Understanding CVAs: Six Common Questions

When you’re running a construction operation, maintenance is critical to keep an operation running smooth. Setting up a service agreement helps, but the last thing you need is confusion around offerings or uncertainty of cost. That’s where a Cat^® Customer Value Agreement (CVA) comes in. But if you’re new to the idea, the details and options might feel unfamiliar.

We’ve pulled together the most common questions customers ask about CVAs and compiled the answers. By the end, you’ll see why a CVA is one of the smartest, most practical ways to keep your equipment running strong.

Q1: What is a CVA, and how does it work?

A: A Customer Value Agreement (CVA) is Cat's flexible maintenance and service plan. Think of it as an ownership package that combines genuine Cat parts, proactive maintenance and dealer support to make life easier for equipment owners.

Whether you’re the kind of owner who prefers to do your own maintenance with parts delivered on schedule, or you’d rather rely on Cat-certified technicians, there’s a CVA to fit your needs. The goal is simple: reduce downtime, make costs more predictable and keep your equipment in top shape.

Why it matters: CVAs take the guesswork out of ownership. You know what’s covered, when service is coming, and how much it will cost while saving time and stress.

Q2: How does a CVA reduce my risk of unplanned downtime?

A: Downtime is one of the biggest challenges in construction. A CVA reduces that risk by building proactive maintenance into your plan.

That includes:

• Planned maintenance kits delivered right when your machine needs them.
• S•O•S™  Fluid Analysis (like a blood test for your machine) to catch issues early.
• Condition monitoring and VisionLink^® remote monitoring so you and your dealer can spot problems before they cause breakdowns.

Why it matters: Instead of reacting to failures, you stay ahead of them. That means fewer costly surprises and more uptime for your crews.

Q3: What happens if my equipment breaks down while I have a CVA?

A: Cat's CVA Services Commitment backs your plan with clear timelines:

• Next-day parts availability.
• Two-day repair¹.

If you prefer to handle repairs yourself, you’ll get next-day parts through the Services Commitment. If your parts aren’t available, you get up to USD $1,000 in Cat Credits² for the value of the late part. If you opt for dealer labor in your CVA, the Services Commitment means your dealer will respond quickly with two-day repair times, getting you back to work in two days, or you’ll receive USD $1,000 in Cat Credits.

Meanwhile, proactive service and remote monitoring mean many issues are spotted and resolved before they turn into full-blown downtime events.

Why it matters: Peace of mind. You know that when something goes wrong, there’s already a plan in motion to get you back to work.

^{1Applies to common repairs. Contact your local dealer for major repair commitment and terms & conditions.
2Dealer participation may vary. Contact your local Cat dealer for details.}

Q4: What does planned maintenance include?

A: Planned maintenance in a CVA can cover:

• Regular inspections to spot wear and tear, with your results shared and stored for your records.
• Genuine Cat parts designed and spec’d for your exact machine.
• Preventive and proactive service performed by Cat dealers or guided for your own team.

Why it matters: Routine upkeep extends the life of your equipment, protects resale value, and keeps machines performing at their peak.

Q5: How do CVAs help control costs and improve budgeting?

A: With a CVA, maintenance and service costs are predictable. You’ll know upfront what’s included and can even roll the CVA into one easy monthly machine payment².

For added peace of mind, you can also choose an Equipment Protection Plan (EPP) or Component Protection Plan (CPP). On a new machine, EPP covers powertrain, hydraulics, and technology, with expert troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repairs included. For machines you already own, CPP helps protect critical components like injectors, aftertreatment systems, turbochargers, and more, so you can budget with confidence and avoid costly surprises.

Why it matters: That kind of predictability and coverage protects your bottom line and makes budgeting simpler.

Q6: Is a CVA right for my type of operation?

A: CVAs are built to fit you. They’re customizable for all machines and any size operation.

• Buying new? Get peace of mind with complete protection from day one.
• Already own Cat equipment? Stay ahead with proactive monitoring, planned maintenance and dealer inspections.
• Running a big or small operation? CVAs flex to fit any size fleet — whether you handle service in-house or rely on dealer support.
• Value uptime and control? A CVA helps you cut surprises, manage costs and keep your machines working longer.

Why it matters: Whether you’re running a single dozer or a large mixed fleet, there’s a CVA that fits your operation and workload.

Key Takeaways

• What is a CVA? A Cat maintenance and service plan that simplifies ownership.
• CVA benefits: Planned maintenance, genuine Cat parts and expert dealer support.
• Why it matters: Fewer surprises, more uptime and predictable costs.
• Customization: Options for owners who do their own service or those who prefer more dealer support.
• Services Commitment: Next-day parts availability, two-day repair, and Cat Credits if commitments aren’t met.

Final Word

CVA might sound like another acronym in a sea of construction jargon, but it’s really a smart, hassle-free, worry-free plan for protecting what matters most: your time, your money and your ability to get the job done.

Whether you’re looking for less downtime, more predictable budgets or just a smarter way to manage equipment, a Cat Customer Value Agreement is designed with you in mind.

Ready to learn more? Explore Cat CVA offerings, watch the CVA Fundamentals Video, or connect with your Cat dealer today to see how a CVA could fit your operation.