You’ve seen the brochures at the dealership. The finance manager has given you the pitch. But you’re wondering: is Ford PremiumCare actually worth your hard-earned money? Let’s cut through the sales talk and look at what you’re really getting.
What Is Ford PremiumCare?
Ford PremiumCare is the most comprehensive extended service plan offered by Ford. Unlike basic warranties that cover only specific parts, PremiumCare is an “exclusionary” plan – it covers over 1,000 components and only lists what isn’t covered.
This coverage extends your protection beyond the standard 3-year/36,000-mile factory warranty for up to 10 years or 175,000 miles, depending on the plan you choose.
What Does Ford PremiumCare Actually Cover?
PremiumCare casts a wide safety net over your vehicle:
- Engine components
- Transmission systems
- Steering mechanisms
- Braking systems
- Front and rear suspension
- Electrical systems
- High-tech components and modules
- Audio and navigation systems
- Safety features
- Air conditioning and heating
What’s not covered? Mostly wear-and-tear items like:
- Wiper blades
- Brake pads and rotors
- Tires
- Batteries
- Bulbs and fuses
- Fluids (unless lost due to a covered part failure)
Ford PremiumCare Additional Benefits
The plan includes more than just parts coverage:
- 24-hour roadside assistance: Including tire changes, lockout service, and battery jump-starts
- Towing assistance: Up to $100 per occurrence
- Rental coverage: $60 per day for up to 10 days when your vehicle needs covered repairs
- Travel expense reimbursement: Up to $1,000 for lodging and meals if a breakdown happens while traveling
- Destination assistance: Up to $75 for alternative transportation
How Much Does Ford PremiumCare Cost?
Pricing varies significantly based on:
- Your vehicle model
- Vehicle age when purchasing the plan
- Coverage term length
- Chosen deductible amount
Typical costs range between $700 and $1,400 per year of coverage beyond the factory warranty. Here’s a general pricing range with a $100 deductible:
| Coverage Term | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| 6 years/75,000 miles | $2,025-$2,363 |
| 8 years/100,000 miles | $2,772-$3,520 |
| 10 years/175,000 miles | Up to $6,893 |
For electric vehicles, the pricing structure is similar but adjusted for EV-specific components.
Choosing a different deductible will affect your premium:
- $0 deductible: Typically increases cost by about 10%
- $200 deductible: May lower cost by approximately 5%
Real-World Benefits: When PremiumCare Pays Off
The value of PremiumCare becomes clear when unexpected repairs happen. Consider these common Ford repair costs:
| Repair Type | Average Cost Without Coverage |
|---|---|
| Power steering rack replacement | $1,500-$2,000 |
| Automatic transmission rebuild | $3,500-$5,000 |
| Engine control module replacement | $800-$1,200 |
| Touchscreen/SYNC system repair | $1,000-$1,500 |
| AC compressor replacement | $800-$1,200 |
Many Ford owners have shared positive experiences with PremiumCare:
“My Focus Electric needed steering rack work that would have cost around $4,000. With PremiumCare, I only paid the $100 deductible.”
“On my Bronco Sport, both the ESP and premium maintenance plan have paid for themselves several times over because of various repairs and routine maintenance.”
When PremiumCare Might Not Be Worth It
Not every Ford owner needs PremiumCare. It might be less valuable if:
- You typically trade in vehicles before warranties expire
- Your model has a strong reliability record
- You’re comfortable with occasional out-of-pocket repair costs
- You prefer independent mechanics over dealership service
Some owners have also reported frustrations:
“The claims process can be slow. After my pump diagnosis, I waited three weeks for parts while my heater was non-functional in winter.”
“For simple repairs, I’d rather pay out of pocket and get the job done in a day with a third-party shop.”
How to Save on Ford PremiumCare
If you decide PremiumCare makes sense, don’t pay full price! Try these money-saving strategies:
- Shop around: Many owners save 30-40% by purchasing from high-volume online dealers rather than their local dealership
- Negotiate: The markup on extended service plans is often substantial, so don’t accept the first price
- Use FordPass Points: Some owners have reduced costs by applying their loyalty points
- Time your purchase: You can buy PremiumCare any time before your factory warranty expires, so look for promotional periods
Is Ford PremiumCare Worth It? Making Your Decision
Consider these key factors when deciding:
Vehicle Complexity
Modern Fords contain sophisticated technology and electronics. The more advanced features your vehicle has (touchscreens, driver assistance systems, etc.), the higher potential repair costs make PremiumCare more valuable.
Ownership Plans
If you’ll keep your Ford beyond the 3-year/36,000-mile factory warranty, PremiumCare becomes more relevant. For those trading in sooner, it’s likely unnecessary.
Driving Habits
High-mileage drivers face greater odds of component failure. Similarly, vehicles used in harsh conditions might benefit more from extended coverage.
Vehicle Reliability
Research your specific Ford model’s track record. Models with known issues in areas covered by PremiumCare might make the plan a better value.
Financial Comfort
Consider your ability to handle unexpected repair costs versus the certainty of the PremiumCare premium. Some prefer peace of mind over potentially saving money.
PremiumCare Makes Most Sense When:
- You plan to keep your Ford for 6+ years
- Your model incorporates complex technology and electronic systems
- You purchase at competitive prices from volume dealers (not at MSRP)
- You prefer dealership service with predictable costs
- You don’t have substantial emergency savings for unexpected repairs
Remember, like most insurance products, the best-case financial scenario is never needing to use it. The value is in protection against major repair expenses and peace of mind knowing you won’t face unexpected bills during the coverage period.
The smartest approach? Research your specific Ford model’s reliability, shop for the best pricing (often from online Ford dealers), and calculate your personal break-even point based on expected ownership and likely repair scenarios.
