Ford Premium Care can be a great way to ensure your vehicle stays in top shape, providing you with peace of mind. However, not everything is covered under this warranty plan. Routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations, as well as wear and tear items such as brake pads, are often excluded. Understanding these details helps you prepare for unexpected costs. Keep reading to discover what else you might need to budget for.
Understanding Ford Premium Care
Ford Premium Care is a comprehensive service plan designed to cover a wide range of issues that may arise with your vehicle. It helps protect against unexpected repairs, focusing on extensive coverage for various major components.
Extended Warranty Fundamentals
The Ford Protect PremiumCare plan offers an extended warranty that lasts up to 8 years or 150,000 miles. This protection includes extensive coverage for many mechanical and electrical components. The plan is exclusion-based, meaning it covers most parts except for those specifically excluded, like routine maintenance and wear-and-tear items.
When purchasing this plan, you may encounter options for different deductibles, affecting the overall cost. A key part of the plan is the minimal out-of-pocket expenses required when unexpected repairs arise. You can also benefit from added perks like rental car reimbursement, which provides transportation during repairs.
The Scope of Coverage
The Ford Protect PremiumCare plan covers a broad array of repairs and major components. It includes parts of the powertrain, such as the engine and transmission, as well as electrical components like power windows and seat motors. Features such as air conditioning and heating systems are also included.
Environmental damage, unauthorized modifications, and wear-and-tear items like brake pads are usually not covered. Coverage ranges widely and provides peace of mind when unforeseen issues occur. Understanding the specific scope of coverage ensures that you avoid surprises and can manage your vehicle maintenance effectively.
What Ford Premium Care Does Not Cover
Ford Premium Care offers extensive coverage, but it’s important to know that some items and services aren’t included. Understanding these exclusions can help you avoid unexpected costs for repairs and maintenance.
Wear and Tear Items
Ford Premium Care does not include coverage for wear and tear items. These are parts that naturally degrade over time with normal use. For example, brake pads and wiper blades fall into this category. You’ll need to handle the replacement costs for these items yourself. Routine inspections can help you spot wear early on and manage these expenses efficiently. Understanding typical wear and tear signs can be crucial in maintaining your vehicle’s safety and reliability without incurring sudden costs.
Routine Maintenance Services
Routine maintenance services are not part of the Ford Premium Care plan. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. Such services are a regular part of owning any vehicle to keep it running smoothly. You should budget for these maintenance items separately. Sticking to a routine can extend your car’s life and help avoid more costly repairs in the future. Making a maintenance schedule ensures you don’t forget these vital tasks.
Non-Covered Parts
Items not included in the Ford Premium Care plan are parts not made or authorized by Ford. These can include aftermarket parts installed without Ford approval. Repairs due to environmental damage or unauthorized modifications are also not covered. Using authorized parts and services helps maintain the integrity of your vehicle and keeps it within warranty guidelines. Ensuring everything is in line with Ford’s standards can save you trouble and repair costs later.
Limitations and Exclusions
When considering Ford Premium Care, it’s crucial to know what might not fall under its coverage. By understanding these limits, you can plan for any potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Component Specific Limitations
Ford Premium Care does not cover all parts. Items that naturally wear out, like brake pads, wiper blades, and tires, are not included. Other components such as the air control valve and the knock sensor might be part of limited coverage.
Wear and tear are typical exclusions, focusing on parts that are likely to degrade over time.
Routine maintenance services, such as oil changes and tire rotations, remain your responsibility. Knowing which parts are covered can save you from unexpected costs when repairs are needed.
Understanding Deductibles
A key part of the Ford Premium Care plan is understanding the deductible. Each repair visit might require you to pay a deductible before the plan’s benefits kick in.
Typically, you’ll see options like a $100 copay, reducing the cost of each covered repair. This copay means less is out of your pocket while Ford covers the rest.
Make sure to check how these deductibles could affect your budget. Depending on your specific plan, there could be variations that influence your overall repair expenses. Understanding this aspect helps with financial planning when considering such warranties.
Choosing the Right Protection
When thinking about your vehicle’s protection, it’s important to compare extended warranties and understand the differences between Ford Protect plans and auto insurance. Each offers unique benefits, so selecting the right one for your needs can provide peace of mind.
Comparing Extended Warranties
Extended warranties, like Ford’s ESP (Extended Service Plan), are designed to cover mechanical breakdowns and repairs after the manufacturer’s warranty ends. They generally include a wide range of components but exclude routine maintenance and wear-and-tear parts.
When comparing warranties, consider the coverage period, cost, and specific parts included. Look for plans like Ford Premium Care, which covers over 1,000 components, providing robust mechanical protection. A good warranty can help avoid unexpected repair costs, ensuring you get back on the road quickly without a large bill.
Ford Protect vs. Auto Insurance
While Ford Protect focuses on mechanical issues, auto insurance covers incidents like accidents, theft, and natural disasters. It’s essential to have both for complete vehicle protection.
Insurance provides financial coverage for damages or liabilities that an extended warranty doesn’t offer. Ensure that your auto insurance plan matches your lifestyle and driving habits. Premiums may vary based on the level of coverage and policy terms, so review what best suits your needs. Combining a Ford Protect plan with comprehensive insurance can offer a full spectrum of protection, giving you peace of mind as you drive.
Managing Your Coverage
Taking care of your Ford Premium Care plan involves understanding how to make a claim and finding trusted repair services. This will help you ensure that your vehicle gets the authorized parts it needs and you get the best use of your coverage.
Making a Claim
When your car needs repairs covered under Ford Premium Care, you will start by contacting your Ford dealer. Your dealer can guide you through the claim process and help clarify any questions you might have about your plan. Have your contract information ready for a smoother experience.
Speak to a representative who can confirm whether your specific repair, like those involving wiring harnesses, is covered. Once confirmed, your dealer will either repair or replace the faulty components using authorized parts. It’s important to follow the outlined procedures; this ensures that your coverage is honored and you won’t face unexpected surprises.
Finding Authorized Repair Services
Choosing an authorized repair service for your Ford is crucial. Authorized services ensure that your repairs are completed by trained professionals using the correct parts. This keeps your warranty valid and your car running smoothly.
To find these services, you can visit Ford’s website or contact your local Ford dealership directly. They can recommend nearby authorized repair centers that are approved to handle the necessary work. Using unauthorized services might void your warranty, so stick to the recommended providers for peace of mind. Remember, using the right services helps maintain both your vehicle’s performance and your coverage.
