate RV Warranties?
Regardless of what type of repair facility you choose for your RV warranty claim, there is a misconception that filing a claim is difficult, time-consuming, or frustrating for repair facilities and that most RV repair shops or mobile RV repair mechanics won’t want to deal with RV extended warranties. With almost two decades of experience in the RV warranty space, Wholesale Warranties can tell you that just isn’t the case!
While there certainly are a few key steps required to successfully file a claim, like submitting a diagnosis of the issue and receiving prior authorization, most claims are actually adjusted on the very first phone call. Plus, most modern RV warranties pay RV repair shops or mobile RV techs directly via corporate credit card, making the process quick and easy for everyone involved. Check out the interview in the video below with an RV repair shop for more information on how RV techs view the RV warranty claims process and how they really feel about working with 3rd party warranties.
The Benefits of Mobile RV Repair
When you’re still in the buying phase for your RV warranty, something you’ll want to keep in mind is to work with a provider focused on flexibility. RVing is about freedom! Don’t get locked down to a specific shop or network of shops when it comes to filing claims. Instead, work with a reliable RV warranty provider who gives you the reins when it comes to making decisions about where to take your RV for repairs.
An increasingly popular option is the use of mobile RV repair technicians. And why not? No one wants to pack up the campsite just to bring their RV into the shop. Rather, have a certified tech come out to your location to perform the repair. Keep in mind that your mobile RV repair tech will need to follow the same claims process as a stick-and-bricks repair facility when it comes to contacting your RV warranty company and getting prior authorization for your claim. Click here for a detailed look at how to file an RV warranty claim.
Mobile RV Repair Technicians
Mobile RV Repair techs are a great option for a variety of reasons, including:
- Convenience: Mobile RV mechanics bring the repair shop to you, wherever you are. This is incredibly convenient for RV owners who are often on the move, have their campsite set up, or are experiencing a breakdown that has rendered their vehicle immobile.
- Quick Response: In an era of limited availability at RV shops, mobile mechanics may offer quicker response times.
- Cost-Effective: Some RV extended warranties cover the cost of mobile mechanic service calls. This means you won’t have to pay out of pocket for the convenience of on-site repairs. Check your warranty terms to see if this benefit is included.
- Personalized Service: With a mobile mechanic, you get to interact directly with the person performing the repairs. You have the option to ask questions, get explanations, and even watch the work being done, which isn’t always the case at a typical RV repair shop.
- Preventative Maintenance: Mobile mechanics can also perform routine maintenance tasks, such as oil changes, fluid checks, and inspections. This proactive approach can help you avoid major breakdowns and ensure your RV is in excellent condition for your travels.
Again, this is a great way to maximize the use of your RV protection: get the convenience of a mobile tech and the financial support of your RV warranty stepping in to pay for the cost of repair. Just make sure your policy and provider allow for the use of mobile RV repair techs.
Many traditional contracts, like those offered by the dealership, will limit the use of mobile mechanics or may charge you for the service call fee. These are important questions to ask before making that call out to your local mobile tech!
The Perks of Using an RV Repair Shop
Mobile RV mechanics sound pretty great, so why wouldn’t you use them? The reality is, that they aren’t always an option, and they aren’t the right option for every type of failure. So, when might a classic RV repair shop be the right move for your RV repair or warranty claim? Take the following into consideration:
- Specialized Expertise: Brick-and-mortar RV repair shops tend to specialize in certain types of repair, ensuring they have the right team and equipment for the job.
- Extensive Resources: These facilities usually have a large inventory of RV parts and components, which may reduce your wait time. If your RV needs a specific replacement part, especially something a bit more uncommon, a repair facility is more likely to have it in stock compared to a mobile mechanic.
- Complex & Major Repairs: Engine overhauls, extensive or long-term work, and large-scale repairs are better suited for classic repair facilities. If your RV experiences a significant breakdown or requires major repairs, a dedicated facility is the place to go.
If you do find yourself with a major powertrain issue or a problem that’s going to take a while to fix an RV repair shop is likely going to be your best bet. As always, following the established claims process in your RV warranty contract is a requirement, regardless of who is fixing the issue. Be sure to check the fine print on both your warranty and your RV Roadside Assistance! Some plans offer additional trip interruption benefits that will reimburse meal and lodging costs you run into if a covered claim requires you to spend time out of your rig.
Maximize Your RV Warranty with Both Options
To make the most of your RV extended warranty, consider using both mobile mechanics and brick-and-mortar repair facilities strategically. Using both mobile mechanics and brick-and-mortar repair facilities can keep your RV in excellent condition while maximizing the benefits of your RV warranty. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or nestled in a campsite, knowing where to turn for help when something goes wrong is crucial. The first step? Ensure you have RV warranty protection from a provider who allows you the flexibility to make these decisions. Click here to learn more about RV warranty coverage from Wholesale Warranties.
Most mobile folks and diesel repair shops hate warranty companies as they routinely make unsubstantiated rejection of claims and add red tape to avoid paying claims.