Busting Myths About Cat® Truck Engine Extended Service Coverage
Think there’s nothing you can do about rising repair costs? Assume coverage options are too limited to fit your needs? Think again.
Here’s the truth about Cat® Extended Service Coverage (ESC) — and a look at how it helps protect your uptime and your bottom line.
Myth #1: There’s No Way To Avoid Rising Repair Costs.
It’s true that parts and labor prices continue to climb. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck paying more. When you add ESC, you lock in today’s rates. If you opt for 48 months of coverage, that means you pay 2026 prices for the next four years. It’s a smart way to plan your maintenance budget and keep repair costs predictable.
Myth #2: Extended Protection Plans Cost More Than They're Worth.
The numbers tell a different story: An unexpected failure that requires you to replace your truck's water pump or air compressor could run thousands of dollars. The cost of ESC averages less than $300 for four years of coverage. That’s protection that pays off.
Plus, keep in mind Cat ESC covers not just parts and labor but also resultant damage when a covered component fails. If a water pump causes an overheat of the engine, for example, both repairs may be covered.
Myth #3: Coverage Options Are Too Limited.
Actually, we offer multiple ESC options so you can choose a plan that fits your priorities and your budget:
- ESC Plus: Up to 60 months or 500,000 miles of protection for Cat Reman heavy-duty engines and Cat Reman engines with new content, with your choice of deductible.
- Overhaul Protection for Truck Engines (OPT): Up to 48 months of coverage for dealer-performed overhauls, with no mileage or hour limits.
- Precious Metals Kits ESC: Up to 48 months of coverage for overhauls or rebuilds you or your dealer perform using these convenient kits, with no mileage or hour limits and a zero-dollar deductible.
- Component Plus ESC: Up to 48 months of protection for 20+ Cat truck engine components, with no mileage or hour limits and a zero-dollar deductible.
Myth #4: There’s Not Enough Flexibility To Fit My Business.
Every ESC option is built for real-world use. Planning to keep your truck for years? Choose a longer coverage term. Thinking of selling soon? Go with a shorter plan. Remember, ESC transfers with the engine serial number, so it could even help boost your truck resale value.
Another bonus: ESC travels with you. Coverage is honored at all authorized Cat and TEPS dealers across the U.S. and Canada, so you can get repairs done at the nearest location and get back on the road.
Get The Facts. Get The Coverage.
Don’t let misinformation keep you from getting the coverage you need. Cat ESC gives you real protection, real flexibility and real peace of mind. Watch this MythBuster video for more details, then talk to your Cat dealer about adding a plan that works for your business.