The RV industry has experienced an impressive boost in sales over the course of the pandemic—but that doesn’t just apply to the RVs themselves. EasyCare dealers are seeing approximately 70 to 80 percent of buyers leave the dealership with a vehicle service contract (VSC), along with other benefits to protect their new or preowned RV. That’s because buyers recognize the value of VSCs. In fact, it’s EasyCare’s top-selling RV F&I product in 2021. This won’t come as a surprise to people who work in the RV business. For many years this benefit has been the most essential investment an RV owner can make to protect their new vehicle and to protect their budgets.
But do you know why the VSC is the top-selling RV F&I product?
The last thing any RV owner wants is to be stuck on the side of the road or at a campsite due to a mechanical breakdown. Many first-time buyers believe that the factory warranty will cover everything on their new RV, only to discover the laundry list of things that can—and do—go wrong with their RV that are not covered. The one- to three-year factory warranties that come with new RVs simply don’t offer the same level of protection as a VSC. And if buyers are purchasing a used RV that is out of factory warranty, they won’t have any coverage.
Once the factory warranty is expired, the cost of purchasing a service contract on its own can be more expensive and offer fewer coverage terms. Due to the rising costs of parts and service labor, the value of a service contract today is greater than it ever has been. Most RV owners agree that it makes sense to finance the purchase of a VSC upfront, at the same time they’re financing their vehicle, especially for used RVs where they may be afraid to buy someone else’s problem. This spreads the cost of the service contract out over the finance contract term.
Perhaps the greatest value in an RV vehicle service contract lies in all of the additional benefits that come with it. These can vary from provider to provider, but they are all designed to provide the consumer with peace of mind, enhance the RV ownership experience and increase customer loyalty to RV dealerships. Here is a sampling of benefits that may be provided with VSCs, in addition to mechanical breakdown coverage.
Emergency roadside assistance. Most RV owners understand the value in roadside assistance services, but why pay a la carte when you can get them bundled into a service contract? This benefit provides much-appreciated services such as battery jump starts, fuel delivery, lockout assistance and flat tire changes.
Towing & winch-out service. This service provides towing and winch-out services. Without this benefit, RV owners are at the mercy of local tow services. Without a negotiated rate agreement, these companies may charge exorbitant rates.
Road hazard tire protection. This benefit covers flat tires caused by striking a road hazard like glass, tree limbs or potholes, one of the most common occurrences for RV owners.
Rental car reimbursement. When RVs go into the shop for a covered repair, this benefit reimburses RV owners for the cost of renting a vehicle.
Trip interruption. In the event that an RV must go into a repair shop for a covered repair, this benefit helps cover hotel and food expenses. What’s not to love about that?
Mobile mechanic service calls. A number of technicians make their living traveling from campground to campground doing repair work. Depending on the repair, this option can be more cost-effective than towing the RV to a repair facility. Plus, mobile technicians allow RV owners to stay at their campsite, greatly increasing customer satisfaction.
Technical support. This benefit is especially helpful for first-time RV owners. Little problems can turn into big frustrations, and inevitably every RV owner will experience power issues, forget how to turn something on or off, or need help with sliding something in or out. With technical support, all they have to do is call a 1-800-number and speak to a certified repair technician. Problem instantly solved!
Concierge services. Who says RV ownership can’t be glamorous? Just like some fancy hotels offer, this benefit provides RV owners with driving directions, campground referrals, traffic reports and even hotel and restaurant reservations.
With all of these additional benefits, it’s no wonder that the vehicle service contract is EasyCare’s most popular RV F&I product sold in 2021. VSCs make a real difference in the RV ownership experience for both first-time and seasoned RV owners. Plus, additional benefits are all available on day one, providing peace of mind for buyers the moment they drive off the lot.
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