A bumper-to-bumper warranty, also called a comprehensive warranty, covers most major vehicle systems from mechanical failure for a set period of time.
Featured Extended Warranty Companies
We reviewed the best extended auto warranty providers, and here are our top picks.
Best Overall Provider
Endurance
Affordable Monthly Payment
CarShield
Best Provider for Used Cars
Carchex
- A bumper-to-bumper warranty is exclusionary and offers the highest level of warranty protection.
- A bumper-to-bumper warranty may be more expensive than other warranty contracts.
- Hyundai and Kia provide the longest-lasting bumper-to-bumper coverage.
- After your manufacturer’s warranty expires, you can extend bumper-to-bumper protection through a third-party provider.
- Look to reputable providers for high-quality coverage.
Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products in this article.
Exclusionary bumper-to-bumper warranty plans are the highest level of coverage available from any manufacturer or third-party extended warranty provider. However, even the most comprehensive plans have their limitations.
In this review, we review the basics and what you need to know about bumper-to-bumper warranties, including which manufacturers offer this coverage. You’ll also learn how to continue your bumper-to-bumper warranty after your factory coverage expires with a plan from one of the best extended car warranty companies on the market.
What Is a Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty?
A bumper-to-bumper warranty, also known as an exclusionary warranty, offers the highest level of protection for vehicles and covers almost any mechanical breakdown caused by defective parts and workmanship.
All new vehicles come with bumper-to-bumper coverage through the manufacturer’s new vehicle limited warranty. These plans typically last about three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Unlike other car warranties, the vehicle service contract will list the parts that are not covered. To keep your car protected after your manufacturer’s coverage expires, you can either purchase a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty from the manufacturer or from a reputable third-party provider.
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty vs. Powertrain
New vehicle limited warranties bundle bumper-to-bumper warranties and powertrain warranties together to protect the vehicle. And while these two plans go hand in hand, they cover different parts, often creating confusion.
Here’s a look at the differences between the two warranties:
- Bumper-to-bumper warranty: This offers comprehensive, high-level coverage to protect your vehicle’s most important components. It typically lasts for 3 years/36,000 miles.
- Powertrain warranty: A powertrain warranty covers your vehicle’s most essential components, including the engine, transmission, and drive axle. These plans normally last longer than a bumper-to-bumper warranty — usually five years or 60,000 miles at a minimum.
What Does A Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty Cover?
A bumper-to-bumper warranty covers repair and labor for almost all parts between the front and rear bumpers of your vehicle. It is usually included with new vehicles as part of a factory warranty or offered as a comprehensive extended coverage option.
Bumper-to-bumper warranty plans typically cover the following:
- Audio, communication, and entertainment systems
- Air conditioning and heating
- Electronics and electrical systems (power seats, sunroofs, etc.)
- Engine, transmission, and drive axles
- Steering and braking systems
- Suspension
- Vehicle body
- Fuel delivery
What Does A Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty Not Cover?
Bumper-to-bumper warranties are sometimes called “exclusionary” warranties because not all car parts are protected. Each contract includes a list of items that are not covered under warranty. This is why it’s important to look at and understand the specifics of the manufacturer’s warranty. Read through the contract, including any fine print and details about deductibles.
For any repairs that are not covered under your bumper-to-bumper warranty, you will have to pay out of pocket. Here are some standard components that are typically excluded from bumper-to-bumper warranties:
- Automotive glass: Brake lights, headlights, windows, turn signals, and windshields
- Normal wear-and-tear: Brake pads, tires, rotors, drums, upholstery, seat belts, bumpers, and paint
- Regular routine maintenance: Oil changes, tire rotations, wheel alignment, wiper blades, brake pads and shoes, and scheduled services.
Although bumper-to-bumper extended warranties don’t cover maintenance services like oil changes and tire rotations, most automakers and third-party providers require you to follow your manufacturer-recommended service schedule in order to keep your warranty valid.
In addition, coverage from the manufacturer only includes repairs or replacements for defective or faulty parts or workmanship – not repairs from regular use. Damage resulting from improper use, racing, theft, vandalism, or an accident is generally not covered.
Do Bumper-to-Bumper Warranties Cover Tires?
In our research, we found that most bumper-to-bumper warranties do not cover tires. However, some manufacturers may offer a limited tire warranty. Remember to read through your warranty booklet and ask questions about what vehicle protection you have when you purchase a new vehicle.
How Long Does A Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty Last?
Bumper-to-bumper warranty terms typically last three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Our research found that over a dozen manufacturers offer this term length, including Honda, Ford, and Toyota. However, some manufacturers like Hyundai and Kia offer even longer terms lengths, typically five years or 60,000 miles.
Below are the details of six popular brands’ new vehicle limited warranties.
| Manufacturer | Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty Length | Powertrain Warranty Length | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles | Yes |
| Ford | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles | Yes |
| Honda | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles | Yes |
| Nissan | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles | Yes |
| Hyundai | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles | Yes |
| Kia | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles | Yes |
As you can see, Hyundai and Kia offer the best bumper-to-bumper warranties. These warranty plans provide years of coverage and also cover wear-and-tear items for the first year or 12,000 miles. Combined with each company’s ten-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, Hyundai and Kia lead the industry in factory warranty protection.
Bumper-to-Bumper Extended Warranty
However, these limited manufacturer warranties aren’t meant to last forever. Unless you’re covered with a comprehensive service contract, you will still foot the bill for common repairs after your factory warranty expires.
The good news is that you can purchase bumper-to-bumper coverage in the form of an extended warranty or vehicle service contract. Drivers often get these warranties for added peace of mind, especially if they accrue miles quickly or want to keep their car for a long time.
Bumper-to-Bumper Extended Warranty Cost
Bumper-to-bumper warranties tend to cost more than powertrain warranties because of the extra components covered. However, your final bumper-to-bumper extended warranty costs will depend on several factors, including the following:
- Your location
- The type of car you drive
- The deductible you choose
- Your vehicle’s age and mileage
- Whether you purchase coverage from a manufacturer or a third-party provider
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty Price
A bumper-to-bumper extended warranty costs about $2,500, but exact pricing will depend on your vehicle. We’ve received quotes for bumper-to-bumper warranties ranging from $1,700 to $4,600 for three to seven years of coverage.
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty Quote
When we reached out to Endurance, CARCHEX, and CarShield for quotes for a 2018 Toyota Camry with 28,000 miles, these were the prices we received:
| #1 Endurance | #2 CARCHEX | #3 CarShield | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan | Supreme | Titanium | Diamond |
| Term Length | 5 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/100,000 miles |
| Deductible | $100.00 | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Financing | $71.59 for 36 months | $136.17 for 18 months | $83.28 for 18 months |
| Total Cost | $2,732.89 | $2,451.06 | $1,794.04 |
Is A Bumper-to-Bumper Extended Warranty Worth It?
You may be asking yourself: Is an extended warranty worth it? In the long run, a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty can help cover expensive repairs that you otherwise would have had to pay out-of-pocket. Studies have shown that more than 57% of U.S. adults are unable to afford a $1,000 emergency expense. This is when paying for an extended warranty can be helpful.
Most bumper-to-bumper extended warranties also include perks and benefits, like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage. If your vehicle is not known to be reliable, these benefits could come in handy or help lessen the costs.
Where to Buy a Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty
There are pros and cons to every extended warranty provider. Manufacturers and dealerships will allow you to wrap the cost of your extended car warranty into your auto loan, but this means you will have to pay interest. With third-party warranty companies, you also have more room to negotiate over prices than with a manufacturer.
Third-party warranty companies also provide coverage when a manufacturer or dealership will not, even if your car has over 100K miles. You are also able to take your vehicle to more repair shops, which can be convenient if you do not live anywhere near a dealership.
Bumper-To-Bumper Extended Warranty Benefits
Most manufacturer and third-party bumper-to-bumper extended warranty plans come with perks like:
- 24/7 roadside assistance: Cover services such as lockouts, battery jump-starts, emergency fuel deliveries, and more
- Courtesy towing: Coverage for towing to the nearest dealership or, if you have a third-party warranty, the certified repair facility of your choice
- Trip interruption coverage: Reimbursement for meals and lodging if your vehicle breaks down far from your home and you have to stay overnight while it’s being repaired
- Rental car reimbursement: Coverage for alternative transportation while your vehicle is at the repair shop for a covered service
Exact coverage details and added perks vary depending on the provider you choose.
Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty: Conclusion
Most new vehicles come with a bumper-to-bumper warranty. Manufacturers, dealerships, and third-party providers offer extended bumper-to-bumper extended warranties that can be great for drivers who want additional coverage after their factory warranty expires. Third-party provider extended bumper-to-bumper plans tend to be more affordable and allow you to choose your own repair shop compared with manufacturers and dealerships.
We recommend you look at each provider’s sample contracts and compare quotes from at least three extended auto warranty providers.
Best Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty
Third-party websites are the most used resources for online car shopping. So, why shouldn’t it be the same for extended warranties?
There are several cases for purchasing a third-party bumper-to-bumper extended warranty:
- They tend to be affordable because there are many companies competing in the market. Also, dealerships may wrap your extended warranty cost into your financing, meaning you’ll paying interest on it. Independent warranty companies offer zero-interest financing.
- You don’t have to repair your car at the dealership, and you’re not limited to the manufacturer’s parts. You can choose from a larger network of repair or parts facilities.
- You can find multiple plan options from each company to better fit your particular needs, rather than choosing between only a powertrain or full-coverage warranty.
Companies like Endurance, CARCHEX, and Protect My Car provide plans with extensive coverage that protect new, certified pre-owned, or used cars with high mileage. And you’ll still get many of the same additional perks, such as roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage, and rental car reimbursement.
The sections below provide details on some of the best extended car warranty companies in the industry.
Featured Extended Warranty Companies
We reviewed the best extended auto warranty providers, and here are our top picks.
Best Overall Provider
Endurance
Affordable Monthly Payment
CarShield
Best Provider for Used Cars
Carchex
#1 Endurance Supreme Warranty
The Endurance Supreme bumper-to-bumper extended warranty is best for drivers who want:
- Comprehensive coverage
- Low monthly financing terms
- Helpful customer service representatives
- The most extensive perks offered by any reputable extended car warranty company
The Supreme plan covers all major vehicle parts and has standard exclusions. All Endurance plans come with roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and trip interruption coverage for the duration of your warranty, The provider also includes a free year of enrollment into the Endurance Elite Benefits program with every plan. This provides extra benefits such as:
- Additional roadside assistance
- Up to $5,000 in repair financing loans
- Key fob and tire repairs or replacements
- Identity theft protection and recovery assistance
- Up to $1000 toward a replacement vehicle in total loss protection
- Collision discount of up to $500 per covered collision with a $1000 limit
Learn more about coverage in our complete Endurance warranty review. You can also get a free, no-obligation quote for an Endurance bumper-to-bumper extended warranty below.
Best Overall Provider
#2 CARCHEX Titanium Coverage
CARCHEX may be the best choice for drivers who want a provider that:
- Has thousands of positive customer reviews online
- Offers coverage terms up to 10 years or 250,000 miles
- Partners with major auto industry experts like Kelley Blue Book and CARFAX
The CARCHEX Titanium plan is an exclusionary extended warranty that is similar to a bumper-to-bumper warranty. It comes with perks including roadside assistance, towing services, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage.
CARCHEX has a positive reputation among both industry experts and customers. It currently holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which indicates that it uses sound business practices and handles customer complaints effectively. The provider also has a 3.3 out of 5.0-star rating on Trustpilot, which shows the majority of CARCHEX customers are satisfied with their coverage and service.
Learn more about the warranty coverage that CARCHEX provides by reading our full CARCHEX review. You can also see what plans your car is eligible for and get a free quote below.
Best Provider for Used Cars
#3 CarShield Diamond Coverage
CarShield has the most budget-friendly aftermarket car warranty in the industry. This provider is a great choice for drivers who want the following:
- Affordable pricing
- Flexible financing options
- Coverage for alternative vehicles like motorcycles
CarShield’s Diamond plan provides bumper-to-bumper coverage for vehicles up to 300,000 miles. All plans come with standard benefits including emergency roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage.
The provider has been in business for 16 years. In total, CarShield offers six coverage plans. It’s one of the only top providers to cover motorcycles and ATVs as well as standard automobiles.Read our comprehensive CarShield review to find out more about this provider, and reach out for a free bumper-to-bumper extended warranty quote below.
Affordable Monthly Payment
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions about bumper-to-bumper warranties:
What does a bumper-to-bumper warranty cover?
A bumper-to-bumper warranty covers the most essential vehicle components after a mechanical breakdown. Items that are typically covered include the powertrain (engine, transmission, and drive axle), fuel system, steer system, braking system, electrical parts, and safety equipment.
How many miles is a bumper-to-bumper warranty?
Most bumper-to-bumper warranties last three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. After the new factory warranty expires, you can still purchase a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty or vehicle service contract from a third-party provider.
What’s the difference between a powertrain warranty and a bumper-to-bumper warranty?
Powertrain warranties only cover only your vehicle’s most vital components like the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. Bumper-to-bumper warranties cover almost every car part, including those covered by powertrain plans.
Are bumper-to-bumper extended warranty plans worth it?
Bumper-to-bumper extended warranty plans are worth it for many drivers. Even if you’re confident in your car’s reliability, a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty could still give you added peace of mind on the road with coverage for most car parts after mechanical breakdowns.
Are bumper-to-bumper extended warranty prices negotiable?
Bumper-to-bumper extended warranty prices may be negotiable depending on where you purchase coverage from. No matter where you purchase your coverage from, it’s worth at least trying to talk down the price of your bumper-to-bumper extended warranty.
Our Methodology
Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. Based on consumer survey data, we identified the following rating categories 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.
