WARRANTIES

Why RCI Trucks Doesn't Sell Aftermarket Warranties

Honesty Over Upselling: Understanding the True Cost of Ownership

At RCI Trucks, we believe in building long-term relationships based on transparency. Many dealerships push aftermarket warranties to provide a "safety net" for buyers. In our experience, these warranties often provide a false sense of security rather than real financial protection.

1. The Math of Reality vs. The Cost of a Warranty

Maintaining an over-the-road semi-tractor with over 250,000 miles is a major investment. Based on industry data, the true cost to repair and maintain a truck out of factory warranty is approximately $0.35 per mile.

Compare the reality of maintenance costs against the price of a typical warranty:

The Bottom Line: It is mathematically impossible for a warranty company to collect $7,000 and pay out $84,000 in repairs. To stay profitable, these companies must deny the majority of claims.

2. Be Your Own Warranty Company

Instead of spending $7,000 on a contract that may never pay out, we recommend being your own "insurance provider." By setting aside a portion of every settlement, you ensure that your money is always available when you need it.

RCI Pro Tip: The Maintenance Reserve

We recommend setting aside $0.15 to $0.20 per mile into a dedicated savings account. If you drive 2,000 miles a week, that’s $300–$400 in your pocket for repairs—not in a warranty company's pocket.

3. The "Fine Print" Trap

Most aftermarket contracts are filled with technicalities designed to protect the provider, not the driver. We have seen owners lose weeks of work while a warranty company investigates a claim, only to deny it because of:

• "Pre-existing" conditions (anything they claim started before the policy).

• Lack of "perfect" maintenance records from previous owners.

• Excluded parts (often the specific part that failed is considered a "wear item").

4. Before You Buy Elsewhere, Ask These Questions:

If you are considering an aftermarket warranty from another dealer, ask these four questions first:

1. Does this cover "Progressive Damage"? (If one part breaks and causes another to fail, do they cover both?)

2. What is the "Downtime Limit"? (Will they pay for a rental or lost wages while they spend three weeks "investigating" your claim?)

3. Are seals and gaskets covered? (Often, a major failure is denied because a simple gasket failed first.)

4. Can I see the "Exclusions" list? (The list of what they don't cover is usually longer than what they do.)

Our Promise

We want you to be profitable. We would rather lose a warranty commission today than have you experience the frustration and anger of a denied claim tomorrow. At RCI Trucks, we sell quality equipment and the truth—because that’s what keeps you on the road.