Frequently Asked Questions

Extended coverage protects you from unexpected repair costs after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. It provides peace of mind, helps manage cash flow, and ensures your equipment stays operational.

Research shows that adding coverage can significantly boost value—used equipment with coverage often commands 1% to 5% higher resale prices. Plus, dealerships report that covered equipment sells faster than comparable units without coverage.

People typically call service contracts “extended warranties,” but legally, most paid plans are service contracts. An extended warranty is offered by the manufacturer and extends the manufacturer’s original warranty. A service contract is offered by dealers or third parties after the manufacturer’s warranty ends.

An extended service contract is not insurance, a warranty, or a guarantee. It’s a repair agreement that covers specific parts and systems listed in the terms and conditions. These contracts are designed to protect against failures caused by manufacturing defects or workmanship—not every breakdown.

Exclusionary Coverage

• Covers everything except what is specifically listed as excluded in the contract.
• Structure: Instead of listing covered parts, it lists exclusions (e.g., fuel system, routine maintenance, wear items, cosmetic damage). Similar to the warranty.
• If it’s not excluded, it’s covered. This type of coverage is expensive.

Ag Guard provides Stated Component Coverage (also called Inclusionary)

• Covers only the parts specifically listed in the contract.
• Structure: A detailed list of covered components (e.g., engine, transmission, A/C, hydraulic systems). For more information, check out this flyer
• If a part isn’t on the list, it’s not covered. This coverage offers a better value.

Caution: most complaints arise when owners assume comprehensive coverage but discover a part isn’t listed. Make sure you understand what is covered and not covered to avoid any surprises.

Ask yourself:

• Can I afford a major repair out-of-pocket?
• Do I want predictable costs instead of surprise expenses?

If the answers are “no and yes,” extended coverage can be a smart investment. It’s not just about cost—it’s about uptime, peace of mind, and financial protection. Plus, if you trade the machine with coverage remaining, it can fetch up to 10% more.

• Make sure the coverage terms are clearly disclosed.
• Review the contract carefully for what’s covered and what’s not.
• Check the reputation of the provider. Ask your trusted dealer about their experience.
• Confirm refund or cancellation policies (You have at least 90 days to cancel Ag Guard).
• Phrases like “bumper-to-bumper,” “lifetime,” or “comprehensive” can be misleading. Trusted providers clearly outline exclusions, such as normal wear-and-tear, misuse, neglect, or operation outside the manufacturer’s specifications.

Your dealer is the best resource to help you choose a plan that fits your operation. Every customer has a different comfort level with risk, but they generally fall into four groups based on their risk tolerance:

1. Risk-Averse: Maximum Predictability (New Machine with Warranty)
   These customers prefer complete peace of mind. They choose a warranty plus a maintenance plan to keep costs predictable and avoid surprises for the highest level of protection.
2. Low Risk: Prefer Manufacturer-Backed Coverage (Newer Used Machines)
   Manufacturer-backed protection often covers more and will replace parts that could be repaired. When available, this is usually the best risk/cost option. However, it will be limited to newer, lower-hour machines. On small equipment, it may not be available for second owners or commercial use.
3. Shared Risk: Value Option (Quality Used Machines)
   Value-Seeker: An owner who knows how to maintain their equipment and follow specifications can find great value in quality used equipment that no longer qualifies for manufacturer coverage. They accept some risk but want protection against major failures. Third-party providers offer this coverage. Ag Guard specializes in coverage for this group—owners who want smart protection for quality used equipment.
4. Risk-Taker: Comfortable Taking All the Risk
   Bargain shoppers who prioritize the lowest upfront cost and skip coverage entirely. They assume all repair risk, believing the savings outweigh potential future expenses.

Not sure where you fit? Talk to your dealer—they’ll help you choose the best option for your operation.

• Provider Reputation: Choose a company with proven experience in your industry.
• Clear Terms: Understand what’s covered and what’s excluded.
• Flexibility: Look for customizable plans that fit your equipment and usage.
• Dealer Support: Ensure your dealer can handle claims quickly and easily.

Ag Guard checks all these boxes.

Yes, in many cases you can—but there are a few important things to consider.

• Does the machine have coverage remaining?
  • Manufacturer-backed coverage is usually limited to newer machines and may not be available for second owners or machines bought at auction.
  • Some auction machines include very limited coverage to boost buyer confidence. Check what’s included and whether you can upgrade it—and at what cost.
• Get an inspection from your service provider
  • Identifying issues before you start work is critical—unexpected downtime can be expensive.
  • If the machine has less than 30 days or 30 hours of coverage remaining, most providers require an inspection to confirm it’s in good working order and free of pre-existing problems before they will offer coverage.
• Consider third-party coverage
  Plans like those from Ag Guard protect against major failures for equipment that no longer qualifies for manufacturer coverage—a smart way to manage risk without overspending.
• What if you skip coverage?
  You’ll assume all repair risk. This can save money upfront but may lead to costly repairs later, especially if the machine has hidden issues.

Tip: Plan ahead—talk to your service provider before purchasing. They may not love that you’re buying from someone else, but they should still be invested in your success. They can confirm if the machine is eligible for coverage and help you choose the plan that best fits your needs.

Ag Guard is the original extended coverage provider for the agricultural industry, trusted for decades.

We recognized the need for protection beyond the legally required warranty and pioneered extended coverage options. Today, we continue to innovate based on the real-world needs of ag producers, informed by their equipment dealers.

• Why we don’t sell directly to customers?
  We believe your dealer should be your advocate. By working through dealers, we ensure our coverage is the right fit for your operation.
• What we cover?
  We focus exclusively on agricultural and light construction equipment—nothing else. We’re not part of a large insurance conglomerate; our sole mission is serving equipment owners who run their operations like a business.
• What sets Ag Guard apart?
  Our reputation is built on reliability, transparency, and fairness. We understand ag equipment better than anyone and design coverage that truly fits your needs.

We work with most dealer organizations throughout North America that service what they sell. If a dealer is not already part of our network, we can work with them or a nearby dealer to provide coverage.

Ag Guard is only available from qualified dealers who service what they sell. We never sell directly to consumers.

Pricing depends on several factors—age, usage, make, model, and hours on the equipment. With this information, we create a customized quote based on real-world failure data, not a market rate based on the machine’s retail price.

This experience-based approach ensures fair pricing:

• Lower cost when risk is low.
• Higher cost when risk is greater—because coverage delivers more value.

We believe this is fairer than market-based pricing. Plus, we can provide multiple options so you can choose what best fits your operation.

Ag Guard coverage starts with the Powertrain. You can expand protection by adding Hydraulics and Platform components.
Excluded: Wear items and routine maintenance.

• Powertrain — Covers the internal components of the engine & drive train.
• Powertrain + Hydraulic — Adds pumps and other hydraulic components.
• Platform — Adds items like the strater, alternator, and A/C compressor.

Ag Guard provides Stated Component Coverage (also called Inclusionary). Make sure you understand what is covered and not covered to avoid any surprises. Always review your contract Terms & Conditions for full details.

• Tractors: Compact, Utility, Row Crop, and 4wd (Scraper Tractors on a case-by-case basis)
• Combines
• Sprayers and Floaters
• Forage Harvesters
• Cotton Harvesters
• Windrowers
• SP Balers
• UTV’s (side-by-side)
• Skid Steers
• Mini Excavators
• Loaders/ Backhoes
• Forklifts and Telehandlers
• Other Light Construction Equipment

We do not cover:

• Consumer-Grade Machines
• Heavy Construction Equipment
• Forestry Equipment
• Mining or Petroleum Equipment
• Ag Equipment being used for road construction, forestry, or mining

For more information, check out this flyer

Ag Guard offers flexible terms—1 to 5 years—with options for annual hour limits and deductibles to fit your budget.

You can tailor coverage type, term, hours, and deductible to match your needs. We also offer programs that feature our most popular options.

For more information, check out this flyer

In most cases, an inspection is required to rule out pre-existing conditions—unless your equipment has more than 30 days of coverage remaining.

• We do not require fluid scans, which speeds up the process. Inspectors are trusted to identify any issues accurately.
• If pre-existing conditions are found on covered components, repairs can make the equipment eligible for coverage.
• Dealerships will still check fluids for impurities or foreign materials, but do not need to send them to a 3rd party lab.

Yes, Ag Guard follows the covered equipment, regardless of who purchased the Contract.

We cover most major manufacturers of farm and light construction equipment, including: John Deere, Case IH, New Holland, Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Versatile, Deutz Fahr, McCormick, Bobcat, Kubota, Caterpillar, JCB, and many more.

Absolutely! Many operations across the country purchase coverage through their servicing dealer. Equipment failures are the second-largest risk for farm operations, so having coverage in place is a smart move.

If your machine has less than 30 days of coverage remaining, an inspection will be required to confirm there are no pre-existing conditions.

Either party can purchase an extended service plan, as it adds value to the equipment and benefits both parties. We have numerous examples of the equipment seller buying coverage before the sale and getting more value than the plan costs. In addition, equipment buyers gain value in equipment that has gone through the enrollment process and has coverage in place.

Repairs can be done at almost any OEM dealer or manufacturer-authorized service center. Coverage is portable—if you bought a plan from a John Deere dealer for a Case machine, it can be serviced by a Case dealer. Likewise, if your machine is based in Minnesota but breaks down in Texas, you can have it repaired there.

A few service providers are restricted, but this is rare. If you inform the shop that your equipment is covered by Ag Guard, they’ll know whether they can perform the work.

We make the claims process as easy as possible. Your repair facility will help determine if the issue qualifies as a covered failure.

Your Responsibilites:

• Protect the equipment from further damage.
• Ensure the repair facility contacts Ag Guard before starting any repairs.
• Confirm the facility files the claim with Ag Guard within 30 days of the failure.
• Make sure Ag Guard is notified before the Service Contract expires.

You must authorize all work on your machine. The repair facility should present all options—regardless of cost—before starting. If Ag Guard approves a repair, you must also approve it before work begins.

Opportunity for additional work: If we approve a repair (e.g., replacing a failed piston), you can choose to upgrade—such as replacing all pistons or installing a remanufactured engine. Ag Guard pays the covered amount; you pay the difference.

OEM parts should be used for all repairs, but we can make exceptions if contacted before installation and a valid reason is given. Our claims managers are experts and can help source the appropriate parts and ensure a repair is done properly. This discussion is typically handled during the claim’s pre-authorization process.

Each Extended Service Contract includes a total Limit of Liability (LOL), which varies by equipment type and horsepower. These limits help keep coverage costs lower and are based on historical claim data—so more than 99% of contracts never reach the limit.

While some competitors advertise higher limits, they often include restrictions like per-claim caps or stop-loss provisions. Ag Guard does not impose stop-loss, ensuring broader protection. Our experience-driven approach keeps costs fair while delivering high value.