Filing a warranty claim can seem like a daunting task, especially after the stress of a breakdown.

That’s why we’ve created this easy-to-follow checklist so you’ll know exactly what to do when the inevitable happens.

Although some policies will differ, the process for filing an RV warranty claim is similar across the board. However, if your coverage is not through one of our programs you should still review the “How to File a Claim” section in your policy’s terms and conditions for any additional steps.

Step 1: Refer back to your coverage.

The first step when something goes wrong in your rig is to review the policy you purchased. Confirm that the faulty item is not explicitly listed in the exclusions within your coverage.

If you can’t find a copy of your policy, give us a call and we can provide one, along with any additional assistance needed.

Once you’ve recognized a problem with your motorhome, check if any of the failures are visible and take photos. The more documentation you can provide, the easier it is to get your claims completed in a timely fashion down the road.

Step 2:  Take your vehicle to any licensed repair facility.

We provide policies that allow you to take your motorhome to any licensed repair facility in the United States or Canada, including mobile mechanics.

Visit RV Repair Direct for a public directory of repair facilities and mobile mechanics with customer reviews. This is not a comprehensive list, but can be helpful if you are in an unfamiliar area or are looking to find a new repair facility.

Give the repair shop you choose a call prior to arriving to ensure they have sufficient space, time, parts, and equipment to accommodate you and your RV.

Step 3: Have the mechanic diagnose the problem.

Once you’ve taken your RV into the shop, have the mechanic diagnose the problem and call into the warranty company with the analysis.

No repair work should begin until the diagnosis is reviewed and approved by the warranty company. If the work begins before it’s approved by the warranty company – the claim will be denied.

Because the claim runs through the mechanic and the warranty claims adjustor, most customers don’t need to get involved with the process at all. However, there are some simple tips you can give your mechanic to make sure things go as smooth as possible.

When the repair facility calls into the warranty company to file your claim, they will need to send a copy of the repair estimate to the adjuster, including the request for parts.

Let your mechanic know they should include part numbers and costs, labor hours, and the suspected reason for failure. Make sure your mechanic also includes your vehicle’s details, such as the VIN and mileage. Detailed information up front makes it easy on both your repair shop and the claims adjustor during the approval process.

Step 4: Get a preauthorization number.

The bridge between diagnosis and preauthorization may seem intimidating, but in reality, over 90% of claims are adjusted and approved on the very first phone call that the facility makes!

It’s important to note that the phone call alone does not indicate approval, and the mechanic must still obtain a pre-authorization number. If the warranty company is not able to approve the claim on the first call, the mechanic cannot yet begin work.

Step 5: Let the mechanic complete the work.

A pre-authorization number indicates official approval to begin warranty repairs on your rig. Once the mechanic has this number in hand, he is cleared to begin work on your home-on-wheels.

In the event that you’re unable to use your rig during the repairs and you’re more than 100 miles from home, the advantage of trip interruption benefits for lodging and meals is available to you. These add-ons can sometimes include things like car rentals and towing expenses, so double check your coverage to make sure you’re getting the most out of these benefits!

Step 6: Have the mechanic submit a final invoice.

Once all the repairs are complete, the repair facility will submit a final invoice to the warranty company.

The warranty company will pay the repair facility directly via corporate credit card for all covered components. The only out of pocket expense you’ll incur is the deductible you selected!

While this checklist should help answer some of your “What do I do now?” questions, we also offer post-purchase support from our internal claims department. This service helps our customers when filing claims with the warranty administrator. From answering questions to negotiating claims on your behalf, this customer support will go up to bat for you when you need it most.

At the end of the day, any breakdown on an RV is stressful. Your warranty should be a tool to alleviate that stress, not increase it!

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