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Crash Course:
- Endurance ranks as the best extended car warranty company according to the results of our 2023 warranty study.
- Olive, CarShield, ForeverCar, and CARCHEX made up the rest of our top five providers.
- The best extended auto warranty for you will depend on your car’s make and model, personal coverage preferences, and the vehicle’s age and mileage.
Featured Extended Warranty Companies
We reviewed the industry’s top extended auto warranty providers, and here are our featured picks.
Best Overall Warranty Provider
Endurance
Affordable Monthly Payment
CarShield
Best Warranty Provider for Used Cars
Carchex
The best extended car warranty plans offer financial protection, predictable expenses, and peace of mind on the road. Not all companies that offer vehicle service contracts follow through on their promises, though, so it’s important that you choose your coverage provider wisely.
Our research team put together this extended car warranty guide to highlight the industry’s top providers. We’ll run through the five best car warranty companies and provide reviews for each one. You’ll also find key details about the warranty purchasing process to help you make an informed decision about your next coverage plan and provider.
5 Best Extended Car Warranty Companies: Overview
While Endurance topped our list of the best extended car warranty providers in 2023, there wasn’t much separation between it and the rest of our top choices. Below are the overall scores given to the five leading companies, along with details about what they excel most at.
| Best Extended Car Warranty Companies | Overall Rating out of 5.0 | Highlights From Our Study |
|---|---|---|
| Endurance | 4.6 | Best Overall Provider |
| Olive | 4.5 | Best Month-to-Month Plans |
| CarShield | 4.5 | Best for High-Mileage Cars |
| ForeverCar | 4.5 | Best for Affordable Coverage |
| CARCHEX | 4.4 | Best for Used Cars |
How We Ranked the Best Extended Car Warranty Companies
Each year, our research team conducts a thorough review of the country’s top auto warranty providers to determine the best choices for customers. We evaluate every company based on dozens of data points found across five main categories, listed below.
5 Best Extended Car Warranty Companies: Provider Reviews
Now that we’ve explained our ranking system, we’ll give our complete reviews of the best extended auto warranty companies. While Endurance ranked as the top provider overall, there are compelling reasons to consider each of our top options. We outline those reasons, along with each provider’s strengths and weaknesses in the section that follows.
1. Endurance: Best Overall Provider
Endurance excels as a vehicle service contract provider due to its various coverage tiers, relatively competitive prices, and impressive Endurance Elite Benefits.
About Endurance Warranty
Founded: 2006
Headquarters: Northbrook, Illinois
Availability: 49 states (not available in California)
BBB rating: Not rated
BBB customer rating: 3.6/5.0
Endurance earned the top spot on our list of the best extended auto warranty providers due to its strong performance across every category. The company is a direct provider, so it covers its own warranties and handles its own claims rather than using a third-party administrator. Endurance lets you select anything from basic powertrain coverage up to exclusionary protection through the Supreme plan.
It’s the industry-best benefits that come with Endurance warranty contracts that make it stand out, though. Each plan comes with one free year of Endurance Elite Benefits, which include roadside assistance, tire coverage, key fob replacement, and other helpful perks.
Endurance Extended Car Warranties
Plans offered: 6
Mileage limit: 200,000
Waiting period: 30 days and 1,000 miles
Included benefits: Roadside assistance, total loss protection, collision discount, key fob replacement, complete tire coverage
Endurance Warranty Pros and Cons
| Endurance Warranty Pros | Endurance Warranty Cons |
|---|---|
| Useful Endurance mobile app | Average rating from customers on the BBB |
| Excellent included benefits | Slightly higher prices than some providers |
| Administers its own warranty plans |
Read more information in our full-length Endurance warranty review.
Best Overall Warranty Provider
2. Olive: Best Month-to-Month Plans
Olive offers exceptional month-to-month coverage, making it one of the best extended car warranty options for people who don’t want to sign a long-term contract.
3. CarShield: Best for High-Mileage Cars
At 300,000 miles, CarShield has the highest mileage limit of the best extended car warranty companies. Even those with aging vehicles can get comprehensive plans from CarShield.
About CarShield
Founded: 2005
Headquarters: St. Peters, Missouri
Availability: 49 states (not available in California)
BBB rating: D
BBB customer rating: 1.3/5.0
CarShield’s ratings with the BBB may understandably cause extended warranty shoppers to think twice. But when we conducted our annual warranty survey, we found that most (76%) of the CarShield customers we asked said they were satisfied with the company. While that doesn’t negate the negative sentiment online, it suggests that there may be more to the story.
And when it comes to what you’d want from a vehicle service contract provider, CarShield excels. The company has one of the widest selections of coverage plans on the market, including options for alternative models like all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and motorcycles. The CarShield Platinum plan also offers some of the industry’s longest coverage terms along with a comprehensive set of benefits.
CarShield Extended Car Warranties
Plans offered: 6
Mileage limit: 300,000
Waiting period: 30 days and 1,000 miles
Included benefits: Roadside assistance, towing, rental car coverage, trip interruption coverage
CarShield Warranty Pros and Cons
| CarShield Pros | CarShield Cons |
|---|---|
| Plans for high-mileage vehicles | Poor review scores on the BBB |
| Covers ATVs and motorcycles | Not all extended car warranty contracts can be transferred |
| Coverage for high-tech components and electric vehicles (EVs) | BBB has an advisory about company’s advertising practices |
Discover more details by reading our comprehensive CarShield review.
Affordable Monthly Payment
4. ForeverCar: Best for Affordable Coverage
With some of the most competitive rates on extended vehicle warranties in our study, ForeverCar may have the best extended car warranty for budget-conscious drivers.
5. CARCHEX: Best for Used Cars
With coverage for vehicles up to 250,000 miles and term lengths of up to 10 years, CARCHEX has one of the best extended car warranties for pre-owned vehicles.
About CARCHEX
Founded: 1999
Headquarters: Baltimore, Maryland
Availability: 50 states
BBB rating: A+
BBB customer rating: 2.1/5.0
With nearly a quarter century of experience, CARCHEX is one of the most recognizable and well-respected names in the car warranty industry. Over the years, it has developed partnerships with other industry heavyweights such as RepairPal, Kelley Blue Book, and CARFAX. Yet the company isn’t simply resting on its sterling reputation.
Instead, CARCHEX provides one of the market’s most diverse coverage selections. You’ll have 16 distinct vehicle protection plans across five coverage levels, and all of them are administered by reputable companies like American Auto Shield. Among those options are some of the best plans for older vehicles, making CARCHEX a strong option for a used car warranty. CARCHEX is one of a very small number of providers that’s authorized to operate in the state of California.
CARCHEX Extended Car Warranties
Plans offered: 5 (each with multiple options)
Mileage limit: 250,000
Waiting period: 30 days and 1,000 miles
Included benefits: Roadside assistance, towing, trip interruption, rental car coverage
CARCHEX Warranty Pros and Cons
| CARCHEX Pros | CARCHEX Cons |
|---|---|
| A+ rating from the BBB | Service varies depending on car warranty administrator |
| Large repair shop network | Limited options for exotic, classic, and luxury vehicles |
| Offers coverage for California residents | Some contracts can’t be renewed |
To get a more in-depth look at the company, check out our CARCHEX review.
Best Warranty Provider for Used Cars
Best Extended Car Warranty Providers: Honorable Mentions
While we’d recommend that you first reach out for free quotes from the providers above, many drivers receive quality coverage from the following providers as well.
Protect My Car: Strong Customer Experience
Protect My Car placed just outside of the top five in our most recent study. But the company’s strong customer service reputation makes it an option worth considering, especially for people who value the support of their provider. Note that prices from Protect My Car tend to be a bit higher than from the best extended car warranty providers, though this isn’t true for all drivers.
Best Customer Experience
autopom!: Easy Claims Process
Among all the companies in our study, autopom! is one of the most customer-focused choices. On top of a stellar reputation for customer service, the company goes beyond the normal level of service and actively advocates for customers when issues pop up. That makes it an option worth considering for people who’d like some backup during the claims process.
Best Claims Process
Omega Auto Care: Great Maintenance Benefits
Omega Auto Car is another strong provider that barely missed a spot in our top five extended car warranty providers for 2023. When combined with a service contract, the company’s maintenance package offers truly comprehensive coverage for people who prefer to pay for most of their major car expenses ahead of time.
What Is an Extended Auto Warranty?
An extended car warranty covers the cost of repairs that occur due to mechanical breakdowns caused by faulty car parts or workmanship flaws. You may hear extended car warranties referred to as vehicle protection plans or vehicle service contracts as well.
In exchange for a one-time or monthly payment, the best extended car warranty providers will cover the cost of mechanical repairs that fall under the coverage outlined in your contract. Drivers aren’t required to purchase extended warranties, but many do since they add peace of mind while on the road and can reduce the stress of surprise car repair bills.
Is an Extended Car Warranty Worth It?
In terms of financial value, whether extended warranties are worth it is somewhat up to chance. If your car ends up needing repairs, there’s a strong likelihood that you’ll pay less for a warranty than for the cost to fix the issue. However, there is also the possibility that you won’t use your coverage, meaning you’ve paid for something that goes unused.
Still, extended auto warranties can be worth it in other ways. They include the following:
- Predictable expenses: Many people prefer to make regular monthly payments to avoid large surprise expenses for car repairs. A warranty plan can help keep your finances predictable and will reduce your risk of needing to come up with a large sum of money at a moment’s notice.
- Peace of mind: If you’ve ever driven a car under warranty, you may have felt better knowing that potential auto repair costs were already covered. An extended warranty plan offers that same peace of mind after your factory warranty expires.
- Extra benefits: In addition to your coverage, the best extended car warranties come with benefits like roadside assistance and trip interruption coverage. These perks, which may reduce hassle on the road, will otherwise come at an additional cost from auto insurance companies.
Features of the Best Extended Car Warranties
Not every auto warranty provider is as reputable as the next. While the companies mentioned in this article are reliable and transparent, others may be unresponsive when making a claim or stingy about payouts for covered repairs.
Our team stands behind our recommendations above, but it’s never a bad idea to evaluate companies on your own. In the section that follows, we list a few important things to look out for when deciding whether a provider has one of the industry’s best extended car warranties.
Broad Eligibility and Little Fine Print
First off, check to make sure that a provider can actually cover your vehicle. Some companies don’t offer coverage in every state, and most have restrictions on which vehicles they will cover. The more exclusions that exist, the more likely that you won’t be able to take advantage of your extended coverage.
When you shop around for the best extended car warranty providers, check the fine print to make sure that you’re actually eligible. Also, read through the sample contract to check whether common repairs will be excluded from coverage. Most companies provide this information on their website, but we’ve made that information even easier to find in our provider reviews.
Plenty of Coverage Options
Coverage is what you’re actually paying for when you buy an extended car warranty, so what a warranty covers is obviously an important consideration. While each provider offers varying levels of coverage, most plans fall into one of three categories:
- Bumper-to-bumper warranty: Commonly known as exclusionary coverage, bumper-to-bumper warranties cover all vehicle components except ones that are specifically mentioned as exclusions. These plans are similar to the new car limited warranties you get from dealerships and they come with the highest price tags.
- Stated-component coverage: In contrast, named-component plans mention the parts of your vehicle that are covered rather than what isn’t. Typically, a stated-component plan covers most of your vehicle’s major systems and often includes coverage for some electrical components like your air conditioning.
- Powertrain warranty: The most basic and affordable level of warranty coverage is a powertrain plan. Sometimes referred to as a drivetrain warranty, a powertrain warranty only covers the most critical parts of your car such as its transmission and drive axles.
Many of the best extended car warranty providers are starting to offer specialized options that cover high-tech electronics, EVs, and classic or exotic cars. Some also offer plans that can take care of routine maintenance services such as oil changes and tire rotations, along with the replacement of wear and tear items like brake pads and windshield wiper blades.
Reasonable Extended Warranty Costs
One of the first questions people ask when looking for coverage is about extended car warranty costs. The answer, unfortunately, is that prices swing wildly based on car makes and models, chosen coverage plans, and vehicle age and mileage among other factors.
We got quotes from eight of the best extended car warranty companies and found that the average cost was $3,026 in total. Remember that warranty plans have varying lengths and levels of coverage that could make your price significantly cheaper or more expensive.
Extended Auto Warranty Cost Factors
The reason for such a wide range of costs is that the best extended car warranty companies base individual prices on a few determining factors. These include:
- Mileage: Higher-mileage vehicles are more likely to suffer mechanical breakdowns and therefore tend to cost more to cover.
- Vehicle type: The pricier a car is and the more costly it will be to repair, the more a warranty provider will charge for coverage. Vehicles with reliability issues may also be charged higher prices for protection plans.
- Deductible: As with car insurance, many warranty companies allow you to set your own deductible – some all the way down to $0. But the lower you set your deductible, the more your warranty plan is likely to cost.
- Coverage plan: Of course, how much coverage you select is a major factor in pricing. The more comprehensive an extended warranty plan is, the more you’ll pay for it.
- Vehicle age: Like higher-mileage vehicles, older cars are more prone to breakdowns than newer ones. Therefore, most car warranty companies charge higher rates for coverage on older vehicles.
- Provider: Prices vary between the best extended car warranty companies, even for equal levels of coverage on the same vehicle. That’s why our team recommends getting quotes from multiple providers and comparing to see which one offers the lowest rates.
High Customer Service Standards
When it comes time to use your extended warranty coverage, you’ll want a provider that’s easy to work with and one that doesn’t fuss about paying out claims. Most companies advertise being easy to work with, but that’s not actually true of all extended auto warranty providers.
To get a good idea of what the customer experience is like, take a look at online reviews from sites like the BBB, Trustpilot, and Google. The content of customer reviews is arguably more important than the average review scores. While it’s expected that every company will receive a few complaints, consistent patterns are an indication that certain experiences are the norm for customers.
It’s also worth considering that you may not be happy with your purchase. Some companies make it difficult to cancel your coverage, though many offer a 30-day money-back guarantee or similar trial period that allows you to take your plan for a test drive.
Strong Auto Industry Reputation
A company’s reputation within the warranty industry is a good indicator of the quality of the business. One useful clue is a company’s age. If the provider has been around for longer than a few years, it’s less likely that it’s a scam that provides low-quality service.
Organizations like the BBB can provide useful insights. The BBB in particular rates companies based on how well they respond to customer complaints. A high rating shows that the extended warranty company tries to resolve customers’ issues, indicating that it values their satisfaction.
What’s the Best Extended Car Warranty for You?
While Endurance earned the highest score in our 2023 warranty study and our award for Best Overall Provider, it may not be the best extended car warranty company for you. Each option has different strengths and weaknesses, so another company may have plans and prices that better suit your needs.
How To Find the Best Extended Auto Warranty
Here are a few tips that can help you narrow down your choices to reveal the best coverage provider for you and your vehicle:
- Assess your needs: Do you really need bumper-to-bumper coverage like you’d get with a manufacturer’s warranty on a new vehicle? Or will basic powertrain coverage or a slightly more extensive powertrain plus warranty satisfy your needs? Know what you’re looking for in a plan and provider before you start seriously shopping.
- Consider your budget: Think about how much you can reasonably afford to spend, either as an upfront lump sum or in monthly installments. Getting a precise estimate of your budget can help to guide your decision.
- Find a few options you like: Realistically, most extended car warranty companies offer basically the same product. But there are differences between companies that make them more attractive to some owners than others. You can use roundups like this one to find providers that offer the options, benefits, and customer service that you desire.
- Request quotes: You can and should get free quotes from many of the best extended car warranty providers as part of your process. While you may get sales calls and emails after requesting them, these quotes come with no obligations. Take time to weigh the details of the offers you receive in addition to the total price.
- Go with your gut: There are a lot of practical considerations to choosing an extended warranty company and plan, but at the end of the day, much of the value of a service contract is in how you feel about it. Even if it’s not strictly the cheapest option, the best extended car warranty company for you is the one that you feel best about. Listen to your instincts.
Best Car Extended Warranty: Conclusion
The best extended car warranty provider in our 2023 study is Endurance. With an impressive score of 4.6 out of 5.0 stars, the company earned the title of our Best Overall Provider.
But you shouldn’t stop your search there. While we rank Endurance as the best in the extended vehicle protection plan industry, we confidently recommend any of the providers mentioned in this article. Another provider may have prices, plans, or benefits that better suit your personal needs.
Buying an extended warranty for your car is an important financial decision, and there’s no rush to make a commitment. Take your time and thoroughly evaluate a few options before selecting your coverage provider and plan.
Featured Extended Warranty Companies
We reviewed the industry’s top extended auto warranty providers, and here are our featured picks.
Best Overall Warranty Provider
Endurance
Affordable Monthly Payment
CarShield
Best Warranty Provider for Used Cars
Carchex
Best Extended Auto Warranty: FAQ
Below are some common frequently asked questions about extended car warranties:
Who has the best rated extended car warranty?
Endurance has the best-rated extended car warranty of all providers in our study. However, Olive, CarShield, ForeverCar, and CARCHEX are also strong options that finished with only slightly lower scores.
What does a car warranty cover?
Extended auto warranties cover select mechanical components. Basic extended warranties (typically referred to as powertrain or drivetrain warranty coverage) protect the parts of your car that help the vehicle move, like the engine, transmission, and drive axle.
A more comprehensive coverage plan (typically referred to as a bumper-to-bumper warranty) covers the same components as a powertrain plan, plus your car’s cooling and electrical systems, high-tech components, air conditioning system, and more.
Is an extended car warranty ever worth it?
An extended car warranty can be worth it financially if you need to use the coverage. But even if you don’t, the peace of mind from knowing that you won’t face huge repair bills out of nowhere may be worth the cost of coverage for many people.
What is an extended warranty on a car?
An extended warranty for cars covers the cost of unexpected repairs for a range of components, depending on the plan you choose. Some manufacturers offer extended car warranty plans, but you can also buy coverage from one of many aftermarket car warranty providers.
How much does a CARCHEX warranty cost?
A CARCHEX warranty costs around $100 to $200 per month, according to our research.
Are CarShield warranties expensive?
Compared to many of the other best extended car warranty companies, CarShield is not expensive. In fact, its rates are some of the lowest we saw, which is why we awarded it “Affordable Monthly Payments” in our study.
Can you buy an extended warranty after purchase?
If you choose an aftermarket auto warranty provider, you can usually buy an extended warranty after you purchase a vehicle. While some manufacturers offer this option, others require you to buy extended warranty coverage when you purchase your vehicle.
How do you cancel an extended warranty on a car?
Each provider has its own methods for canceling an extended warranty on your car. Some allow you to cancel in just a few steps online. Others require you to notify the company with a physical letter.
Can you pay for an extended car warranty monthly?
Yes. Paying for an extended car warranty on a monthly plan is very common and something most providers offer. However, you can choose to pay for your entire plan upfront.
Are extended warranties worth it on used cars?
Extended car warranties are often worth it for used cars. In fact, it may be even more worthwhile to purchase an extended warranty for a used car than a new car. The older your vehicle, the more prone it becomes to unexpected breakdowns. An extended car warranty can help keep your used vehicle on the road for longer.
Can you negotiate an extended car warranty?
Some extended car warranties may be negotiable, but not all. Dealership warranties are typically negotiable, and even third-party providers may give you different quotes each time you call.
CARCHEX, however, does not have negotiable contracts, and this is a good thing for many customers. The CARCHEX haggle-free guarantee means you are offered the lowest possible price without having to negotiate.
Does AAA offer extended warranties?
Because the products AAA sells vary from state to state, not all AAA locations offer extended warranties. Those that do usually offer similar coverage sold by third-party warranty providers.
Who competes with CarShield?
Popular warranty providers such as Endurance, Olive, ForeverCar, and CARCHEX all compete with CarShield. These five providers earned the top places in our most recent industry-wide auto warranty study. Other competitors include Protect My Car, Concord Auto Protect, and Toco.
Is an extended car warranty the same as mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI)?
An extended car warranty is functionally the same as an MBI policy. Both cover the cost of vehicle repairs that come from the normal use of your car. The main difference is that extended car service plans are provided by car manufacturers or aftermarket providers while MBI policies are instead sold by auto insurance companies.
How much does an extended car warranty cost?
The average cost of an extended car warranty is currently $3,026 in total. However, the actual cost of a coverage plan can vary by several thousand dollars depending on factors such as the age and mileage of your vehicle, the coverage options you choose, and the term length of your contract.
Our Methodology
Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. We identified the following rating categories based on consumer survey data and conducted extensive research to formulate rankings of the best extended auto warranty providers.
- Affordability: A variety of factors influence cost, so it can be difficult to compare quotes between providers. Our team performs ongoing secret shopper analyses for different vehicles, mileages, warranty plans, and locations to give this rating.
- Coverage: Because each consumer has unique needs, it’s essential that a car warranty company offers an array of coverage options. We take into account the number of plans offered by each provider, term limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
- Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, availability, and years in business when giving this score.
- Customer Service: Reputable extended car warranty companies operate with a certain degree of care for consumers. We take into account customer reviews, BBB complaints, and the responsiveness of the customer service team.
