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Wondering if you can cancel your RV extended warranty and get your money back? You’re not alone! Thousands of RV owners ask this question every year. The good news? Yes, you CAN cancel most RV extended warranties and get a refund. Let’s break down exactly how to do it.
📋 Quick Answer: Can You Really Cancel an RV Extended Warranty?
YES! Most RV extended warranties can be canceled, and you’ll usually get some money back. Here’s what you need to know right away:
- ✅ Cancellation is legal and common
- ✅ You typically get a pro-rated refund (money back based on time remaining)
- ✅ The process takes 3-8 weeks on average
- ✅ Some companies charge a small cancellation fee ($50-$100)
- ✅ If you financed your warranty, the refund goes to your lender
🤔 Why Do RV Owners Cancel Their Extended Warranties?
People cancel their RV warranties for lots of different reasons. Here are the most common ones:
1. They Never Use It
Many RV owners go years without making a single claim. If your RV is running great, you might feel like you’re throwing money away.
2. They’re Selling Their RV
When it’s time to sell or trade in your motorhome, you can cancel the warranty and get cash back.
3. The Cost Is Too High
Extended warranties can cost $1,000 to $10,000. That’s a lot of money that could go toward other RV adventures!
4. Switching to Self-Insurance
Some savvy RVers decide to put the warranty money in a savings account instead. This way, they have cash ready for repairs without dealing with claim approvals.
5. Bad Experience with Claims
Unfortunately, some warranties have lots of exclusions. If your claims keep getting denied, canceling makes sense.
💰 How Much Money Can You Get Back?
The amount you’ll get back depends on several things:
| Factor | What It Means for Your Refund |
|---|---|
| Time Left on Warranty | More time left = bigger refund |
| Claims You’ve Made | If you’ve used the warranty, you’ll get less back |
| Cancellation Fee | Usually $50-$100 is subtracted from your refund |
| Admin Fees | Some companies charge processing fees |
| Full Refund Period | If you cancel within 30-60 days, you might get 100% back! |
Real-World Example: Let’s say you paid $3,000 for a 5-year warranty. After 1 year, you decide to cancel. You have 4 years (80%) of coverage left. Your refund might be: $3,000 × 80% = $2,400, minus a $50 cancellation fee = $2,350 refund.
🔥 IMPORTANT: The Flat Cancellation Period
This is the SECRET to getting ALL your money back!
Most RV extended warranties have what’s called a “flat cancellation period” or “free look period.” This is usually the first 30 to 60 days after you buy the warranty.
If you cancel during this time, you get a 100% FULL REFUND with no penalties!
📝 Step-by-Step: How to Cancel Your RV Extended Warranty
Ready to cancel? Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Find Your Warranty Contract
- Dig out that paperwork from your RV purchase
- Look for the cancellation policy section
- Find the warranty company’s contact information
- Check for any special cancellation rules
Step 2: Call the Warranty Company
- Do NOT just call your dealer – go straight to the warranty administrator
- Say clearly: “I want to cancel my RV extended warranty”
- Ask about the cancellation fee
- Ask how long the refund will take
- Write down the name of the person you talk to and the date
Step 3: Send Written Cancellation
Always put it in writing! Even if you called, send a letter or email. Here’s what to include:
- Your full name and address
- Your RV’s VIN (vehicle identification number)
- Warranty policy number
- Date you bought the warranty
- Current mileage on your RV
- Clear statement: “I request immediate cancellation of my extended warranty”
- Your phone number and email
Dear [Warranty Company],
I am writing to officially cancel my RV extended warranty.
Policy Details:
– Name: [Your Name]
– Address: [Your Address]
– RV VIN: [VIN Number]
– Policy Number: [Number]
– Purchase Date: [Date]
– Current Mileage: [Miles]
Please process my cancellation and pro-rated refund as soon as possible. I understand the refund will be applied to my loan balance [OR “sent to me directly” if paid in full].
Please confirm receipt of this request within 5 business days.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
Step 4: Follow Up Weekly
- Call back one week later to check status
- Ask for written confirmation of cancellation
- Keep calling until you get your refund
- Don’t let them ignore you!
Step 5: Track Your Refund
- If you have a loan, the money goes to your lender (not you)
- Check your loan balance – it should drop by the refund amount
- If you paid cash, expect a check in the mail
- Typical wait time: 3-8 weeks
⚠️ Common Problems (And How to Fix Them)
Problem #1: The Dealer Won’t Help
Solution: Dealers sometimes make commission on warranties, so they’re not motivated to help you cancel. Bypass them completely. Contact the warranty company directly using the phone number on your contract.
Problem #2: It’s Taking FOREVER
Solution: Some RV owners report waiting 3-6 months for refunds. Keep calling every week. Document everything. If it’s been over 60 days, threaten to file a complaint with your state’s Attorney General or Department of Insurance.
Problem #3: They Say “No Refunds”
Solution: Check your contract. Most states have laws requiring pro-rated refunds on extended warranties. If they refuse, contact your state consumer protection office.
Problem #4: The Refund Is Lower Than Expected
Solution: Ask for a written breakdown showing exactly how they calculated your refund. Compare it to the formula in your contract. If it doesn’t match, push back!
🎬 Helpful Videos to Watch
Sometimes it helps to see someone explain the process. Here are the best YouTube videos about canceling RV extended warranties:
Video 1: RV-Specific Cancellation Guide
Do you regret buying the extended warranty for your RV? This video from RV Wingman shows real examples of getting thousands back.
Video 2: Step-by-Step Cancellation Process
Can You Cancel an Extended Warranty? CarEdge breaks down the entire process in simple terms.
Video 3: When Dealers Refuse to Cancel
When the Dealer Refuses to Cancel – An auto fraud lawyer explains your rights when companies won’t cooperate.
🆚 Should You Cancel or Transfer Your Warranty?
Wait! Before you cancel, consider this: most RV extended warranties are transferable.
Benefits of Transferring Instead of Canceling:
| Transfer | Cancel |
|---|---|
| ✅ Makes your RV more valuable | 💰 Get cash back (applied to loan) |
| ✅ Easier to sell your RV | 💰 Stop paying for coverage you don’t use |
| ✅ Buyers love warranty coverage | 💰 Money can go to other expenses |
| ✅ Small transfer fee ($50-$150) | ⏰ Takes 3-8 weeks to process |
| ⚠️ Doesn’t work for dealer trade-ins | ⚠️ Might get less than you paid |
When to Transfer: If you’re selling to a private buyer and have lots of warranty time left
When to Cancel: If you’re trading in at a dealer or switching to self-insurance
💡 Smart Alternatives to Canceling
Option 1: Switch to “Coach-Only” Coverage
If your RV engine is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, you might be able to downgrade to coach-only coverage. This covers just the living area (appliances, slide-outs, etc.) and costs way less than full coverage.
Option 2: Self-Insure
Here’s what smart RVers do: Cancel the warranty and put the refund into a “RV Repair Fund” savings account. Add $100-300 per month to this fund. In a few years, you’ll have thousands saved for repairs – with NO claim denials!
Option 3: Use It or Lose It
If you’re thinking about canceling, first check your RV for any small issues. Get them fixed under warranty before you cancel. Make the warranty pay for itself!
📊 Real RV Owner Experiences
Here’s what actual RV owners report about canceling their warranties:
Success Stories:
- ✅ “Got my check in 2 weeks” – Camping World warranty holder
- ✅ “$2,400 refund, no hassle” – Canceled after trading RVs
- ✅ “Dealer processed it the same day” – Within flat cancellation period
Challenges:
- ⚠️ “Took 7 weeks to get my money” – Most common complaint
- ⚠️ “Dealer kept stalling” – Had to go directly to warranty company
- ⚠️ “Refund went to lender, not me” – Surprised when they didn’t get a check
🗺️ State-Specific Rules
Cancellation rules can vary by state. Here are some RV-friendly states with strong consumer protections:
- California: Requires pro-rated refunds by law
- Florida: Strong consumer protection for warranty cancellations
- Texas: Mandates clear cancellation policies in all contracts
Check your state’s Department of Insurance website for specific rules in your area.
🔑 Key Takeaways: Your Cancellation Checklist
Before You Cancel:
- ☑️ Read your warranty contract carefully
- ☑️ Check if you’re in the flat cancellation period (full refund!)
- ☑️ Consider transferring if selling to private buyer
- ☑️ Calculate your expected refund amount
- ☑️ Use any coverage for repairs before canceling
During Cancellation:
- ☑️ Contact warranty company directly (not just dealer)
- ☑️ Put your request in writing
- ☑️ Document everything (names, dates, confirmation numbers)
- ☑️ Follow up weekly until completed
- ☑️ Be patient – it takes 3-8 weeks on average
After Cancellation:
- ☑️ Verify refund was applied correctly
- ☑️ Keep cancellation confirmation forever
- ☑️ Start your RV repair savings fund
- ☑️ Share your experience to help other RVers
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I cancel an RV extended warranty I bought 2 years ago?
A: Yes! You can cancel anytime. You’ll get a pro-rated refund based on the time remaining on your warranty.
Q: Where does my refund go if I financed my RV?
A: The refund goes directly to your lender and reduces your loan balance. Your monthly payment stays the same, but you’ll pay off the loan faster.
Q: Why won’t my dealer help me cancel?
A: Dealers earn commission on warranty sales. If they cancel it, they might lose that commission. Go directly to the warranty company listed on your contract.
Q: Do all warranty companies allow cancellations?
A: Almost all do, but check your specific contract. Reputable companies like Wholesale Warranties, Good Sam, and others all offer pro-rated refunds.
Q: Can I cancel just part of my warranty?
A: Usually no – it’s all or nothing. However, some companies let you downgrade to a lower coverage level instead of canceling completely.
Q: What if they refuse to cancel?
A: File a complaint with your state’s Attorney General office or Department of Insurance. Most states require warranty companies to allow cancellations.
Q: Is a cancellation fee legal?
A: Yes, most companies charge $50-$100 to process cancellations. This should be clearly stated in your contract.
Q: Can I cancel after making a claim?
A: Yes, but the cost of any repairs they paid will be deducted from your refund.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Is Canceling Right for You?
Canceling your RV extended warranty isn’t right for everyone, but it can be a smart financial move if:
- ✓ Your RV is reliable with few problems
- ✓ You have emergency savings for repairs
- ✓ You’re still in the full refund period
- ✓ You’re selling or trading your RV
- ✓ The warranty has too many exclusions
Remember: The average RV extended warranty costs $1,000-$10,000. That’s a lot of money! Make sure whatever you decide, you’re getting real value for your hard-earned cash.
Whether you keep your warranty, cancel it, or transfer it, the most important thing is that YOU feel confident in your decision. Now you have all the information you need to make the right choice for your RV lifestyle!
Happy travels, and may your RV adventures be worry-free! 🚐✨
📚 Sources
- Wholesale Warranties – How To Cancel An RV Extended Warranty
- iRV2 Forums – Cancelling Extended Warranties Discussion
- iRV2 Forums – Cancel an Extended Warranty Community Thread
- CarEdge – Canceling Your Extended Car Warranty: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Good Sam Community – Extended Warranty Canceling Discussion
