In This Review
- Best Extended Car Warranties
- Best Extended Car Warranty Coverage
- Best Companies For Cheap Car Warranties
- Best Extended Manufacturer Warranties
- Extended Car Warranty Guide
- Extended Car Warranty Cost
- Are Extended Car Warranties Worth It?
- How To Buy An Extended Car Warranty
- Best Extended Car Warranty: Our Take
- Best Extended Car Warranties: FAQ
Written by:
Dash Lewis, Writer
Written by: Dash Lewis Content Writer
06/05/2024 08:07 AM
Key Points:
- Endurance is our top recommendation for an extended warranty since it offers great coverage options and unique perks for the industry.
- An extended warranty is designed to cover specific repairs that are outlined in a contract.
- You can find warranty plans between $1,000 and $4,500, though coverage costs an average of $977 per year and $109 per month.
Finding the best extended car warranty can help you cover a variety of repairs that will give you peace of mind. But picking the right plan or company isn’t as easy as it seems. Our team compared leading extended warranty companies on cost, coverage, transparency, customer experience, and industry reputation to help in your decision.
We’ll cover our top five overall picks in this article. We’ll also look at the topic from multiple angles and recommend the best companies with the best individual plans, cheapest providers, and best manufacturer warranties.
Endurance
4.6
Reliability: 4.3/5.0
Coverage: 4.9/5.0
Pricing: 4.8/5.0
Transparency: 4.8/5.0
Customer Experience: 4.3/5.0
Quick Facts
- Best Overall
- Plan Coverage: 6 plans with wide range of coverage
- Covered Miles: Up to 200,000 odometer miles
- Money-Back Guarantee: 30 days for full refund
- Longest Warranty plan: 8 years from plan start
- Discounts: $300 same-day signup discount, $250 shopping voucher, and others
Plan Coverage and Perks
| Plan coverage includes | Endurance Elite perks™ |
|---|---|
| Exclusionary plan | One-year membership for free |
| Powertrain plan | Tire repair and replacement |
| Maintenance coverage with Endurance Advantage | Key fob replacement |
| Roadside assistance | Total loss protection |
| Towing | Collision discount |
| Rental car | $250 rewards voucher |
| Trip interruption coverage | Endurance Protect app |
Best Extended Car Warranties
To find the best extended car warranty providers, our team took a close look at dozens of companies. We considered cost, coverage, transparency, customer service, and reputation.
Best Extended Car Warranty Comparison
Based on the categories above, our top five picks for extended warranties are Endurance, Olive®, CarShield, Carchex, and Omega Auto Care. You can compare our top picks below.
| Extended Warranty Company | Our Rating | Best For | Number of Plans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Endurance | 4.7 | Best Overall | 6 |
| Carchex | 4.5 | Best Industry Reputation | 5 |
| Olive | 4.4 | Best Online Process | 3 |
| CarShield | 4.4 | Best Monthly Payments | 6 |
| Omega Auto Care | 4.3 | Best Maintenance Benefits | 5 |
#1 Endurance: Best Overall
4.6
Overview
Number of plans: 6
Monthly cost range: $114 to $156
Added benefits: Rental car coverage, trip interruption, roadside assistance, extra Endurance Elite Benefits
Mileage limit: 200,000
Read more: Endurance Warranty review
Why we chose Endurance
Endurance is our overall top recommendation for the best extended car warranty. The company stands out for offering a wide range of coverage options plus a maintenance plan that covers routine services. It also offers some of the best added benefits of any warranty company. Considering all this, Endurance offers the best value for the money.
Reputation
Endurance has a strong reputation in the industry. It has a 3.6-star rating from customers on both Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Endurance is also a direct warranty provider. This means it administers its plans and handles all claims. Most warranty companies sell plans that are administered by third-party companies, instead. Working with a direct provider has its benefits like better responsiveness and a faster claims process.
Endurance offers vehicle warranty coverage in all states, including California, where coverage is called mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI).
Coverage
Endurance stands out in the coverage department for offering six plans that span a wide range of options. One of the plans, EnduranceAdvantage™, covers maintenance services like oil changes and tire rotations. Here are the details:
- Supreme: This comprehensive plan is at the level of a new car warranty. It covers almost any breakdown except for a list of exclusions.
- Superior: This plan includes hundreds of components on all major systems of the vehicle.
- Premier: This is a mid-level contract that covers the powertrain, fuel system, AC, cooling system, and luxury electronics.
- Secure Plus: One step up from a basic contract, this plan covers the powertrain, air conditioning, and steering.
- Secure: This plan covers your car’s engine, transmission, and drive axle, which make up the powertrain.
- EnduranceAdvantage: This is Endurance’s maintenance option. It covers multiple oil changes and tire rotations per year. It also covers one-time services like brake pad replacement and cooling system maintenance.
Plans all come with Endurance Elite Benefits. This includes:
- Tire repair
- Total loss replacement allowance
- Up to $500 in collision discounts ($1,000 limit)
- Up to $1,000 in total loss replacement
Elite Benefits are free for the first year and you can keep them after that for a small fee.
Cost
Having compared multiple Endurance warranty quotes we found that plans typically cost between $410 and $1,223 per year of coverage depending on the plan. Monthly costs range from $114 to $156 per month. Compared to other companies, this reflects an average cost range. Endurance has shorter payment terms than other providers (from 18 to 28 months), so you can finish paying off the warranty faster.
#2 Carchex: Best Industry Reputation
4.4
Overview
Number of plans: 5
Monthly cost range: $137 to $140
Added benefits: Roadside assistance, rental car coverage, trip interruption reimbursem*nt
Mileage limit: 250,000
Read more: Carchex review
Compare: Carchex vs. Endurance
Why we chose Carchex
Carchex has been in business since 1999 and is one of the most reputable companies in the industry. It also offers a wide range of coverage options and a number of perks. At first glance, Carchex’s rates look a little high, but it’s possible to get discounts for different situations and shopping around.
Reputation
Carchex stands out for having one of the strongest industry reputations out of any extended warranty provider. It has a long history stretching back to 1999 and maintains an A+ rating with accreditation from the BBB. In our secret shopper analysis, we found Carchex representatives were helpful and easy to work with.
Coverage
Carchex offers five main coverage plans. Four of them are standard plans while the fifth is meant to supplement existing powertrain coverage.
- Titanium: This exclusionary coverage includes all breakdowns except for a list of exclusions.
- Platinum: This is Carchex’s highest stated-component contract that covers most major systems of the vehicle.
- Powertrain Plus: This plan covers the cooling system, AC, electrical components, and fuel system plus the powertrain.
- Powertrain: This basic plan covers the crucial vehicle components of the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. It’s a good option for high-mileage vehicles.
- Extra Care: This plan supplements a powertrain warranty, covering the audio, high-tech, AC, electrical, steering, and more.
Cost
Carchex’s costs line up with the industry average for extended automotive warranty plans. Monthly payments range from $137 to $140, though it’s possible to find discounts in different situations. We found plans range between $1,320 to $1,440 per year of coverage before discounts.
#3 Olive: Best Online Process
4.1
Overview
Number of plans: 3
Monthly cost range: $26 to $63
Added benefits: Rental car coverage and trip interruption
Mileage limit: 185,000
Why we chose Olive
Olive® was born in the digital age. The company’s website makes it easy to compare the fine print across different plans and find the best coverage for your situation.
You can do everything online with Olive, from buying a plan to submitting a claim and getting customer service. Olive also offers very affordable warranty plans compared to the market average. However, plans don’t come with roadside assistance, which many other companies offer.
Reputation
While Olive has only been around since 2019, it has a solid industry reputation. Besides its 2.5-star customer rating, Olive’s parent company, Repair Ventures, has an A+ rating and accreditation from the BBB.
Coverage
As far as coverage goes, Olive’s options are a little bit limited compared to other companies in our top picks. Olive offers three plans while many other providers offer five or six. The three plans cover a good range from new vehicle factory-level protection to basic powertrain coverage. Another thing to note is that Olive only offers three-year contracts. You’ll have to renew your plan if you want to cover your car for longer.
Olive’s coverage options are:
- Complete Care: This bumper-to-bumper plan offers manufacturer-level coverage for all breakdowns except some exclusions.
- Powertrain Plus: This plan covers the powertrain along with a few other major systems of the vehicle.
- Powertrain: This basic plan covers your vehicle’s engine, transmission, and drivetrain. These parts can lead to expensive repairs down the road.
Cost
Olive is very affordable and is our top pick for having the cheapest coverage. Its rates range from $26 to $63 per month or $315 to $751 per year, depending on your vehicle and the plan you select. All Olive plans come with deductible options of $100, $250, or $500. There’s no $0 deductible. However, if you visit a RepairPal certified shop for repairs, Olive will cover $100 of your deductible.
Overview
Number of plans: 6
Monthly cost range: $120 to $140
Added benefits: Rental car reimbursem*nt, trip interruption, roadside assistance
Mileage limit: 300,000
Read more: CarShield review
Compare: CarShield vs. Endurance or Carchex vs. CarShield
Why we chose CarShield
We recognize CarShield for having flexible payment options and month-to-month contracts. This means you can find something that works for your budget. CarShield has a couple of unique plans, including one designed to enhance existing powertrain coverage, and another designed for fully electric vehicles. Overall, CarShield has many options to choose from.
Reputation
CarShield is one of the most popular extended warranty companies in the industry. The company has covered over 2 million vehicles at this point. It also has a 4.1-star rating from over 41,000 reviews on Trustpilot. The vast majority of CarShield customers are happy with their coverage plans.
Coverage
CarShield offers six plans for cars. You can get basic powertrain warranty coverage or comprehensive factory-level coverage. You can also get a plan designed with electric vehicles in mind. Below are details on CarShield’s plans.
- Diamond: This is CarShield’s highest level of coverage and it includes any breakdown except for excluded parts and situations.
- Platinum: This high-level plan covers hundreds of parts on all major systems of the vehicle.
- Gold: This is a good mid-level plan that covers the powertrain along with a few other systems.
- Silver: This plan covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain and is a good option for older cars.
- Aluminum: This option is designed to supplement an existing powertrain warranty, so it covers systems like brakes, suspension, high-tech, and more.
- Electric Vehicle Coverage: This unique plan is specifically designed for EVs. One option covers the EV drive components, while the other option includes coverage for systems like steering, brakes, AC, electrical, and more.
Cost
CarShield does things a little differently. It offers contracts with unlimited time and mileage terms. That means you have flexible monthly payments for however long you want to have a car warranty.
In general, shorter payment plans are cheaper while longer plans get more expensive since you always have a payment. We found payments range from $120 to $140 per month on average. However, CarShield may give some discounts depending on your situation.
#5 Omega Auto Care: Best Maintenance Benefits
4.3
Overview
Number of plans: 5
Monthly cost range: $119 to $175
Added benefits: Rental car coverage, trip interruption, roadside assistance, road hazard tire repair, maintenance benefits for one year
Mileage limit: 250,000
Read more: Best Car Warranty Companies
Why we chose Omega
Omega Auto Care is the only company out of our top picks that offers maintenance benefits for free with your warranty. It offers this plus road hazard tire repair/replacement on all five of its warranty plans. The range of service plans plus its high mileage limit means Omega Auto Care can work for many different situations.
Reputation
Omega Auto Care has a solid reputation with an A+ rating and accreditation from the BBB. It also has a 3.7-star rating from over 1,100 customer reviews on Trustpilot and a 3.8-star customer rating on the BBB. When we got quotes from the company, we found the representatives to be polite without being pushy.
Coverage
All Omega Auto Care plans come with maintenance benefits for one year (starting the second month of coverage). These cover oil changes and one-time allowances for brake pads, battery replacement, cooling system maintenance, and a safety inspection.
Plans also come with road hazard tire repair or replacement. Omega will cover up to $20 for repair or $100 per tire for replacement (maximum $400) after damage from road hazards.
Beyond these unique perks, here’s what Omega Auto Care plans offer:
- Exclusionary: This is Omega Auto Care’s highest coverage plan. It covers anything except for a list of exclusions.
- Used-Stated: This plan covers many systems of the vehicle and is a good option for vehicles with under 150,000 miles.
- Powertrain Enhanced: This option covers the fuel, electrical, AC, and cooling system along with the powertrain.
- Powertrain Plus: This plan covers the engine, transmission, drive axle, air conditioning, and electrical systems.
- Powertrain: This basic coverage plan includes the engine, transmission, and drive axle.
Cost
Omega Auto Care has low prices per year of coverage but its monthly costs are a bit higher than average. This is because it has relatively short payment terms of 24 months. Monthly payments can range from $119 to $175, but the cost per year of coverage ranges from $571 to $840.
Best Extended Car Warranty Coverage
In this section, we’ll highlight the best extended car warranty companies that scored well in the coverage category. Our top three overall picks for coverage are Endurance, CarShield, and Omega Auto Care. This ranking takes into account the company’s plan options, variety of coverage, added benefits, mileage limit, and more.
| Provider | Number of Plans | Maximum Mileage | Our Coverage Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Endurance | 6 | 200,000 miles | 4.9 |
| CarShield | 6 | 300,000 miles | 4.8 |
| Omega Auto Care | 5 | 250,000 miles | 4.9 |
Best Extended Auto Warranty Plans
Now, let’s take a look at the best coverage plan for each type of warranty.
#1 Endurance Supreme: Best Bumper-To-Bumper Plan
If you’re looking for the most comprehensive coverage with great benefits, consider Endurance. Endurance’s Supreme plan is similar to a factory warranty. It covers any mechanical breakdown except for a list of exclusions.
Endurance plans also come with one year of Endurance Elite Benefits like key fob replacement and tire repair. Of course, plans also come with roadside assistance, trip interruption, and rental car coverage for the duration of the contract.
#2: Carchex Platinum: Best Mid-Level Plan
If you want one step below factory-level coverage, we recommend checking out Carchex. The company’s Platinum plan is a great option that covers all major systems of the vehicle. Since it’s not quite bumper-to-bumper coverage, it’s a good choice for vehicles with medium to high mileage.
#3: Omega Auto Care: Best Powertrain Plan
Omega Auto Care offers a basic powertrain plan that comes with extra perks not found in many other places. Its Powertrain plan covers the engine, transmission, drivetrain, and hybrid drive components. Beyond that, the plan comes with:
- Roadside assistance
- Rental car coverage
- Trip interruption
- Tire replacement/repair
- One year maintenance coverage
Read more: Best Extended Car Warranty Coverage Plans
Best Companies For Cheap Car Warranties
When you’re on a budget, you want to know which companies offer the best rates. In this section, we’ve ranked our top three picks for affordable extended warranty coverage.
| Company | Cheapest Plan | Monthly Payment Range | Our Pricing Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olive | Powertrain Plus | $26 to $63 | 4.8 |
| CarShield | Gold | $120 to $140 | 4.0 |
| Concord Auto Protect | Powertrain | $85 to $86 | 4.7 |
Here are some more details on our top picks:
- Olive: Olive offers the cheapest monthly payments and total costs overall. Monthly payments range from $26 to $63 and total costs range from $944 to $2,252. However, the company only offers three-year contracts and plans don’t come with roadside assistance.
- CarShield: CarShield offers flexible month-to-month contracts. This means you can customize your plan length to fit your budget. Since the company doesn’t offer fixed-term plans, calculate your total cost based on the monthly payment for however long you want to have the plan.
- Concord Auto Protect: Concord Auto Protect is another affordable warranty provider. Monthly payments are around $85 and total costs range from $1,907 to $2,134. The company offers three plans that range from basic protection to factory-level coverage.
Car Warranty Quote Comparison
It’s important to compare rates from different auto warranty companies. Below, we’ve included sample warranty quotes of exclusionary plans from multiple providers. Be sure to compare the same term lengths when you’re shopping for a warranty to get an accurate comparison.
| Company | Plan | Vehicle | Term | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endurance | Supreme | 2018 Ford Explorer | 4 years/101,000 miles | $156 for 28 months |
| Carchex | Titanium | 2018 Ford Explorer | Unlimited | $140 month to month |
| CarShield | Diamond | 2018 Ford Explorer | Unlimited | $140 month to month |
| autopom! | Exclusionary | 2018 Ford Explorer | 5 years/unlimited mileage | $116 for 24 months |
| Concord Auto Protect | Premium | 2018 Ford Explorer | 5 years/75,000 miles | $85 for 24 months |
| Olive | Complete Care | 2017 Honda CR-V | 3 years/185,000 miles | $29 for 36 months |
| Omega Auto Care | New Exclusionary | 2017 Ford Explorer | 5 years/75,000 miles | $127 for 24 months |
| Toco | Orange | 2018 Ford Explorer | Unlimited time/100,000 miles | $85 month to month |
Read more: Cheap Car Warranty
Best Extended Manufacturer Warranties
If your car is still within the factory warranty period, you might be able to get an extended warranty from your manufacturer. (Though, some manufacturers only sell plans when you purchase the vehicle.)
Not all manufacturers offer the same coverage options. Some offer one plan while others offer three. Some cap the mileage at 80,000 while others cover up to 175,000 miles. Below are some of our recommended extended warranties from manufacturers:
| Manufacturer | Extended Car Warranty Plan | Coverage Levels | Maximum Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford/Lincoln | Ford Protect/Lincoln Protect | 4 | 10 years or 175,000 miles |
| Volkswagen | Drive Easy | 3 | 10 years or 150,000 miles |
| Toyota | Vehicle Service Agreement | 3 | 10 years or 125,000 miles |
Ford/Lincoln: Best Manufacturer Extended Warranty
Ford and Lincoln share the same extended warranty plan terms under Ford Protect and Lincoln Protect. You can get this plan from Ford and Lincoln dealers both in person and online. There are four coverage levels:
- PremiumCare
- ExtraCare
- BaseCare
- PowertrainCare
Coverage can last up to 10 years/175,000 miles, which is the longest coverage in terms of mileage for any manufacturer extended warranty. If you want a plan, you’ll need to make a purchase before the factory bumper-to-bumper warranty expires at 3 years/36,000 miles.
Volkswagen: Best European Car Extended Warranty
Volkswagen is one of the best options if you want a European car that has a great extended warranty plan. Volkswagen’s plan is called Drive Easy and it comes with three levels:
- Platinum
- Gold
- Powertrain
These plans can last up to 10 years/150,000 miles. Volkswagen is one of the few manufacturers that allows drivers to buy extended plans after the factory warranty has expired.
Toyota: Strong Coverage Options
While Toyota vehicles are generally reliable, the company offers a long extended warranty plan that can last up to 10 years/125,000 miles. The Toyota Vehicle Service Agreement comes in three coverage levels:
- Platinum
- Gold
- Powertrain
Like Ford/Lincoln, you can only purchase a Toyota Vehicle Service Agreement before your factory warranty expires at 3 years/36,000 miles.
Read more: Extended Manufacturer Car Warranty
Extended Car Warranty Guide
Extended warranties and vehicle service contracts are complex agreements that involve many different aspects . In this section, we’ll cover what an extended warranty is, how it works, different types of plans, and more.
What Is An Extended Car Warranty?
An extended warranty is a contract for a company to cover certain car repairs or mechanical breakdowns on your vehicle that come from defects in materials or workmanship. Extended warranties don't cover normal wear and tear, regular maintenance, or cosmetic issues.
Strictly speaking, the manufacturer is the only entity that can offer an extended warranty. Third-party providers like Carchex and Endurance offer vehicle protection plans or vehicle service contracts (VSCs). Both types of contracts are commonly referred to as extended warranties. While extended warranties and VSCs are technically different, they both essentially serve the same function for car repairs.
To make things a little more confusing, sometimes auto manufacturers offer VSCs through third-party companies. The main difference between a factory extended warranty and a VSC is the company that pays for repairs. In extended warranties, the auto manufacturer handles claims. While for extended service plans, third-party companies pay for repairs.
How Do Extended Warranties Work?
Each repair has to be authorized for it to be covered by the extended warranty. In complex claims, the warranty company might send a representative to look at the breakdown in person.
In any case, the first thing to do is safely get your car to an authorized repair shop. Your warranty company can help you find a repair facility in your area. After that, the mechanic may have to tear down part of the vehicle to diagnose the issue. The warranty company won't pay for this teardown if the breakdown winds up not being covered.
The mechanic will seek approval from the warranty company before starting work. Once they get the go-ahead, they can start to fix the issue. You should only have to pay your deductible to the repair shop once the work is complete. Reputable warranty companies pay the cost of repairs to the shop directly, while some other providers require you to seek reimbursem*nt after the repair.
Waiting Period
Be aware that most extended warranties come with a waiting period. This is usually 30 days and 1,000 miles (both of these conditions must be met before a claim is covered). Some offer half that, while other companies, like Olive, don't have a waiting period at all.
The purpose of a waiting period is to protect the company from covering pre-existing issues. In other words, if you know your transmission needs to be replaced, you can't buy a warranty and have the repair covered the next day.
Types Of Warranty Plans
In general, there are two overarching types of extended warranty contracts:
- Exclusionary: Also called a bumper-to-bumper plan, this warranty covers any mechanical breakdown except for a list of exclusions placed in the contract. These plans are also called comprehensive warranties or factory-level warranties.
- Stated-component: This type of contract only covers the exact parts that are written out. Take a powertrain plan for example, it spells out exactly what parts in the engine, drivetrain, and drive axle are covered. Parts not expressly written down are not covered.
So if there are only two basic types of coverage, why do some companies have so many plans? Well, stated-component contracts can have a huge variation. With Carchex, for example, the Platinum, Powertrain Plus, Powertrain, and Extra Care plans are all stated-component contracts.
Types Of Warranty Companies
There are a few types of common companies that sell extended warranties or vehicle service contracts:
Manufacturers
Auto brands sell extended warranties that can take over repairs after your factory warranty expires. Most of the time, you can buy these from dealerships only. Some companies conveniently sell plans online.
Third-Party Warranty Companies
You can also get plans from companies like CarShield and Olive. In this case, a third-party company handles claims, and it may or may not be the warranty company that sold you the plan. An advantage to third-party providers is that they typically offer more flexibility in authorized repair shops, plan options, and maximum mileage.
Used Car Dealers
If you've ever visited a used vehicle dealership, you might have noticed that they sell warranties, as well. These plans will be backed by third-party providers. However, dealers usually don’t give you many plans or companies to choose from. They may work with one company and only show you one or two plans. Comparison shopping is the best way to find the right plan, so we recommend keeping your options open.
What Extended Warranties Don’t Cover
No extended car warranty covers everything, despite what some salespeople might say. Even a plan that covers the entire engine doesn't cover certain types of damage that can happen to it. Extended warranties commonly won’t cover pre-existing conditions or parts that are expected to wear out with consistent use, like brake pads and wiper blades.
Extended warranties also typically don’t cover any damages that come from:
- Misuse, like street racing or off-roading
- A lack of maintenance
- Accidents, collisions, or road debris
- Theft or vandalism
- Acts of nature like fire, floods, or fallen objects
- Deterioration or cosmetics
You may notice that some items from the above list are things often covered by car insurance companies–especially damages caused by environmental factors.
Extended Car Warranty Cost
Our team compared multiple quotes for different plans from many providers. Overall, we found that extended warranties cost an average of $109 per month and $977 per year of coverage. Total costs range from $944 to $4,368, though this doesn’t include unlimited-term contracts as those can get more expensive the longer you have them.
Factors That Affect Warranty Costs
Many things affect the cost for an extended warranty:
- Warranty company: The biggest thing that can change the cost is the company you choose. Different warranty companies can charge vastly different prices for the same type of coverage. That's why comparison shopping is so important.
- Vehicle: Compared to younger cars, warranties generally cost more for older vehicles with higher mileages. Some vehicles have higher average repair bills, like luxury cars. Warranties will cost more for these types of vehicles.
- Deductible: Most companies give you a range of deductible options, which is what you pay out of pocket when you have a covered repair. A higher deductible will lower your warranty cost and vice versa.
- Coverage: If you reach out to a company for a free quote, you'll often get multiple prices with a variety of coverage options. Higher coverage plans like CarShield’s Diamond plan or Carchex’s Titanium plan will often cost more than lower plans, all else being equal.
Are Extended Car Warranties Worth It?
Whether or not an extended warranty is worth it depends on your situation and what you want. If you just want peace of mind that repairs are covered, it can be worth getting an extended plan from a reputable company. It's important to take a look at your budget, as well. If you have the money to cover unexpected repairs, an extended warranty might not be the best option.
There are ways to estimate how much you might spend on repairs, too. Resources like Edmunds and RepairPal provide annual average repair costs down to the make, model, and year. With a very reliable model, you might only pay $400 per year in maintenance and repairs on average. But if you have a less reliable car, it might require $1,000 or more per year to keep up. These will factor into the decision to get an extended warranty.
How To Buy An Extended Car Warranty
You can get an extended warranty online, by calling a company, or by visiting a dealer in person. We recommend shopping around as much as you can because coverage options and prices vary quite a bit between companies.
The simplest option is to compare plans online. Some quote calculators might ask for your car's vehicle identification number (VIN), while others just ask for the make, model, and mileage. However, you'll likely need your VIN to complete a contract.
Most extended warranty companies offer 30-day money-back guarantees. After that, you’ll get a prorated refund based on time and claims spent. Take the time to read through the contract thoroughly and understand the fine print.
Aftermarket Warranties Vs. Manufacturer Warranties
The two main options for buying an extended warranty are from a manufacturer or an aftermarket (third-party) provider. Below, we compare these options.
| Manufacturer | Third-Party Warranty Company | |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Window | Must buy before factory warranty expires or even at vehicle purchase | Purchase a plan before or after the factory warranty expires while your car is under the maximum mileage limit |
| Maximum Mileage | Most plans max out between 80,000 and 150,000 miles | 150,000 to 300,000 miles |
| Average Cost | Generally over $1,000 per year of coverage | Many plans available under $1,000 per year of coverage |
| Repair Network | Most plans require you to visit the dealership for repairs | You can go to any licensed mechanic, including dealerships |
| Coverage Options | 1 to 3 options on average | 3 to 6 options on average |
| Added Benefits | The standard roadside assistance with towing, rental car reimbursem*nt, and trip interruption coverage | The standard roadside assistance with towing, rental car reimbursem*nt, and trip interruption coverage |
| Deductible | Many options to choose from | Many options to choose from |
Best Extended Car Warranty: Our Take
The best extended warranty for you depends on what you want. Do you want comprehensive coverage or powertrain protection? How long do you want repair coverage? Once you have an idea of these answers, compare multiple extended warranties to find the best option for your situation.
Endurance
4.6
Reliability: 4.3/5.0
Coverage: 4.9/5.0
Pricing: 4.8/5.0
Transparency: 4.8/5.0
Customer Experience: 4.3/5.0
Quick Facts
- Best Overall
- Plan Coverage: 6 plans with wide range of coverage
- Covered Miles: Up to 200,000 odometer miles
- Money-Back Guarantee: 30 days for full refund
- Longest Warranty plan: 8 years from plan start
- Discounts: $300 same-day signup discount, $250 shopping voucher, and others
Plan Coverage and Perks
| Plan coverage includes | Endurance Elite perks™ |
|---|---|
| Exclusionary plan | One-year membership for free |
| Powertrain plan | Tire repair and replacement |
| Maintenance coverage with Endurance Advantage | Key fob replacement |
| Roadside assistance | Total loss protection |
| Towing | Collision discount |
| Rental car | $250 rewards voucher |
| Trip interruption coverage | Endurance Protect app |
Best Extended Car Warranties: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about finding the best extended car warranty.
Who is the best extended car warranty?
Endurance is our pick for the best extended car warranty. The company offers a huge range of plans including an option that covers routine maintenance services like oil changes and tire rotations.
Are extended car warranties a good idea?
Having an extended car warranty can be a good idea if your car model averages high repair costs. Consult resources like RepairPal or Edmunds to see your car’s industry reliability ratings.
What is not covered by CarShield?
Plans from CarShield (and all other extended warranty companies) come with exclusions. These can be things like normal wear and tear, wearable items like brake pads, cosmetic damage, accident damage, damage from a lack of maintenance, and more.
How much should an extended warranty cost?
An extended warranty can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $4,500 depending on the car, company, and plan. On average, monthly payments are around $109 and plans cost about $977 per year of coverage.
How We Rate Car Warranty Companies
Our review team extensively researches extended car warranty providers to deliver informed and unbiased assessments of leading companies. We evaluate several key rating factors that are important to consumers to determine which providers are the best in the industry:
- Reliability: Warranty providers that earn strong ratings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), work with reliable partners and administrators, and have a long history in the warranty industry score well in this category.
- Coverage Plans: We take a close look at the coverage plans available through each provider, including how many are offered, maximum term limits, plan exclusions, and more. We also evaluate the added benefits companies include with their warranty plans, such as roadside assistance and trip interruption benefits.
- Pricing: Our team performs a secret shopper analysis for a variety of vehicles and coverage plans to get a sense of a provider’s average costs. We see how each company’s pricing, deductible options, and discount opportunities compare to competitors when determining this score.
- Transparency: We evaluate the availability and transparency of each company’s contracts, as well as whether each provider offers a money-back guarantee.
- Customer Experience: We consider customer reviews and complaints from sites like the BBB and Trustpilot. Our team also reaches out to customer service reps during our secret shopper analysis to get a sense of the customer experience with each company.
