What is the Ford protection package?

Ford Protect is Ford's branded suite of vehicle protection products, including extended service plans, maintenance coverage, and roadside assistance, designed to shield you from repair costs after the factory warranty expires. This umbrella of options is offered at the point of sale or through Ford dealers and can be tailored to the vehicle and ownership horizon.

Details vary by model, year and region, and coverage levels, pricing, and terms are set by Ford or participating dealers. This article explains what Ford Protect typically includes, the main plan families, how pricing works, and how to decide if purchasing Ford Protect makes sense for you.

What Ford Protect typically covers

Before listing the common components, it helps to know that coverage is designed to reduce out-of-pocket costs for both repairs and routine upkeep once the manufacturer’s new-vehicle warranty ends. The specifics depend on the exact protection package chosen.

• Extended service plan (ESP) coverage for mechanical repairs after the factory warranty ends, often described as an extended warranty or service contract.


• Maintenance coverage for scheduled services such as oil changes, inspections, and filter replacements, depending on the plan.


• 24/7 roadside assistance for issues like flat tires, dead batteries, or towing needs, available during the term of the plan.


• Rental car or reimbursements while your vehicle is being repaired under covered service.


• Trip interruption coverage in some plans, helping with lodging and meals if a covered failure occurs away from home.

Coverage items can vary by plan and region, and not every Ford Protect option includes all of these features. Always verify the exact inclusions and exclusions for your vehicle and location before purchase.

Plan types and how they differ

Ford Protect groups its offerings into a few core categories, with optional add-ons depending on the dealer and market. Understanding the differences helps buyers align protection with risk and budget.

• Extended Service Plans (ESP): These are the main mechanical repair protections that extend beyond the new-vehicle warranty, covering components that might fail as the car ages.


• Maintenance Plans: Focused on routine, scheduled maintenance to keep the vehicle serviced and compliant with manufacturer recommendations.


• Roadside Assistance and Related Benefits: Access to towing, jump-starts, and other help, sometimes bundled with other protections or sold separately.

Some regions and models may offer additional protection add-ons (for example, tire and wheel protection or appearance-related coverage) as standalone options or bundled features. Availability and terms are dealer-specific and can change over time.

How Ford Protect relates to the factory warranty

The Ford Protect options sit beyond the original factory warranty and are designed to address costs that might arise later in a vehicle’s life. They are not required for ownership, but they can provide budgeting predictability and potential peace of mind for buyers concerned about future repairs.

Dealers may present Ford Protect as a way to simplify ownership costs, but buyers should compare plans against third-party warranties and consider the vehicle’s reliability, expected ownership period, and mileage when deciding.

Costs, value, and how to buy

Pricing for Ford Protect plans varies by model, year, coverage level, term length, mileage limits, and regional factors. In general, you’ll see differences in upfront cost, monthly payments (if financed with a loan), and eligibility for transfer if you sell the car. The value of the package depends on your anticipated ownership horizon, driving conditions, and how likely you are to incur covered repairs.

Before committing, use these steps to evaluate options.

1. Assess how long you plan to keep the vehicle and estimate annual maintenance costs without protection.


2. Compare Ford Protect quotes to third-party extended warranties and maintenance plans to gauge cost effectiveness.


3. Check what the plan actually covers and what it excludes, including any wear-and-tear items or maintenance items that may be excluded.


4. Ask about transferability if you sell or trade in the vehicle, and whether the plan can be canceled or amended.


5. Confirm whether the plan requires service at Ford or dealer network shops and whether OEM parts are guaranteed for covered repairs.

The decision should balance one-time costs against expected repair or maintenance outlays, as well as your risk tolerance and loyalty to the Ford brand.

Summary

Ford Protect represents Ford’s suite of protection options designed to extend coverage beyond the standard warranty, including extended service plans, maintenance coverage, and roadside assistance. Coverage details, pricing, and availability vary by model and region, so buyers should compare plans, read the fine print, and consider their expected ownership period before purchasing. When used wisely, Ford Protect can simplify budgeting for repairs and upkeep and provide access to a network of authorized service providers.

How much does the Ford Protect plan cost?

The cost of a Ford Protect plan varies significantly based on factors like the vehicle, coverage level, and contract length, but generally ranges from about $1,000 to $4,500 for PremiumCARE, with more basic plans like BaseCARE potentially costing between $1,000 and $2,500. Specific prices depend on the vehicle model and its predicted repair history, the length of time and miles the plan covers, and the deductible chosen. 
Factors influencing the price

• Vehicle type: The cost is influenced by the model's history of repair frequency and severity. 
• Coverage level: Higher-tier plans with more comprehensive coverage, like PremiumCARE, will be more expensive than basic plans like BaseCARE. 
• Contract length: A plan that covers your vehicle for a longer period or a higher number of miles will cost more. 
• Deductible: Choosing a lower deductible (like $0) will increase the overall price of the plan, while a higher deductible (up to $200) will lower it. 
• Mileage at purchase: Vehicles with lower mileage generally have lower warranty costs because they are less likely to require major repairs early on. 

Example price ranges

• PremiumCARE: Typically costs between $1,500 and $4,500.
• ExtraCARE: Costs typically fall between $1,200 and $3,000.
• BaseCARE: Prices are usually between $1,000 and $2,500. 

What does the Ford Protect warranty cover?

Ford Protect is a collection of extended service plans that offer various coverage options, including extended mechanical repair coverage, routine maintenance, and cosmetic protection, along with benefits like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement. The specific inclusions vary by plan, such as PremiumCARE for major components and Premium Maintenance for wear-and-tear items, while some plans like the Ultimate plan are the most comprehensive.
 
Coverage examples by plan type
Extended Service Plans (e.g., PremiumCARE) 

• Major components: Covers parts and labor for thousands of key components, including the engine, transmission, steering, brakes, and electrical systems. 
• Specifics: The PremiumCARE plan provides coverage for up to 10 years or 175,000 miles (whichever comes first). 
• Other details:
  • Includes coverage for failures due to defects and normal wear and tear. 
  • May include a $0 deductible option. 
  • Offers emergency roadside assistance, towing, and rental car reimbursement. 

Maintenance Plans (e.g., Premium Maintenance) 

• Routine maintenance: Covers scheduled maintenance services like oil changes and multi-point inspections. 
• Wear-and-tear items: Replaces normal wear items such as brake pads, linings, shock absorbers/struts, spark plugs, and wiper blades. 
• EVs: Includes specific coverage for electric vehicles, such as cabin air filters. 

Specialized and Cosmetic Protection 

• Diesel EngineCARE: Offers major diesel engine component protection. 
• TireCARE Plus: Covers damage to tires and wheels from road hazards like nails, glass, and potholes. 
• Surface Care: Provides protection for cosmetic issues such as paint fading, hard-water etching, and interior stains. 

Key benefits across plans

• Repairs: Covers parts and labor for covered repairs. 
• Service: Services are performed by Ford technicians using genuine Ford parts. 
• Transferability: Plans can be transferred to a new owner, which may increase the vehicle's resale value. 
• Acceptance: Accepted at over 5,000 Ford dealerships. 

What is a Ford protection package?

Ford Maintenance Protection Plan. Your vehicle will be covered for manufacturer-recommended scheduled maintenance and replacement of select common wear items like brake pads & linings, brake rotors, engine belts, spark plugs, shock absorbers, wiper blades, light bulbs, and clutch discs.

What does a protection plan cover?

A protection plan typically covers repairs and replacements for products and home systems that break down due to defects, wear and tear, or accidents, often extending beyond the manufacturer's warranty. Specific coverage varies, but can include issues like electronic failures, accidental spills or damage, and breakdowns of appliances and home systems such as furnaces, water heaters, and air conditioners. These plans provide peace of mind and can help avoid unexpected costs. 
Common coverages

• Product protection:
  • Defects and failures: Covers issues like electronic failures that may not be covered by a standard manufacturer's warranty. 
  • Accidental damage: Includes incidents like dropping a phone, spilling liquid on a laptop, or getting a stain on a new sofa. 
  • Wear and tear: Covers products that fail from everyday use over time. 
• Home protection:
  • Appliances: Covers refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers. 
  • Systems: Covers major home systems like HVAC, water heaters, and electrical systems. 
  • Routine maintenance: Some plans include coverage for annual maintenance and inspections. 
• Vehicle protection:
  • Mechanical breakdowns: Covers the cost of repairing or replacing major components of a vehicle that fail after the manufacturer's warranty has expired, such as a compressor in a car's air conditioning system. 

Key distinctions

• vs. Manufacturer's Warranty: A protection plan often picks up where the manufacturer's warranty leaves off, providing longer coverage and protecting against accidental damage, which is typically excluded from manufacturer warranties. 
• vs. Homeowners Insurance: Protection plans cover breakdowns of appliances and systems, while homeowners insurance covers damage to the home itself from major, often rare events like fire or storms. 
• vs. Whole Home Warranties: While similar, whole home warranties may cover many areas but can have shallower coverage with lower caps on individual systems and appliances.