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An extended auto warranty is a service contract that covers auto repairs after the factory car warranty expires. Drivers can purchase aftermarket auto warranty coverage from vehicle manufacturers or third-party warranty providers.
Based on our research, Endurance provides the best extended auto warranty in the industry. We found that the company stands out because of its extensive coverage options, plan benefits, and direct administration of contracts.
Our research team compiled key information on all of the most popular extended auto warranty providers. We rated these providers based on industry standing, coverage, cost, transparency, and customer service.
Based on the above criteria, our top picks for the best extended car warranties include:
The chart below goes into more detail about the factors that comprised each company’s ranking:
The providers we mentioned above are all strong choices for an extended car warranty, but the one that’s right for you will depend on your needs. Endurance car warranties top our list because of the company’s comprehensive coverage options, but you may be able to find more basic or affordable coverage through companies like CARCHEX and Protect My Car.
Why we chose it: Widest selection of standard warranties and maintenance plans
A direct provider for vehicle protection, Endurance is an extended car warranty provider with over 10 years of experience backed by an AM Best insurance company with an A rating.
Unlike most car warranty companies, Endurance is a direct administrator of warranty plans, meaning it handles all claims directly, so there’s no go-between involved. You talk with just the Endurance team at every point of the process. Not only can this speed up the claims process, but you also won’t be wondering who you should call for what issue.
Our team reached out for Endurance quotes and found plans can range from $2,600 to $4,400. Monthly payments ranged from $86 to $124, making Endurance an affordable option.
Endurance offers six levels of auto protection that can last up to 8 years/200,000 miles, according to our secret shopper analysis. Below is a summary of each Endurance warranty plan.
Additionally, the EnduranceAdvantage plan is unique in the industry because it offers both extended warranty coverage and vehicle maintenance. There are three levels of coverage within the plan – Prime, Plus, and Preferred – all of which include high-level, stated-component coverage and many maintenance services.
Endurance Roadside Assistance (And Other Perks)
Each Endurance plan comes with roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage. Plans also come with one year of Endurance Elite Benefits, which include tire repairs and replacements, key fob replacements, and more. These benefits are some of the best you will find in the extended auto warranty industry.
Is Endurance Car Warranty Worth It?
Yes, an Endurance car warranty can be worth purchasing for several reasons. The company provides extensive coverage options and other features, which include:
For more information on this extended car warranty provider, check out our complete Endurance warranty review.
Reputable extended car warranty company that offers six levels of coverage and has excellent customer reviews. It is our choice for Best Coverage and our top overall pick for extended warranty providers.
Why we chose it: High mileage limits and strong industry reputation
CARCHEX has been in business for more than 20 years and offers five coverage tiers with several plan options under each tier for a total of 16 warranty plans. Sample contracts are available on the company’s website, and though the contracts are long (14 to 34 pages), CARCHEX representatives will walk you through them to help you understand what is and isn’t covered.
According to quotes our team received from CARCHEX, plans cost between $2,500 and $3,100. Payments range from $110 to $215 per month. You may find different prices based on your vehicle and desired coverage.
CARCHEX works with multiple contract administrators, including Royal Administration, so each contract has customization opportunities. Let’s take a closer look at what a CARCHEX extended car warranty covers under each tier:
Based on our research, CARCHEX is one of our top choices for the best extended car warranty. Here’s what makes the company stand out from others in the industry:
For more information on this extended car warranty provider, check out our CARCHEX review.
CARCHEX has five customizable extended warranty plans, excellent customer service, and great added perks. We recognize CARCHEX as the Best for Used Cars.
Why we chose it: Flexible plans that cover scheduled maintenance
Established in 2005 and based in St. Petersburg, Florida, Protect My Car is a popular choice for vehicle service contracts. Protect My Car offers three warranty plans — Supreme, Select, and Driveline. With Protect My Car’s two highest levels of protection, you will have a $100 deductible. Its lowest level of protection has a $200 deductible. A $0 deductible option isn’t available.
Protect My Car also offers Ambassador Maintenance Plans that apply to most vehicles, even ones older than 13 years. These car maintenance contracts offer guaranteed discounts of 50 percent on vehicle repairs, plus rental car coverage and more for older cars. However, they don’t provide protection on the same level as a standard extended warranty for cars.
Is Protect My Car Worth It?
If you are looking for solid coverage at an affordable price, Protect My Car is worth considering. The company provides several benefits for drivers including:
For more information on this extended car warranty provider, check out our Protect My Car review.
Because of its available discounts on repairs and maintenance for older vehicles, Protect My Car was our pick for Best Maintenance Plans.
Why we chose it: Affordable monthly costs and most popular provider
CarShield started in 2005 and has since protected over one million vehicles. Our team recognized it for having the Best Value because of its low rates and positive online reviews. CarShield boasts an average rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 stars across more than 31,000 Trustpilot reviews and gets 4.2 out of 5.0 stars averaged from more than 11,000 Google reviews.
CarShield sells plans from multiple providers, including American Auto Shield, and operates as the liaison between the customer and a warranty company. It has several levels of coverage for new and used cars, but we especially like its protection for specialty vehicles and high-tech systems and components.
In the quotes we received, CarShield plans ranged from $89 to $129 per month. These prices are affordable compared to many other providers.
CarShield can cover vehicles up to 300,000 miles. As with Endurance, the maximum number of coverage years isn’t listed on the company website.
To make coverage as flexible as possible, many of the company’s plans are month-to-month contracts, so you’re not locked in for any number of years. Since your vehicle’s age and mileage help determine eligibility, the best way to find out how long you can cover your vehicle is to call CarShield.
We found CarShield to be a popular choice because of its many perks, including:
For more information on this vehicle service contract provider, check out our CarShield review.
CarShield offers six distinct plans, low or $0 deductibles, and multiple payment options, making it our choice for Best Value among extended warranty providers.
Why we chose it: Strong customer service record for shopping and claims experience
The name for autopom! comes from the company’s mission: to provide automotive peace of mind. The warranty company prides itself on its consultative approach to customer service and a low-pressure quotes process, which we like.
Based on our research, autopom! tends to cost between $174 to $209 per month depending on the coverage level you choose. The total cost of an extended warranty from autopom! ranges from $2,666 to $3,767, which is within the range of what most people pay for an extended warranty.
There are three levels of autopom! extended warranties for cars, though some plans are only available in California.
Is An Autopom! Warranty Worth It?
An autopom! warranty can be worth it for drivers who want peace of mind when driving their vehicle. We found that the provider offers several perks to drivers with most plans, including:
For more information on this extended vehicle warranty provider, check out our autopom! review.
Why we chose it: Innovative online warranty company with easy-to-understand plans
Olive warranty is a digitally focused extended warranty provider. The company was founded in 2000, though only recently began focusing efforts on selling its warranty products online. The relatively young company has an A- rating and accreditation from the BBB.
We found that Olive plans cost as little as $18 per month to $153 per month. Total costs can range from $659 to $5,506. The quotes we received from Olive were for a variety of different coverage plans lasting up to 36 months.
With Olive, you have access to three plans with varying levels of coverage, ranging from bumper-to-bumper coverage to basic powertrain protection.
Is An Olive Car Warranty Worth It?
With each of the plans, you can get benefits such as towing and rental car reimbursement. As for pricing, Olive is cheaper than many other top providers of vehicle service contracts. Our team reached out for quotes for different vehicles and received extended warranty rates that were consistently lower than other leading companies.
The sections below serve as a guide to help drivers who are looking for an extended car warranty find the best coverage to fit their needs and budget.
An extended car warranty, also called a vehicle service contract or aftermarket car warranty, is an optional service plan that helps cover the cost of certain car repairs or part replacements. An extended service plan usually takes effect after your manufacturer’s factory warranty has expired, though the two warranties sometimes overlap.
The main difference between a manufacturer’s warranty and an extended auto warranty is that a manufacturer’s warranty is included at the time of a vehicle’s sale. Extended car warranties, on the other hand, cost an additional fee.
Extended car warranties cover repairs and replacements for breakdowns that come from normal use. Depending on your plan, it may cover your powertrain, electrical system, air conditioning, and other systems.
Most extended warranties don’t cover routine maintenance for your vehicle. Things such as oil changes, brake pads, and tires are usually the owner’s responsibility. The best extended car warranty providers have several coverage options, so you can select a plan that fits the needs of your vehicle.
Types of Extended Warranty Coverage for Cars
Similar to manufacturers’ warranties, aftermarket car warranties generally fall under three main types: powertrain, bumper-to-bumper, and named component. We’ve outlined some of the basics for each type of warranty below:
Read the fine print of your warranty or look at a sample contract to make sure you know what type of service contract your aftermarket car warranty falls under.
Extended car warranties keep your car covered in the case of a mechanical or technological failure. Based on what type of car you have and how much it costs to own over its lifetime, this could save you money.
Besides protecting your vehicle after the manufacturer’s warranty expires, the best extended car warranties provide benefits such as:
Extended car warranties only cover components that break down as a result of normal use. Damage resulting from an accident, misuse, or improper maintenance won’t be covered. Certain items aren’t covered under any circumstance. These typically include non-mechanical parts such as bumpers, glass, trim, and upholstery. Wear and tear items such as tires, brake pads, wiper blades, and shock absorbers are also typically excluded from coverage.
Extended Auto Warranty Vs. Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
Some car insurance providers offer mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI). This is an add-on that covers mechanical issues similar to an extended auto warranty. However, MBI often requires you to visit a small network of dealerships, and it usually doesn’t last as long as plans from the best car warranty providers.
Based on our research, extended warranties lasting between three and six years cost anywhere from $1,600 to $4,500 on average. Bumper-to-bumper warranties tend to be more expensive, as they cover more components. Longer-lasting coverage also increases the contract price. Other factors that affect car warranty costs include:
What Is A Good Price For An Extended Car Warranty?
A good price for a comprehensive extended car warranty is between $2,000 and $3,500 in total. Prices vary depending on the coverage and limitations you select. Many companies offer monthly payments that range from $80 to $125.
Can You Buy An Extended Car Warranty After Purchase?
You can buy an extended warranty from a reputable third-party provider at almost any time after purchase. Manufacturers, on the other hand, usually require you to buy an extended warranty before the factory warranty expires. Some only allow you to buy one when you purchase the vehicle.
An extended warranty helps protect you by covering the cost of certain repairs if a mechanical or electrical component breaks down. Exactly which parts are covered depends on your contract. Typically, there are two types of coverage plan options: exclusionary coverage and named-component coverage.
Within named component coverage, you can find various plan levels, such as:
Extended Car Warranty Waiting Period
After purchasing your contract, most warranty providers require you to go through a waiting period until you can use your coverage. This helps protect the provider from someone purchasing a warranty right after discovering an issue with their car. Most extended warranties require you to wait 30 days and 1,000 miles before making a claim for car repairs.
If you experience a covered breakdown after your waiting period is up, you’ll file a claim with your warranty provider. Depending on your contract, you may have to use a network of dealerships, or you might be able to use your favorite repair facility. Most plans require you to pay a deductible, and the extended warranty covers the rest of the repair cost.
How To Cancel An Extended Car Warranty
Reputable extended car warranty companies will allow you to cancel a warranty for a full refund within 30 days. They will also provide pro-rated refunds after that. You will need to contact the contract administrator and provide a written odometer statement to cancel the extended car warranty.
Unfortunately, some providers take their business practices to new lows and are outright scams. Here are a couple of ways to avoid these companies:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reports that there are a number of car warranty scams in which a car owner will receive a sales call that states their warranty is about to expire. During these calls, the scammer may pose as an employee from a legitimate company and may even be able to provide specific information about the receiver’s car, further deceiving the receiver into believing the call is from a reputable business.
However, the caller is generally phishing for personal information, so do not provide any sensitive information. If you believe you have been contacted by one of these scammers, you can report it to the FCC.
Outside of these phishing scams, there are vehicle warranty companies that will simply make getting any of the coverage you’re paying for either impossible or an absolute nightmare. Red flags you should look out for when vetting an extended warranty company are a lack of industry endorsements, major limitations in coverage, and poor ratings on popular review sites.
The BBB lists consumer complaints on its site, so that’s a great place to look. Ideally, you’ll want to look for a company with a relatively low volume of complaints that’s also BBB accredited, although there are plenty of legitimate companies out there that don’t have BBB accreditation.
You may have never been in an accident, but you still need car insurance. The reasoning for an extended car warranty follows the same principle. You may not need it today, but if you ever do need it, you’ll be glad the protection was available.
According to AAA, 64 million Americans don’t have the funds to cover unexpected car repair costs. Instead, they would go into debt to cover the bill. An average repair bill costs between $500 and $600, but when a major component breaks, you could be looking at far more.
Here are a few average prices for expensive car components according to data from RepairPal.
These estimates aren’t even dealing with the cost of replacing an engine or transmission. If you had to face one of these repairs today, could you handle it with ease, or would the costly repair cause a good amount of stress?
With extended car warranties, you can opt for coverage that provides you with peace of mind. That way, if something breaks, you don’t need to worry about how you are going to pay for it.
Our team of experts polled 1,000 consumers who’ve purchased or considered purchasing extended car warranties. When asked whether they thought an extended car warranty is worth it, 40.5% of consumers said yes and 44.6% said it depends. Only 14.9% of consumers believe that an extended warranty isn’t worth it.
Should I Get An Extended Warranty On My Car?
If you’re on the fence about whether you could benefit from an extended car warranty, we’ve compiled a few of the top reasons you might consider adding a protection plan to your vehicle. We also recommend reading our article on pros and cons of extended car warranties.
If you are ready to get the best extended car warranty for your car, we recommend comparing free quotes from some of the industry’s top warranty providers. You can purchase an extended warranty online or over the phone from leading companies.
If you’re searching for new car warranties, our team has highlighted the top four brands that offer the best coverage and factory warranty plans.
With its great bumper-to-bumper and powertrain protection, Hyundai’s factory warranty tops our list for the best new car warranty in 2022. Hyundai’s warranties offer some of the longest coverage terms, with bumper-to-bumper coverage lasting 5 years or 60,000 miles, and a powertrain warranty that lasts 10 years or 100,000 miles.
Hyundai includes roadside assistance (5 years) and a corrosion warranty (7 years), both with no mileage limit, which sets its warranty plans apart. The provider is also known for its high reliability ratings, making it a top choice for factory warranties.
With its affordable vehicles and quality warranty coverage options, Kia stands out as one of the top brands. It offers car owners the same impressive coverage terms as its sister brand, Hyundai, with bumper-to-bumper protection lasting 5 years or 60,000 miles and powertrain coverage for 10 years or 100,000 miles.
The main difference between the Kia and Hyundai factory warranties is Kia’s shorter term lengths for roadside assistance and corrosion. Roadside assistance is capped at 60,000 miles, while the corrosion protection ends with 100,000 miles. This still sets Kia’s factory warranty apart with some of the longest coverage terms available.
As the luxury brand associated with Hyundai, Genesis offers one of the best new vehicle warranties. The automaker has a positive industry reputation and offers factory warranties with long coverage terms. It also matches Hyundai’s 5 years or 60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper protection and 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain protection.
Honda Care is one of the best manufacturer-backed extended warranty options available. Plans can cover up to 120,000 miles. We found Honda Care to be affordable compared to other manufacturer extended warranties.
While there are many providers in the industry, we think Endurance has the best extended car warranty overall. The company offers a wide range of coverage options that last for several years and many miles. Plus, Endurance is a direct warranty provider, so you’ll never need to worry about dealing with any other company.
Getting an extended warranty quote online and comparing prices from several extended warranty providers can help you find the best fit for your car and budget.
Based on our industry-wide best extended car warranty review, Endurance is the No. 1 provider. The company is a direct provider, meaning it handles all customer claims and contracts in-house. It offers six coverage plans for drivers with term limits up to 8 years or 200,000 miles.
When purchased from a dealership, an extended car warranty costs between $1,000 and $4,500. Aftermarket auto warranties from third parties usually cost between $1,000 and $3,500, making them a bit cheaper than dealer-backed car warranties.
An extended warranty can be worth it if your car has higher-than-average repair costs or you want to have a predictable budget month-to-month. If you already have money set aside for repairs or breakdowns, an extended warranty might not be worth it.
Extended warranties from reputable providers aren’t generally a waste of money. However, different vehicle models and makes have different average repair costs. This means an extended warranty can pay off more for one vehicle than another.
We found CarShield offers affordable monthly payments compared to other extended warranty providers. A CarShield warranty can be a good investment if you don’t have an emergency fund set aside for expensive repairs and your factory warranty has expired.
No. Extended warranties for cars and auto insurance cover different things. Car insurance is required by most states and pays for damages caused by collisions or other accidents, such as theft or fire. An extended car warranty provides coverage for mechanical breakdowns.
Generally, your new car will not need an extended car warranty while it’s under the factory warranty. However, buying a car repair warranty when your car is still new can save you money in the long run since prices for vehicle service contracts often take vehicle age and mileage into account.
Alternatively, used cars are often sold “as-is,” meaning there is no warranty attached (unless you’re purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle from a dealership). Purchasing an extended warranty can provide coverage from breakdowns that you wouldn’t have without the warranty. These vehicle service contracts typically cover used cars, including those with 100,000 miles or more.
A manufacturer extended car warranty is a vehicle service contract purchased from an automaker, while a third-party extended warranty is purchased from an independent warranty company. Manufacturer coverage typically comes with benefits such as guaranteed use of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and service by a factory-trained technician. Warranty companies generally have greater plan variety and benefits such as the flexibility to have your car serviced at the repair shop of your choice.
Manufacturers can void your car warranty due to improper maintenance, aftermarket modifications, misuse of the vehicle, or tampering with the odometer. Your warranty can also be voided because of a total loss or severe environmental damage.
Your vehicle manufacturer can tell you if your car is still under factory warranty. You’ll usually need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN).
Extended car warranty plans are typically transferable to new owners. Check with the provider for details before purchasing or selling a vehicle with a warranty, but the best extended car warranty companies will transfer coverage.
Extended warranties for cars usually have deductibles between $50 and $200. However, some companies – such as Endurance, CarShield, and CARCHEX – have $0 deductible options. The factory warranties that come with new vehicles don’t have deductibles.
You can cancel an extended warranty on a car at any time, but you’ll only get a full refund within the first 30 to 60 days, depending on the provider. You typically need to contact the contract administrator to cancel in writing and provide a notarized odometer statement.
In an effort to provide accurate and unbiased information to consumers, our expert review team collects data from dozens of extended auto warranty companies to formulate rankings of the best providers. Companies receive a score in each of the following categories, as well as an overall weighted score out of 5.0 stars.
Our goal is to present a range of reputable extended car warranty providers for shoppers to compare. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, there are a number of extended car warranty companies that rise above the rest. We combine scores from the BBB, our own secret shopper analysis, and independent surveys to find these providers.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
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