An owner’s guide to motorhome warranties
Aside from being the pride and joy of family holidays, your motorhome is a long-term financial investment. Whether it’s a brand new or second-hand vehicle, you’ll want to make sure that it will stay in good condition for years to come.
That’s why it’s important to familiarise yourself with motorhome warranty, how it works and the different types of warranty on offer.
What is motorhome warranty?
The warranty covers the cost of repairs to your motorhome if a fault occurs to the exterior or internal parts, and is a guarantee from the manufacturer that the vehicle is in good condition. However, not all warranties are the same and cover every aspect of the vehicle. Plenty of people have taken their motorhome in for repairs thinking that everything is covered, only to discover that their claim has been rejected.
As mentioned previously, a manufacturer’s warranty is the most comprehensive form that covers the engine, mechanics and fuel system, as well as the mileage. If your vehicle breaks down whilst out on a trip, some manufacturer’s warranties will include roadside assistance. These warranties likely won’t cover tyres, wiper blades, brake pads or anything else considered to be a consumable.
The converter’s warranty refers to the work done by the conversion company – which is effectively what turns the foundations of the vehicle into a liveable, transportable home on wheels. This usually covers all of the interior work, but it’s important to double check the small print as certain warranties of this kind will cover different aspects.
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A warranty vs motorhome insurance
For new motorhome owners who haven’t had the opportunity to verse themselves in the fundamentals of insurance and warranties, it can be difficult to identify the differences between them. However, it’s important to recognise there are several key distinctions.
Insurance is a protective measure against financial losses that occur due to external factors, such as an accident or theft, whereas a warranty protects you against faults that may develop within your vehicle. Perhaps the most significant difference is that your insurance can cover other drivers for damages to themselves or their vehicle if you are at fault, and is therefore a legal requirement. There is no legal obligation to take on a warranty for your motorhome.
Make sure that you check the terms and conditions of any insurance or warranty agreement that you are considering, as there can be additional costs and optional features including breakdown cover.
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How to protect your warranty
In order to prevent invalidating your warranty whilst carrying out pretty normal motorhome usage, acquainting yourself with the details of your agreement is essential. A common reason for invalidation is the attempted repair of a vehicle carried out at home, rather than in an accredited workshop. Any modifications or repairs carried out by anyone other than an authorised professional may be in danger of breaching the warranty.
There are other less obvious violations of policy that may result in claims being rejected, such as exceeding the specified limit of consecutive nights you can spend in your motorhome. If you were planning on spending a significant amount of time on holiday, it may be worth checking the terms and conditions of your agreement.
To learn more about the warranties that Simpsons offer, visit https://simpsonsmotorhomes.co.uk/services/motorhome-warranties or call 01493 601 696.
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