Experiencing car trouble is always inconvenient, but it’s especially frustrating when it leaves you without transportation. If you have a Ford Protect vehicle service contract, you might be eligible for a Ford Car Rental Program to keep you moving while your vehicle is being repaired. Understanding how this program works can alleviate stress during unexpected auto repairs.
When you take your Ford vehicle in for service, the first step is to inform your Ford Service Department representative that you have a genuine Ford Protect vehicle service contract. This contract includes a provision for alternate transportation, acknowledging that repairs can sometimes take time. According to the Ford Protect Contract, coverage applies when a covered vehicle component fails due to defects in materials or workmanship, or normal wear and tear as outlined in your agreement. The service department can quickly verify your coverage by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the Ford OASIS database. It’s important to remember that rental vehicle availability can differ between dealerships. The rental benefit becomes active only when your vehicle is at the dealership overnight for repairs covered by your Ford Protect plan due to a part or component failure. Initially, your Service Advisor will need to diagnose the cause of the problem before confirming rental eligibility.
Basic rental benefits are available if your vehicle needs to stay overnight for a covered repair to be completed. Rental coverage begins on the day the repair work starts. However, if your car is considered inoperable upon arrival at the service center (or if further driving could cause damage or render it inoperable) and must be kept overnight, rental coverage can begin from the day you drop off your vehicle. It’s crucial to note that customers are expected to return the rental vehicle by the end of the business day on which the repairs are finished. Extending the rental beyond this point will be at the customer’s own expense.
Ford dealerships offer several ways to manage rental car arrangements for their customers:
- On-Site Loaner or Rental Programs: Some Ford dealerships operate their own rental or loaner programs. This is often the simplest method, allowing the dealership to directly coordinate a rental vehicle with their Service Department. They can then manage the rental claim submission to Ford Protect along with the covered repair claim for streamlined payment processing.
- Agreements with Rental Franchises: Many Ford dealers have established partnerships with national rental companies like Enterprise or Hertz. Through these arrangements, they can easily arrange alternate transportation for you. The dealership will handle obtaining the rental invoice, which is necessary for including in the claim submission to Ford.
- Independent Rental Arrangements: In situations where a Ford dealer doesn’t have an in-house program or franchise agreement, you might need to arrange a rental vehicle yourself from any commercial rental agency. If this is the case, it’s vital to inform your Service Department that you are renting a vehicle. Ensure you provide them with a copy of your paid rental receipt so they can include it when submitting the repair claim for reimbursement.
It is also important to understand situations where rental reimbursement does not apply:
- Days or nights your vehicle is held for scheduling or part delays before repair work begins, unless the vehicle was inoperable when initially brought in.
- Rental vehicles obtained from sources other than the dealership or a commercial rental agency.
- Repairs needed to correct previous incomplete or incorrect work (“comebacks”).
- Additional rental costs such as mileage charges, drop-off fees, insurance, or fuel.
- Operable vehicles awaiting warranty or Ford/Lincoln Protect Extended Service Plan repairs that could have been finished on the drop-off day but weren’t.
- Rental days extending beyond the date repairs are completed.
- Certain warranties and programs are ineligible for Ford/Lincoln Protect Extended Service Plan rental reimbursement unless the specific part causing the issue is covered by Ford/Lincoln Protect at the time of repair and the vehicle is outside of its New Vehicle Limited Warranty. These exclusions include: Emissions Warranty, Powertrain Warranty, Diesel Engine Warranty (5-year/100,000-mile), Corrosion Warranty, Service Parts Warranty, Customer Loyalty Program (CLP), Reacquired Vehicle Warranty (12-month/12,000-mile), and Safety Restraint Warranty.
In conclusion, the Ford car rental program associated with the Ford Protect plan is designed to minimize disruption when your vehicle requires covered repairs. By understanding the eligibility, process, and options available through Ford dealerships, you can navigate the rental process smoothly and ensure you remain mobile while your car is in expert hands. Always communicate clearly with your Ford Service Department to leverage your Ford Protect benefits effectively.
