Over a year ago we had a replacement water heater installed at Camping World in Redding, CA. They didn't mention the need for prior authorization, and we didn't remember it. Our claim was denied on that basis. I have sent a series of letters appealing the denial. The first wasn't answered. The second, later, received a reply saying we wrote to the incorrect address. The third was never answered. The fourth was never answered. It's only the $500 deductible ("only" for someone who is retired), but the main point is the complete lack of responsiveness to my letters. I still get ads for the insurance every week in the mail, though. Where's the "good" in Good Sam?

Wow, sorry to hear this. I had no idea that Good Sam Insurance would replace a water heater unless it was due to theft, fire, accident, etc.

I am sorry to say, the level of customer service you received is very typical for anything branded "Camping World" or "Good Sam." However, you will find every extended warranty service providers will go out of their way to deny a claim. In your case, you failed to follow the procedures, so your claim was categorically denied. Do not expect them to make exceptions.

Good Evening stephenrr,I have forwarded your post to the executive team of Good Sam Insurance so they can investigate this and follow up with you. Can you please send us a private message with your contact information so we can pass that along to the executive team?Thank you...Rudy, Good Sam Response Team.

Well I think you posted this in the wrong place.Should be in the Good Sam Extended Service Plan forum.I suppose you will be upset with this as well.

This is one reason I never buy extended warranties. Over the last 11 years I am money ahead.

Rotten Service | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

1968mooney
Explorer
Mar 29, 2016
westernrvparkowner wrote:
We sure need the answer to question #1 before anyone can make a judgment on the service the OP got. That question is: "Did they tell Camping World that the repair was going to be paid for by they extended warranty company?" If they did, then yes, Camping World dropped the ball, big time. If they didn't, then the posts criticizing Camping World should be edited and limited to chastising them for not employing a mind reader at every location. Once again it appears the late Paul Harvey is needed for us to get "the rest of the story".

As we know, the naysayers need no answers. They chime in with their insults as soon as the opportunity arises. It would be great if they would hold their obnoxious responses until the truth is stated.
AmericalVette
Explorer
Mar 29, 2016
westernrvparkowner wrote:
We sure need the answer to question #1 before anyone can make a judgment on the service the OP got. That question is: "Did they tell Camping World that the repair was going to be paid for by they extended warranty company?" If they did, then yes, Camping World dropped the ball, big time. If they didn't, then the posts criticizing Camping World should be edited and limited to chastising them for not employing a mind reader at every location. Once again it appears the late Paul Harvey is needed for us to get "the rest of the story".

X's 2
westernrvparkow
Explorer
Mar 29, 2016
We sure need the answer to question #1 before anyone can make a judgment on the service the OP got. That question is: "Did they tell Camping World that the repair was going to be paid for by they extended warranty company?" If they did, then yes, Camping World dropped the ball, big time. If they didn't, then the posts criticizing Camping World should be edited and limited to chastising them for not employing a mind reader at every location. Once again it appears the late Paul Harvey is needed for us to get "the rest of the story".
Sam_Spade
Explorer
Mar 29, 2016
DownTheAvenue wrote:
I am sorry to say, the level of customer service you received is very typical for anything branded "Camping World" or "Good Sam."

And I will go one BIG step farther and say that I am having trouble lately finding ANY business big or small that is actually competent and honest at the service they claim to provide.

Bigger is worse as there seems to be no accountability for incompetence.
WyoTraveler
Explorer
Mar 29, 2016
You would just think since it was GS insurance and CW that they could just maybe help a customer out a little bit. Maybe not try to cheat all their customers. Maybe it wasn't covered but at least explain it before work was doje.When I had a warranty problem my local dealer at least explained that manufacturer wouldn't cover it and if I still wanted the work done or that I could contact manufacturer first. I guess that is customer service though. Not supplied by some companies.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Mar 29, 2016
X2
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Mar 29, 2016
I'm more curious why a whole water heater had to be replaced.....burst tank??

Besides if $500 deductible is issue you could have bought a Suburban 10 gal gas/electric for $400 or an Atwood 10 gal gas/electric for $426 and swapped the old for new yourself.
TucsonJim
Explorer II
Mar 29, 2016
Every extended service contract I've ever had for my RV and vehicles required advance authorization. There are procedures that the warranty company want the service provider to follow to assure that the part is really defective, hasn't been abused, has been properly maintained. Quite often, they want the defective parts retained in order to examine them to be certain they were really defective. It would be very easy for a service provider to defraud a warranty provider if checks and balances are not put in place.

It's really important to read the contract from time to time so you know how to obtain service in accordance with the agreement. And if you need any work done, read it again before you authorize the work.

When you had the work done, did you notify Camping World that you had an extended service plan that you wanted to use to get the work done? If so, shame on them. They deal with these plans all the time and should have known to verify that the authorization was in place. And it will be interesting to see their response to the failure to reply to your letters. You did mail them to the correct location - didn't you?
stephenrr
Explorer
Mar 29, 2016
Good Sam Care Team wrote:
Good Evening stephenrr,

I have forwarded your post to the executive team of Good Sam Insurance so they can investigate this and follow up with you. Can you please send us a private message with your contact information so we can pass that along to the executive team?

Thank you...Rudy, Good Sam Response Team.
Mandalay_Parr
Explorer
Mar 29, 2016
This is one reason I never buy extended warranties. Over the last 11 years I am money ahead.

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