Endurance, CARCHEX, Protect My Car, CarShield, autopom!, and Olive provide the best extended car warranties of 2023 based on coverage, cost, and reputation.
Crash Course:
- After reviewing more than 20 coverage providers, we found that Endurance offers the best extended car warranty overall.
- CarShield offers the highest mileage limits with any provider, giving drivers up to 300,000 miles of coverage.
- CARCHEX provides five levels of coverage for drivers, with plans targeted explicitly for older, higher-mileage vehicles.
Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.
Purchasing an extended car warranty is an investment, but it offers you peace of mind on the road after the initial factory warranty on your car expires. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the industry’s top five extended warranties that stand out from the competition after dozens of hours of industry research. We’ll also discuss key factors to consider when purchasing an aftermarket auto warranty for a new or used vehicle.
Extended Car Warranty Reviews
When researching the best extended car warranties, we looked at the top vehicle service contracts available on the market. The factors that weighed heavily in our ranking of the best extended car warranties were the number of coverage options, affordability, customer experience, and the provider’s industry reputation.
Extended Car Warranty Ratings
Based on these factors, our industry-wide study found that these providers offer the best extended car warranties on the market:
Best Extended Car Warranty | Coverage Levels | Highest Mileage Limit |
---|---|---|
Endurance | 6 coverage levels | 200,000+ miles |
CarShield | 6 coverage levels | 300,000 miles |
CARCHEX | 5 coverage levels | 250,000 miles |
Protect My Car | 3 coverage levels | 125,000 miles |
autopom! | 4 coverage levels | 150,000 miles |
Olive | 3 coverage plans | 140,000 miles |
Best Extended Auto Warranties
During our in-depth industry research, we found that Endurance, CarShield, CARCHEX, Protect My Car, and autopom! Offer extended warranties that stand out from the competition. For a side-by-side comparison of the coverage options, prices, and benefits available from these providers, we discuss the best extended car warranties in further detail below.
1. Endurance: Most Comprehensive Warranty Coverage
Maximum mileage limit: 200,000+ miles
Number of plans offered: 6
Availability: All states except California
Benefits: Roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and Endurance Elite Benefits
Our editorial team gave Endurance the award for Best Overall in our review of the best extended car warranties. We found that the company offers some of the most flexible coverage options in the industry. With its wide range of plans, perks, and add-ons, most drivers can find a contract that fits their unique needs.
Ranging from powertrain to bumper-to-bumper coverage, Endurance offers six plan options with coverage limits of up to 8 years or 200,000 miles. Here’s a breakdown of Endurance’s vehicle service contracts:
- Supreme: This is Endurance’s highest level of coverage. The Supreme plan is exclusionary, which means it covers all vehicle parts except for a list of exclusions stated in your contract. Exclusions include wear-and-tear items like bulbs, fuses, wiper blades, brake pads, and brake shoes. It’s most similar to a manufacturer’s warranty.
- Superior: The Superior plan offers stated-component coverage for hundreds of specified parts. It includes your car’s most vital components, like the engine and transmission, as well as high-tech parts.
- Select Premier: This plan is designed for high-mileage vehicles (over 150,000 miles). It includes powertrain coverage, as well as air conditioning and electrical parts.
- Secure Plus: This warranty covers most powertrain parts, as well as air conditioning, steering, electrical components, and more.
- Secure: Endurance’s most basic level of coverage, the Secure plan only covers powertrain components like the engine, transmission, and drive axles.
- Advantage: The EnduranceAdvantageTM plan covers all types of vehicles, including modified cars and salvaged or rebuilt vehicles. In addition to component coverage, Advantage plans include scheduled maintenance for oil changes and tire rotations. With the Advantage plan, you can choose from three levels of component coverage: Prime, Plus, and Preferred. The coverage in these levels roughly corresponds to the Secure Plus, Superior, and Supreme plans, respectively.
Each Endurance warranty includes rental car reimbursement, trip interruption coverage, and 24/7 emergency roadside service. In addition to the standard perks that come with every plan, drivers also get their first year of Endurance Elite Benefits for free. Benefits include:
- Collision discount: Receive up to $500 per covered collision up to $1,000.
- Total loss protection: Get up to $1,000 toward vehicle replacement if your car is totaled.
- Tire repair/replacement: Get reimbursed for up to two repaired or replaced tires annually.
- Key fob replacement: If your key fob is lost or broken, Endurance will cover the cost of a new one up to $500.
During our research, we found that Endurance warranty plans cost between $2,500 to $3,900. That works out to about $90 to $105 per month on average, depending on your vehicle and the coverage options you choose.
Additionally, all plans come with your choice of a $0, $50, $100, or $200 deductible, which is the price you’ll pay to the repair shop out of pocket for any covered repair.
Endurance has underwritten extended car warranties since 2005, which bodes well for the company’s standing. In addition, the company is a direct provider, which means it administers all of the contracts that are sold.
Having no middleman involved in the claims process allows the company to offer a seamless claims experience so that customers can get the most out of their coverage. On the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, Endurance has over 1,800 customer reviews rating the company at an average of 3.5 stars out of a possible 5.0.
Learn more about the provider in our Endurance warranty review.
Best Overall Our Rating – 4.6 out of 5.0 |
Industry veteran that handles your plan directly, from quote to claim |
2. CarShield: Affordable Monthly Payments
Maximum mileage limit: 300,000+ miles
Number of plans offered: 6
Availability: All states except California
Benefits: Roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption
CarShield is known for having unbeatable pricing for its extended car warranty coverage options, which is why we named it Affordable Monthly Payments for 2023. It’s important to note that CarShield warranties aren’t available in California, so if you live in the Golden State and want extended auto warranty coverage, you’ll need to go with a different provider.
CarShield offers six coverage levels, such as bumper-to-bumper warranty and powertrain plans, some of which cover vehicles with over 300,000 miles. Here’s an overview of CarShield’s plans:
- Diamond: This plan is most similar to a manufacturer’s bumper-to-bumper warranty. It covers most vehicle parts, with typical exclusions for wear-and-tear components such as wiper blades, brake pads, fuses, and bulbs.
- Platinum: This plan protects your vehicle’s engine, transmission, air conditioning, electrical system, starter, water pump, fuel pump, and more. It is designed for vehicles too old to qualify for Diamond coverage.
- Gold: The Gold plan is a mid-level plan offering good all-around coverage for significant parts. Parts covered include the engine, transmission, water pump, alternator, starter, air conditioning, and power windows.
- Silver: The most affordable plan offered by CarShield, it covers all lubricated parts on your engine, transmission, and water pump.
- Aluminum: This is a specialty coverage plan for electrical and computer parts such as the engine control module, starter, alternator, navigation, and electrical system.
- Motorcycle and ATVs: In addition to the options mentioned above, CarShield offers specialty contracts to cover motorcycles and ATVs.
All CarShield plans come with benefits, including:
- Rental car reimbursement: Get reimbursed for a rental car while your car is in the shop for covered repairs.
- Towing: When your car breaks down, CarShield will tow it to the nearest certified repair facility. Get up to $75 per occurrence.
- 24/7 roadside assistance: CarShield provides roadside services for flat tires, lockouts, dead batteries, fuel delivery, and winching if your car is disabled.
Quotes we received from CarShield show that the Diamond plan costs around $83 per month for 18 months for five years or 100,000 miles of coverage. The Diamond plan is the highest level of coverage, making it one of the most expensive. We found some plans to be as low as $70 per month.
CarShield’s coverage is unique compared to Endurance or CARCHEX because some lower-tier policies have unlimited terms – as long as you keep paying for coverage, your contract will not be canceled.
As a broker, the company doesn’t underwrite its own policies but administers vehicle service contracts from other highly ranked providers, such as American Auto Shield. While brokering contracts may not be the best way to provide top-notch customer service, it allows CarShield to offer some of the most affordable extended warranties in the industry.
While CarShield’s F rating on the BBB is low, many companies choose not to address complaints or pay for accreditation on the site. The company has thousands of reviews on Trustpilot and Google, with 4.0 out of 5.0 stars on the former and 4.2 out of 5.0 stars on the latter.
Learn more about the provider in our CarShield review.
Affordable Monthly Payments |
Well-known provider that offers great coverage with great pricing |
3. CARCHEX: Solid Industry Reputation
Maximum mileage limit: 250,000 miles
Number of plans offered: 5
Availability: 50 states
Benefits: Roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption
Driving an older car doesn’t have to cut extended warranties out of the picture. Even if your car’s factory warranty is in the rearview mirror, CARCHEX might be able to help you get coverage.
In our CARCHEX review, the company earned the title of Best for Used Cars because it offers the highest-mileage warranty of all the companies we compared. With coverage for cars with up to 250,000 miles, there’s a good chance that your older or used car could qualify for coverage under a CARCHEX plan. The company’s vehicle protection plans are available in all 50 states, which can’t be said about most other extended car warranty providers.
CARCHEX offers five extended vehicle protection plans with several contract options under each tier:
- Titanium: This is the highest level of coverage offered by CARCHEX. The Titanium plan is similar to a bumper-to-bumper factory warranty and covers most vehicle parts, with some exceptions that will be listed in your contract.
- Platinum: This plan covers hundreds of components, including all major vehicle systems. It’s a slight step below the Titanium plan.
- Gold: The Gold plan is designed to provide comprehensive coverage for high-mileage vehicles (over 60,000 miles). It covers most major systems.
- Silver: A step above the lower-tier Bronze plan, this covers your vehicle’s powertrain components as well as the air conditioning and select electrical components.
- Bronze: This is the most basic and affordable level of CARCHEX coverage. It covers only powertrain components such as the engine, transmission, drive axles, and transfer case.
In addition to having several contract options, drivers can also take advantage of the benefits of a CARCHEX plan. These include:
- 24/7 roadside assistance: Includes emergency tire service, lockout service, battery service, fuel delivery, and winching
- Towing reimbursement: Up to $75 per occurrence
- Rental car reimbursement: Up to $40 per day (up to $160 per occurrence)
- Trip interruption service reimbursement: Up to $50 per day for three days maximum if your vehicle breaks down more than 100 miles away from home
CARCHEX plans cost about $100 to $200 per month. For example, a Titanium plan with five years or 100,000 miles of coverage can cost about $136 per month for 18 months. The deductible with this plan is $100.
In our research, we found that CARCHEX has a solid industry reputation. The company has an A+ rating from the BBB, and consumers on Trustpilot rate CARCHEX an average of 3.0 stars out of a possible 5.0. The company’s years in business and positive ratings bode well for its reliability and ability to pay out customer claims in a timely manner.
Find out more about the provider in our CARCHEX review.
Best for Used Cars Our Rating: 4.4 out of 5.0 |
Top-rated provider with unmatched customer service and affordable coverage |
4. Protect My Car: Best Maintenance Plans
Maximum mileage limit: 125,000 miles
Number of plans offered: 3
Availability: 44 states (excluding Alaska, California, Hawaii, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Washington)
Benefits: Roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and free oil changes and tire rotations
Protect My Car provides solid extended car warranty plans for drivers at reasonable prices. The company has made a name for itself in the industry by being one of the only providers to offer maintenance plans and lower monthly payments on average.
Protect My Car vehicle service contracts provide coverage that can last up to 125,000 miles. The company offers three standard extended car warranty plans — Supreme, Select, and Driveline, the details of which are highlighted below:
- Supreme: This plan provides exclusionary coverage for most vehicle parts. It is similar to a manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty.
- Select: This plan is designed for vehicles with more than 50,000 miles. It covers many parts, but not the turbocharger or navigation system.
- Driveline: This is a powertrain warranty for vehicles with over 80,000 miles. It covers powertrain components such as the engine and transmission. This plan also covers the cooling system, air conditioning, electrical system, and timing chain.
Each plan covers different components and comes with benefits like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and free oil changes and tire rotations.
While these plans provide solid coverage, what really stands out about the company is its Ambassador Maintenance service plans. These plans are intended for older vehicles and cover 50%-75% of most major repairs.
And unlike the standard plans offered, there is no mileage or age limit for vehicles. In addition to covering a part of repairs, the Ambassador Maintenance plans cover scheduled maintenance like tire rotations and oil changes.
We reached out to Protect My Car to find out how much car warranty coverage costs. We found that the Supreme plan ranges between $100 and $130 monthly for four years of coverage. In addition, sometimes, the company requires a down payment for activating coverage ranging from $50 to $100.
Overall, we found that Protect My Car has strong ratings from both customers and the BBB itself on the organization’s website. Protect My Car holds an A+ rating from the BBB.
Learn more about the provider in our Protect My Car review.
Best Customer Experience |
5. Autopom!: Best Claims Process
Maximum mileage limit: 150,000 miles
Number of plans offered: 4
Availability: Varies by plan
Benefits: Trip interruption reimbursement, roadside assistance, and rental car reimbursement
autopom! stands for “automotive peace of mind.” What stands out about the company is its claims handling. autopom! assigns representatives to warranty holders to help them navigate their way through the claims process. This may be especially attractive to first-time warranty buyers.
With autopom!, drivers can choose from four vehicle service plans with coverage up to 7 years/150,000 miles:
- Exclusionary: This plan covers virtually all mechanical and electrical components in your vehicle. There is a short list of exclusions for items such as wiper blades, upholstery, brake pads, bumpers, trim, and bulbs.
- High-Level: This plan covers a wide range of parts, such as the powertrain, steering, suspension, braking, air conditioning, cooling, fuel, and electrical systems.
- Mid-Level: This plan covers many vehicle parts, including the powertrain, steering, braking, air conditioning, and electrical system.
- Powertrain Plus: The most affordable and basic level of coverage, this plan covers vital components such as the engine, transmission, drive axle, and air conditioning.
Like other top providers on this list, autopom! packages several benefits with its auto protection plans. These include:
- Trip interruption reimbursement
- Rental car assistance
- Roadside assistance
In addition to its strong coverage, autopom! scores well among industry rating organizations and warranty customers alike. The provider has both accreditation and an A+ rating from the BBB and very few customer complaints over the last three years.
Read more in our autopom! review.
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Trusted provider with unmatched customer service and affordable coverage |
What Is An Extended Car Warranty?
An extended warranty for cars, also called a vehicle protection plan or vehicle service contract, foots the bill for mechanical breakdowns after your factory warranty expires. Rather than paying a costly repair bill, you’re only responsible for a deductible and a one-time or monthly payment.
Some car manufacturers offer extended car warranties along with the factory warranties they include with new vehicles. But third-party providers tend to offer more coverage options and greater flexibility in where you can have your vehicle serviced.
How Do Extended Car Warranties Work?
Extended car warranties function similarly to insurance policies in that they protect you from significant, unexpected costs related to damages specified in the terms of your specific policy or contract. As long as your vehicle repairs are covered, you will only need to pay a small deductible to get your car repaired.
Unlike auto insurance policies, which usually cover damages from accidents, theft, or environmental factors, extended car warranties cover costs related to mechanical breakdowns resulting from normal use.
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance vs. Extended Auto Warranty
While most car insurance policies provide coverage for a different category of auto-related expenses, one type of car insurance policy offers coverage similar to an extended car warranty. Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI), which is easy to confuse with an extended car warranty, covers the cost of future repairs after mechanical breakdowns resulting from normal use.
However, unlike extended car warranties, MBI is typically offered by insurance companies, which are far more regulated than aftermarket warranty providers, resulting in fewer (often only one) coverage options.
Extended Warranty Coverage
As mentioned above, extended warranties cover mechanical repairs and replacements that break down over time. The extent of your coverage will depend on the level you choose with your provider.
Generally, the best extended car warranties offer exclusionary coverage. This means your contract only lists the items that are not covered, which is the opposite of more commonly found contracts that offer inclusionary coverage, which names each covered part.
Some aftermarket warranty plans provide extensive protection for almost all vehicle components, while others only offer basic coverage. In addition, you may also come across contracts that include prepaid maintenance or tire protection, though this is relatively rare within the industry.
Types of Extended Car Warranties
While all of the coverage options on the market may be confusing, most vehicle service contracts fall into one of the three main types of new and used car warranties:
- Bumper-to-bumper warranty: The most comprehensive option offered by auto warranty companies, bumper-to-bumper coverage, is also called exclusionary coverage. This is because these warranties come with a short list of components they don’t cover rather than a list of what they do cover.
- Stated-component warranty: Most auto warranties fall into the category of stated-component coverage. These contracts list the components that the plan covers, while anything not mentioned isn’t covered.
- Powertrain warranty: As the most basic warranty plan most companies offer, powertrain warranties cover only your car’s most critical components.
Extended Car Warranty Exclusions
Extended car warranties do not typically cover a few categories of repairs and replacement parts. These exclusions, which are common across the industry, include the following:
- Routine maintenance, including oil changes, tire rotations, and replacement of brake pads
- The interior/upholstery, paint, and carpeting
- Damage from misuse, abuse, or corrosion
- Auto glass parts such as the windshield, headlights, and light bulbs
- Damage from a collision, weather event, or environmental damage (unlike car insurance)
To know what your car warranty covers, be sure to read the fine print of your contract carefully. If you have not purchased a warranty, look online or reach out to an extended warranty provider, as most companies offer sample contracts.
Extended Car Warranty Cost
Based on quotes we received, an extended car warranty that lasts between three and six years costs anywhere from $1,600 to $4,500 on average. In addition to your extended car warranty costs, you will also likely have to pay a deductible between $0 and $200 when you need a covered repair.
The figures above, which are within the range reported by over half of the participants in our 2022 extended car warranty survey, are a solid indication of what you should expect to pay for an extended car warranty.
While this is a useful way to estimate your expected costs, specific extended warranty prices vary from person to person because they are determined by several factors that are unique to the individual. To ensure you get the best coverage at an affordable price, it pays to understand these factors, which include:
- Vehicle details: The make and model of your vehicle have a big influence on the cost of your warranty. Larger and more expensive cars tend to cost more to cover.
- Deductible: Many providers let you choose your warranty deductible. Like car insurance, the lower you set your deductible, the more you’ll have to pay for your plan.
- Coverage plan: Of course, the amount of coverage you select will greatly affect the price you pay. As you’d expect, the more comprehensive your coverage is, the more you’ll have to pay for it.
- Warranty provider: Companies use different formulas to weigh these factors. That means you may see different prices for the same coverage on the same car.
- Vehicle age: The model year of your car is also an important factor. Since older cars are more likely to break down, companies usually charge more to cover them.
- Mileage: Higher-mileage vehicles tend to need repairs more often. As a result, you’ll typically pay more for coverage the more miles you have on your car.
Are Extended Car Warranties Worth It?
While many car owners think extended car warranties are worth it, purchasing an extended warranty doesn’t make sense for everyone. When determining whether buying an extended auto warranty would be worth it for you, it is important to consider the pros and cons of extended car warranties while factoring in your personal situation and needs.
When asked whether or not an extended warranty is worth it, drivers who wouldn’t purchase coverage list lack of availability, high cost, and simply not thinking a warranty is necessary as the main reasons. However, our research suggests that most drivers would benefit from the coverage.
According to AAA, 64 million Americans don’t have enough money on hand to cover car repair costs. This means those people would need to go into debt to pay for repairs. An extended car warranty can help you avoid that situation by paying for coverage monthly.
Vehicle Repair Costs by Make
One of the most important factors to weigh when deciding whether to purchase an extended warranty is your vehicle’s reliability. Vehicle repair costs are more expensive for some make and models, which is what the data in the table below reflects.
Car Brand | Average Annual Repair Cost |
---|---|
Honda | $428 |
Hyundai | $468 |
Kia | $474 |
Acura | $501 |
Lexus | $551 |
Subaru | $617 |
Ford | $775 |
BMW | $968 |
Land Rover | $1,174 |
Should I Buy an Extended Car Warranty?
If you own a reliable vehicle with inexpensive repair costs, purchasing an extended warranty may not be worth it. This also applies to car owners who set aside repair costs for their vehicles.
However, if your car is known for being unreliable and expensive to maintain, an extended warranty may be worth it for peace of mind on the road. Here are the drivers most likely to see the benefits of extended warranty coverage:
- Those who want peace of mind. Vehicle repairs are known for being costly, especially if you have a luxury vehicle. Once your initial new car factory warranty expires, you’re responsible for footing the bill for any repairs. But with an extended warranty, you won’t have to worry about paying any money out-of-pocket, besides a deductible, if your vehicle breaks down and the components are covered.
- Those who want to own their vehicle for a long time. Most bumper-to-bumper new car warranties last for three years or 36,000 miles. This doesn’t protect your car in the long term if you plan on keeping it for several years.
- Those who want a predictable auto budget. By paying for a vehicle service contract monthly or up front, you save yourself from having to pay a surprise repair bill after an unexpected breakdown.
Buying an Extended Car Warranty
If you’ve decided that an extended car warranty is for you, it’s important to do your research before deciding so that you are aware of all of the options available to you so and avoid purchasing an extended warranty from an untrustworthy provider and even outright scams. In the sections below, we’ll touch on some crucial things to consider when shopping for an extended car warranty.
Extended Car Warranty Scams
Before considering the types of providers that offer extended car warranties, it is important to be able to determine whether or not a provider is legitimate in the first place. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in extended car warranty scams in recent years, the most common of which have been orchestrated via bogus telemarketing schemes.
As the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reports, there are several ongoing car warranty scams in which someone calls a car owner to tell them their warranty is about to expire and offers to sell them coverage.
To convince you that they offer a real extended warranty, the callers often reference publicly-available information about your vehicle while posing as representatives working for actual vehicle service contract providers. Instead, these scammers usually seek your personal information for unscrupulous reasons.
Warranty phone scams have unfortunately led to increased skepticism regarding whether extended warranties should be considered legitimate financial products in the first place. To avoid such scams, never trust cold sales calls over the phone. If you want to purchase a service contract, reach out to providers yourself instead.
Manufacturer-Backed vs. Aftermarket Extended Car Warranties
In general, there are two types of providers that offer extended car warranties: Automakers and aftermarket providers. There are benefits and downsides to purchasing coverage from each.
With manufacturer-backed extended warranties, which are becoming increasingly common, customers can be confident in the quality of their coverage because covered repairs are almost always done by factory-trained technicians using original equipment manufactured (OEM) replacement parts.
While automakers offer quality coverage at reasonable rates, downsides include less flexibility. In addition to being restricted to authorized dealerships for repairs, automakers usually offer fewer coverage options. On top of that, there are more restrictions on when a warranty can be purchased.
With a third-party warranty, on the other hand, you can get covered repair work done at any licensed mechanic within the provider’s network. Aftermarket warranties also tend to have multiple coverage levels, while it’s more common for manufacturers to only offer one coverage plan. Additionally, instead of having a limited window of eligibility, which is usually the case with manufacturer-backed car warranties, you can purchase coverage from an aftermarket provider at any time.
Extended Auto Warranty Quotes
After researching the various coverage options that are available, the best way to ensure that you get the best coverage to fit your needs and budget is to get quotes from multiple providers. You can get a free quote from most providers online via the company website or by phone.
To find the best deal, we recommend comparing quotes from at least three different companies. In addition to being the only way to get exact prices, reaching out to providers directly allows you to ask questions regarding specific policies and available add-on options. In most cases, you can even negotiate with providers to get a lower rate.
Using An Extended Auto Warranty
In most cases, using your extended car warranty is a relatively simple and straightforward process. The best extended warranties are administered by companies that are transparent about your coverage terms, provide a smooth claims experience, and have a money-back guarantee for customers who aren’t happy with their plan.
Extended Car Warranty Waiting Period
If you decide to buy an extended warranty, please note that it is unlikely that you will be able to use your coverage immediately after purchase. This is because extended car warranties come with a built-in waiting period, defined both in terms of time and mileage.
In most cases, this waiting period lasts around 20-30 days and may include a vehicle inspection as a requirement before your coverage begins. To know the details of your waiting period, be sure to check the fine print of your contract.
Extended Car Warranty Claims
Filing a claim for a covered repair is a simple, straightforward process in most cases. With most providers, you will be required to follow these steps for covered repairs in the event of an expected mechanical breakdown:
- Choose a repair shop: Most aftermarket car warranty providers have a wide network of repair facilities. Take the vehicle to an in-network shop for covered repairs.
- Get the car diagnosed: A technician will assess the car to diagnose the problem. During this time, you should provide the repair facility with contact information for your warranty company.
- An administrator reviews the claim: Once the car is assessed, an administrator will review the warranty claim to determine if it’s covered under your protection plan.
- Pay your deductible: If the claim is approved, you’ll pay your deductible, and the warranty company will cover the rest of the repair.
Cancelling Extended Car Warranties
If you aren’t satisfied with your coverage, most extended warranties come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. After 30 days, prorated refunds typically are not available. To find out whether you can cancel your extended warranty for a refund, you’ll need to contact your plan’s contractor administrator and submit a written cancellation request.
Best Aftermarket Car Warranty: Conclusion
After thoroughly examining the vehicle service contract industry’s top providers, we believe that these are the best extended car warranty companies:
- #1 Endurance: Best Overall
- #2 CARCHEX: Best for Used Cars
- #3 Protect My Car: Best Customer Experience
- #4 CarShield: Affordable Monthly Payments
- #5 autopom!: Best Claims Process
To find the best plans at the best rates for you, we always recommend getting quotes from multiple providers and comparing. While Endurance topped our list, any of the providers in our top five would be an excellent place to start.
Best Extended Auto Warranty: FAQ
Below are some common frequently asked questions about extended car warranties:
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.
What is the average cost of an extended car warranty?
According to our research, the average cost of an extended car warranty is around $2,600. Most third-party warranty providers will allow you to purchase a warranty and pay it off through a monthly payment plan that typically lasts around three years.
Is an extended car warranty worth it?
An extended vehicle warranty can be worth it if you have an older vehicle or your manufacturer’s warranty is going to expire. Companies with the best coverage will offer protection for your vehicle’s major systems and perks such as rental car coverage, trip interruption coverage, and regular maintenance.
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.
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.