Extended Service Program
Swant Graber · Barron, Wisconsin
Extended service plans, explained before you decide.
A vehicle service contract can pay for covered repairs after your factory warranty ends. It is optional — never required to buy or to get financing. Here's how coverage works, what it costs to go without, and how to compare plans from Ford Protect and CNA National, both offered at Swant Graber.
Short answer
Who it makes sense for
Often worth a look
- You keep vehicles past 5 years / 60,000 miles
- You drive high miles (commute, farm, work truck)
- A surprise repair bill would strain your budget
- Your vehicle is tech-heavy (screens, sensors, turbo, 10-speed)
Probably skip it if…
- You trade in before factory coverage ends
- You drive few miles and can self-fund a repair
- You already have a plan that overlaps
- The quote doesn't list covered parts in writing
Warranty vs. service contract
What's already covered — and what isn't
| Factory warranty | Vehicle service contract | GAP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Included with new vehicle? | Yes | No — optional purchase | No — optional |
| Pays for | Defects in materials/workmanship | Covered mechanical breakdowns per contract | Loan balance gap after total loss/theft |
| Typical length | 3 yr/36k basic; 5 yr/60k powertrain* | Up to 10 yr/175k on new Ford Protect plans; up to 6 yr/75k on used | Loan term |
| Deductible | Usually none | Per contract | Per contract |
| Required for financing? | — | Never | Never |
* Typical Ford, Chevrolet and Ram new-vehicle terms; varies by model year and powertrain (EV and hybrid components often carry longer coverage). See our warranty page, and GAP coverage for loan protection.
Process
How to decide in five steps
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1. Know where your factory warranty ends
Check your in-service date and odometer. Most new Ford, Chevrolet and Ram vehicles carry about 3 years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and 5 years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage (confirm for your model year). A service contract adds nothing while factory coverage already pays for the same repair.
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2. Estimate your own risk
How long will you keep it, and how many miles a year? A Barron-area commuter running 20,000+ miles on county roads hits the factory limits sooner than someone driving 8,000 around town.
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3. Compare coverage levels in writing
Ask for the covered-components list, deductible, term (years and miles, whichever comes first), transfer and cancellation terms, and who pays the claim. Read exclusions first.
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4. Decide — or decline
A service contract is optional. It is never required to buy a vehicle or to get financing approved, and you can say no or buy one later while your vehicle is still eligible.
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5. Use it right
Keep maintenance records. When something breaks, bring your contract number; the repair shop gets authorization before work begins, then you pay any deductible.
Ford Protect
Ford's own coverage levels
Sold through Swant Graber Ford and backed by Ford. Each level includes the one below it. Every level can run up to 10 years or 175,000 miles on new-vehicle plans and up to 6 years or 75,000 miles on used-vehicle plans, depending on eligibility.
| Ford Protect plan | Components covered (U.S.) | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| PowertrainCARE | 29 | Engine and transmission only |
| BaseCARE | 84 | Powertrain plus key steering, brake, A/C, electrical |
| ExtraCARE | 113 | Adds select high-tech parts |
| PremiumCARE | 1,000+ | Ford's most complete coverage, closest to bumper-to-bumper |
Source: Ford Protect plan table on ford.com, checked Oct. 29, 2026. Terms, prices and eligibility vary by vehicle; your written quote shows the exact plan.
CNA National
Swant Graber offers CNA National vehicle service contracts on a wide range of eligible vehicles, new and used, including Chevrolet, Dodge, Ram and Ford. Coverage levels, deductibles and terms depend on the vehicle and contract selected. CNA National requires prior authorization: the repair facility contacts CNA before repairs are made, and you can use the selling dealer or a licensed repair facility in the U.S. or Canada. CNA National customer information.
Examples
When a plan pays off, and when it doesn't
Example: high-mile pickup Example
A half-ton pickup at 85,000 miles needs a transmission repair. It is past the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, so without a contract the owner pays the full repair bill. With an active contract covering the transmission, the owner pays the deductible.
Example: low-mile SUV Example
An SUV driven 7,000 miles a year and traded at year four never leaves factory coverage. A plan here mostly adds transfer value — likely not worth it.
Illustrative examples, not quotes. Your price depends on vehicle, mileage, term, deductible and coverage level.
Checklist
Questions to ask before you sign
- Who backs the contract and pays claims?
- Exactly which parts are covered — and excluded?
- Deductible per visit or per repair?
- Term in years and miles, and when does it start?
- Transferable? Cancellable? Refund terms?
- Maintenance records required?
- Roadside, towing and rental included?
- Total price, and is it separate on the buyer's order?
The FTC's guide Auto Warranties and Auto Service Contracts is a good neutral read.
Two stores, one street
Talk with us in Barron
Swant Graber Motors
Chevrolet · Dodge · Ram
CNA National service contracts
1690 East Division Avenue, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-5657
Swant Graber Ford
Ford Protect and CNA National
1697 East Division Avenue, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-9500
Extended service plan FAQs
Is an extended service plan required to get financing?
No. A vehicle service contract is optional. It is never required to buy a vehicle or to be approved for credit, and declining it does not change your approval.
What is the difference between a warranty and a service contract?
A manufacturer warranty is included in the price of a new vehicle. A vehicle service contract is a separate, optional agreement you buy that pays for covered repairs under its written terms. The FTC explains the difference in its consumer guide.
When should I buy one?
Plans are often priced lower while the vehicle is still under its factory warranty and has low miles. Ford Protect, for example, offers new-vehicle plan terms when bought within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Ask us for current eligibility.
What is Ford Protect?
Ford Protect is Ford's own extended service plan program, available through Swant Graber Ford. Ford lists four U.S. coverage levels from powertrain-only (29 components) up to comprehensive coverage of 1,000+ components, with terms up to 10 years or 175,000 miles on new-vehicle plans (up to 6 years or 75,000 miles on used), depending on eligibility.
What is CNA National?
CNA National is a third-party vehicle service contract administrator. Swant Graber offers CNA National contracts on eligible vehicles. Coverage depends on the contract you choose; ask us to walk through the options for your vehicle.
Does a plan cover oil changes and tires?
Usually not. Routine maintenance and wear items such as tires, brake pads, wiper blades, filters and fluids are typically excluded unless a separate maintenance plan is included. Ask for the written list.
Is there a deductible?
Most contracts have a per-visit deductible. Amounts vary by plan; the deductible is shown on your quote and contract.
Can I cancel?
Most contracts can be cancelled for a prorated refund, sometimes minus a cancellation fee. Terms are in the contract. If the plan was financed, a refund generally goes to the lender first.
Can I buy coverage on a vehicle I already own?
Often yes, if it is within the plan's age and mileage limits. Contact either store with your VIN and mileage.
Where can I get covered repairs done?
It depends on the contract. Manufacturer plans such as Ford Protect are typically honored at franchised dealers of that brand nationwide. CNA National contracts can be used at the selling dealer or a licensed repair facility in the U.S. or Canada, with authorization from CNA before repairs begin.
Will it transfer if I sell my vehicle?
Many contracts are transferable, sometimes for a fee, which can help resale. Check the transfer section before you sign.
Does GAP cover repairs?
No. GAP is about your loan balance after a total loss or theft, not repairs. Both are optional. See our GAP coverage page.
Want a quote you can read at home?
Send your VIN and mileage. We'll send coverage options in writing — no pressure, and nothing required to buy or finance. Shopping for the vehicle too? Call ahead and we will have the vehicle pulled up, warmed up and priced out the door.