Why RV Dealers Need Digital F&I

For years, the financing and insurance (F&I) process in the RV industry has lagged behind the streamlined digital shopping experiences found in automotive retail and other sectors. Today’s RV shopper expects transparency, speed and the ability to shop online the same way they purchase other big-ticket items. Dealers and manufacturers who embrace digital F&I solutions are finding new ways to not only meet these expectations but also to accelerate deal closures and increase profitability.

Digital F&I brings financing and insurance options directly into the online shopping journey. Instead of waiting until the buyer steps into the showroom, solution providers like Rollick enable dealers to embed financing, protection products and insurance programs early in the process. By working closely with manufacturers, solution platforms can make it possible for dealers to present captive financing and third-party options seamlessly — right where the customer is researching units, customizing their purchase and comparing models. This integration gives shoppers the confidence that they can afford their dream RV and protects dealers from losing momentum at the critical point of purchase.

Empowering Buyers

One of the most powerful benefits of digital F&I is the ability to shop by monthly payment. For many RV buyers, affordability is defined less by total price and more by what they can comfortably spend each month. With the right solution, shoppers can adjust payment terms, down payments and loan durations to fit their budgets. This transparency not only builds trust but also empowers buyers to self-select into a payment structure that works for them, reducing negotiation friction at the dealership.

Equally important is the need for digital platforms to intelligently match customers with the right lenders. A robust solution doesn’t just display a menu of financing options — it actively “decisions” the customer by evaluating their creditworthiness and connecting them with the best lender for their unique situation. This type of solution, which is offered by companies such as Priority One Financial Services that is integrated into Rollick’s digital retailing tool, prevents shoppers from hitting dead ends, minimizes declines and ensures more deals are finalized. By handling this process in the background, digital F&I creates a smoother experience for both the customer and the dealership team.

Manufacturers also stand to gain by embedding their captive financing programs into these digital journeys. Captives can influence brand loyalty by offering competitive rates, incentives and product bundles directly within the shopping flow. At the same time, dealers can layer in third-party insurance and protection products, giving buyers the convenience of a one-stop shop without ever leaving the digital ecosystem. This cooperative approach increases attachment rates on high-margin products while creating a differentiated buying experience.

Shorten Sales Cycles

The benefits of digital F&I extend beyond customer satisfaction. For dealers, automating much of the financing and insurance process reduces time spent in the F&I office, freeing staff to focus on consultative selling and relationship-building. It also minimizes errors and compliance risks that can arise from manual processes. Most importantly, when shoppers are prequalified and educated about financing before they arrive at the dealership, close rates rise, and sales cycles shorten — as the results shared earlier in this article clearly demonstrate.

Shoppers, for their part, feel empowered and respected. By allowing them to explore financing options privately online, digital F&I addresses one of the biggest sources of anxiety in the buying process. Buyers walk into the dealership with realistic expectations, a clear understanding of their budget and greater confidence in their purchase decision. This creates a more positive experience that increases the likelihood of referrals and repeat business.

Looking forward, digitalization of RV F&I is no longer optional — it’s a necessity for staying competitive. Consumers will continue to demand the same seamless, transparent and efficient buying journey they receive in other industries. Dealers and manufacturers that partner with solution providers to deliver these capabilities will be best positioned to capture more deals, build long-term customer loyalty and drive profitability across the RV ecosystem.

In an era where buyers expect everything at their fingertips, the message is clear: digitizing F&I is the key to aligning with modern shopper expectations and unlocking the full potential of the RV market.

The Data Speaks for Itself

The real-world results of digital F&I speak volumes. A California-based RV dealer that works with Rollick experienced a 20.6% close rate for digital retailing leads generated from their website. The study also found that nearly 38% of the leads engaged in prequalification activity, demonstrating the strong appetite buyers have for financing transparency early in the journey. Even more compelling, the average time to close was only 17.4 days, proving that digital engagement and prequalification not only improve close rates but also accelerate the path to purchase.