Best Extended Car Warranty Plans (May 2024) (2024)

Table of Contents
5 Best Extended Car Warranty Plan Providers: Overview How We Ranked the Best Extended Car Warranty Companies 5 Best Extended Car Warranty Companies: Provider Reviews 1. Endurance: Best Overall Provider 2. Olive: Best Online Process 3. CarShield: Affordable Monthly Payments 4. CARCHEX: Best for Used Cars 5. Omega Auto Care: Great Maintenance Benefits Best Extended Car Warranty Providers: Honorable Mentions What Is an Extended Auto Warranty? Is an Extended Car Warranty Worth It? Extended Car Warranty Plan Costs Extended Auto Warranty Cost Factors Extended Car Warranty Plan Coverage Types of Extended Warranty Plans Best Extended Warranty for Cars: How To Choose Features of the Best Extended Car Warranties How To Find the Best Extended Auto Warranty For Your Vehicle Best Car Extended Warranty: Conclusion Best Extended Auto Warranty: FAQ Who has the best rated extended car warranty? What does a car warranty cover? Is an extended car warranty ever worth it? What is an extended warranty on a car? How much does a CARCHEX warranty cost? Are CarShield warranties expensive? Can you buy an extended warranty after purchase? How do you cancel an extended warranty on a car? Can you pay for an extended car warranty monthly? Are extended warranties worth it on used cars? Can you negotiate an extended car warranty? Does AAA offer extended warranties? Who competes with CarShield? Is an extended car warranty the same as mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI)? How much does an extended car warranty cost? Who administers CARCHEX extended warranty plans? Our Methodology FAQs

Affiliate Disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase coverage from the extended warranty providers outlined here. These commissions come to us at no additional cost to you. Our research team has carefully vetted dozens of extended warranty providers. See our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Crash Course:

  • Endurance ranks as the best extended car warranty company according to the results of our 2024 warranty study.
  • Olive, CarShield, CARCHEX, and Omega Auto Care made up the rest of our top five providers.
  • The best extended auto warranty for you will depend on your preferences and your car’s make, model, age, and mileage.

Endurance

4.6

Industry Standing: 4.4/5.0

Coverage: 4.9/5.0

Affordability: 4.5/5.0

Transparency: 5.0/5.0

Customer Service: 4.4/5.0

Best Extended Car Warranty Plans (May 2024) (1)

We recommend Endurance as the best warranty provider

Quick Facts

  • Best Overall
  • Coverage Plans: 6 options plus maintenance plan
  • Odometer Limit: Up to 200,000 miles
  • Free Cancellation: 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Longest Term: 8 years of coverage
  • Discounts: $300 same-day signup discount, $250 shopping voucher, and others

Warranty Coverage and Perks

Plan coverage includesEndurance Elite perks™
Factory-level bumper-to-bumper planFree membership for first year
Multiple powertrain/mid-level choices$500 collision discount
Scheduled maintenance coverageTire repair or replacement
24/7 emergency roadside assistanceTotal loss protection up to $1,000
Trip interruption reimbursementKey fob replacement and repair
Rental vehicle coverageEndurance mobile app
Towing allowance$250 credit with shopping or dining partners

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.

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5 Best Extended Car Warranty Plan Providers: Overview

While Endurance topped our list of the best extended car warranty providers in 2024, there wasn’t much separation between it and the rest of our top choices. You’ll find the top five highest-scoring warranty providers from our study listed in the table below, along with their overall scores and awards for this year.

Best Extended Car
Warranty Companies
Overall Rating
(out of 5.0)
2024 Extended WarrantyStudy Award
Endurance4.6Best Overall Provider
Olive4.5Best Online Process
CarShield4.5Affordable Monthly Payments
CARCHEX4.4Best for Used Cars
Omega Auto Care4.4Great Maintenance Benefits

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.

  • Coverage: Our team examines each company’s offerings to learn about their levels of coverage, term lengths, restrictions, and benefits. Providers that offer plenty of coverage options and give valuable perks to customers earn high scores.
  • Affordability: Using cost data and secret shopper studies, we rate warranty providers based on their overall affordability. In addition to total cost, our team considers the types of payment plans, deductible choices, and discounts offered.
  • Customer service: We look at ratings from multiple sources and consider hundreds of reviews to assess the customer experience of each company. Our research team also considers the quality and accessibility of online services and mobile apps.
  • Industry standing: Our team weighs the reputation held by each company within the auto warranty industry. In addition to scores from organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), we take into account a company’s age, corporate partnerships, and awards from across the automotive industry.
  • Transparency: Each provider’s transparency is assessed based on how much information is given to customers upfront. Extended car warranty companies that offer sample contracts, thorough descriptions of coverage online, and money-back guarantees earn higher scores.

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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, each of our top providers is worth considering. Keep reading to see which warranty company might be the best fit for you.

1. Endurance: Best Overall Provider

Endurance earned the top spot in our 2024 auto warranty study and stands out as one of the only direct providers in the industry. The company excels as a vehicle service contract provider due to its numerous plan options, relatively competitive prices, and the useful Endurance Elite Benefits package – which comes free for one year with each plan.

Endurance Extended Car Warranties

Plans offered: 6
Mileage limit: 200,000
Waiting period: 30 days and 1,000 miles for most plans – 60 days and 1,000 miles for Select Premier
Included benefits: Roadside assistance, one year of Endurance Elite Benefits (includes total loss protection, collision discount, key fob replacement, and complete tire coverage).

Endurance offers the following extended car warranty plans:

  • Supreme: Bumper-to-bumper coverage that compares to a new car manufacturer’s warranty.
  • Superior: The highest level of stated-component coverage from Endurance.
  • Secure Plus: Mid-tier coverage that includes gaskets, which aren’t covered by plans other than Supreme.
  • Select Premier: A powertrain-plus plan that protects some electrical components and the air conditioning system.
  • Secure: Endurance’s most affordable plan that offers basic powertrain coverage. Protects the turbocharger and supercharger in addition to more standard powertrain components such as the drive axle and transmission.

Endurance Warranty Pros and Cons

Endurance Warranty ProsEndurance Warranty Cons
Useful Endurance mobile appAverage rating from customers on the BBB
Excellent included benefitsSlightly higher prices than some providers
Administers its own warranty plans

Read more information in our full-length Endurance warranty review.

Best Overall Warranty Provider

Our Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0

Best Extended Car Warranty Plans (May 2024) (2)

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2. Olive: Best Online Process

Olive offers exceptional month-to-month coverage as opposed to longer contracts. This flexibility, combined with a user-friendly online experience, makes Olive one of the best providers for online-savvy people who want a low-risk way to add coverage to their vehicle.

Olive Extended Car Warranties

Plans offered: 3
Mileage limit: Unlimited
Waiting period: None
Included benefits: Towing, rental car coverage

Olive offers the following coverage options:

  • Complete Care: Exclusionary coverage, similar to a bumper-to-bumper warranty or new vehicle factory warranty.
  • Powertrain Plus: Coverage for electrical, steering, and suspension components in addition to parts and systems covered by the powertrain plan.
  • Powertrain: Basic powertrain coverage and Olive’s most affordable vehicle service plan.

Olive Warranty Pros and Cons

Olive Warranty ProsOlive Warranty Cons
Month-to-month extended car warranty plansNo roadside assistance services
Affordable coverageLongest available term is only three years
No mileage limitNo maintenance plans available

Further plan breakdowns and cost information can be found in our Olive warranty review.

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3. CarShield: Affordable Monthly Payments

CarShield offers one of the industry’s highest mileage limits at 300,000 miles and provides coverage for ATVs and motorcycles. But the company also consistently had some of the lowest prices of any provider in our secret shopper study, especially when broken down to monthly payments.

CarShield Extended Car Warranties

Plans offered: 8
Mileage limit: 300,000
Waiting period: 30 days and 1,000 miles
Included benefits: Roadside assistance, towing, rental car coverage, trip interruption coverage

CarShield offers eight types of coverage:

  • Diamond: Top-tier exclusionary coverage for newer vehicles.
  • Platinum: The highest level of stated-component coverage available from CarShield. Includes protection for steering, suspension, and fuel delivery systems.
  • Gold: Enhanced powertrain coverage that protects electrical components like the alternator and power windows in addition to components covered by the Silver plan.
  • Gold Select: This plan covers everything that the Gold plan covers except for the fuel pump and fuel injector.
  • Silver: Basic powertrain plan that covers essential components like the engine and driveshaft.
  • Aluminum: Specialty coverage for high-tech components and systems like navigation systems, cruise control, sensors, and seat controls.
  • Motorcycle and ATV: CarShield is one of only a few providers that offers coverage for alternative vehicles.
  • Electric Vehicle: This plan is made specifically for EVs, and it covers the battery pack, electrical system, electric drive unit, and more.

CarShield Warranty Pros and Cons

CarShield ProsCarShield Cons
Plans for high-mileage vehiclesPoor review scores on the BBB
Covers ATVs and motorcyclesNot all extended car warranty contracts can be transferred
Coverage for high-tech components and electric vehicles (EVs)

Discover more details by reading our comprehensive CarShield review.

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4. CARCHEX: Best for Used Cars

CARCHEX is one of the most established companies in the car warranty industry and has a range of plans that can fit most needs. With coverage for vehicles up to 250,000 miles and term lengths of up to 10 years, CARCHEX is one of the best extended warranty providers for owners of high-mileage vehicles and older used cars.

CARCHEX Extended Car Warranties

Plans offered: 5
Mileage limit: 250,000
Waiting period: 30 days and 1,000 miles
Included benefits: Roadside assistance, towing, trip interruption, rental car coverage

CARCHEX sells the following coverage plans:

  • Titanium: The highest level of coverage CARCHEX offers is an exclusionary plan that covers everything but a few specifically-named components.
  • Platinum: A comprehensive stated-component plan that covers steering, suspension, and climate control components in addition to everything covered under lower-tier plans.
  • Powertrain Plus: Mid-tier coverage that protects the fuel system, seals, electrical system, and more on top of all components covered under the Powertrain plan.
  • Powertrain: CARCHEX’s most basic level of coverage and an affordable used car warranty option.
  • Extra Care: Unique coverage package that protects the steering, suspension, and braking systems without covering powertrain components.

CARCHEX Warranty Pros and Cons

CARCHEX ProsCARCHEX Cons
A+ rating and accreditation from the BBBService varies depending on car warranty administrator
Large repair shop networkLimited options for exotic, classic, and luxury vehicles
Offers coverage for California residentsSome contracts can’t be renewed

To get a more in-depth look at the company, check out our CARCHEX review.

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5. Omega Auto Care: Great Maintenance Benefits

Omega Auto Care earned fifth place in our extended vehicle warranty study. The company offers five protection plans and provides maintenance benefits like oil changes and tire rotations. 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.

Omega Auto Care Extended Car Warranties

Plans offered: 5
Mileage limit: 250,000 miles
Waiting period: 30 days
Included benefits: Roadside assistance, towing, rental car reimbursement, trip interruption coverage, maintenance coverage

Omega Auto Care offers the following extended warranty plans:

  • New Exclusionary: This plan is for cars that are no older than 7 model years and have fewer than 100,000 miles. It covers hundreds of parts on all major systems of the car.
  • Used Stated: This plan is meant for vehicles 10 model years old with under 150,000 miles. It covers most vehicle components.
  • Powertrain Enhanced: Omega Auto Care offers three powertrain plans, and this is the most comprehensive. It covers the powertrain of your car, along with air conditioning and heating components, the cooling and fuel systems, and most electrical components.
  • Powertrain Plus: This mid-tier plan covers the powertrain, plus a few electrical components.
  • Powertrain: The most basic plan Omega Auto Care offers, this powertrain plan covers your car’s most important systems.

Omega Auto Care Warranty Pros and Cons

Omega Auto Care ProsOmega Auto Care Cons
Positive customer service reputationJust one deductible option
Maintenance benefits
Several coverage options

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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.

autopom!: Best 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.

Toco

Toco is among our top ten picks for warranty providers due to its reputation and coverage. It has excellent reviews from customers and the BBB, and it’s financially backed by a larger company, AmTrust Financial Services, which may give drivers peace of mind about their claims being paid out. Toco offers coverage for cars with up to 250,000 miles, making it a solid choice for used car protection.

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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.

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, it’s possible you won’t need 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:

  • 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.
  • 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. With warranty coverage, you can avoid paying out of pocket for various car repair and replacement costs. The most common repairs costs are shown in the graphic below.
Best Extended Car Warranty Plans (May 2024) (3)

Extended Car Warranty Plan Costs

In our secret shopper research, we found that the average extended auto warranty plan costs about $977 per year of coverage. This is more or less consistent with what we learned from our auto warranty survey. A majority of the more-than 1,000 respondents said they paid between $1,600 and $3,200 in total for their extended warranty plans.

These averages include all coverage levels, which is one reason for such a wide range in cost. The amount of coverage you choose and other factors can significantly affect how much you pay for coverage, meaning these averages should only be used as a guide. You can request free quotes to get a more precise idea of your own extended warranty costs.

Expand the section below to learn more about the factors that affect the cost of an extended warranty plan.

Extended Auto Warranty Cost Factors

Best Extended Car Warranty Plans (May 2024) (4)

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 cost more to cover.
  • Vehicle type: The pricier a car and its repairs are 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.

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Extended Car Warranty Plan Coverage

Whereas a factory warranty is a standard offering on a car, you get to customize your coverage with an extended warranty. Most providers offer a few coverage levels, allowing you to find a warranty plan that fits your needs and your budget.

Types of Extended Warranty Plans

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 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 or replace wear and tear items like brake pads and windshield wiper blades.

Best Extended Warranty for Cars: How To Choose

There is no single best extended warranty provider for everyone. Certain providers may have better prices for your coverage needs and vehicles than others. Some auto warranty companies may offer benefits or coverage packages that work better for you.

In the following sections, you’ll learn how to identify a good provider. We also provide a short guide to finding and choosing the right extended warranty for you and your vehicle.

Features of the Best Extended Car Warranties

Not every auto warranty provider is reputable. While the companies mentioned in this article are reliable and transparent, others may be unresponsive when handling 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.

Expand the section to learn more about these features.

Inclusive Eligibility Requirements

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’ll cover. The more exclusions a provider has, the less likely your repair will be covered.

Clear, Simple Fine Print

When you shop around for the best extended car warranty providers, check the fine print for any noteworthy details. You should have access to a 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.

Supportive Customer Service

When it comes time to use your extended warranty coverage, you’ll want a provider who won’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.

No-Hassle Cancellation Policy

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 more likely to be reputable.

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 in a timely fashion, indicating that it values their satisfaction.

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How To Find the Best Extended Auto Warranty For Your Vehicle

Here are a few tips that can help choose the best coverage provider for you and your vehicle:

  1. 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 satisfy your needs? Know what you’re looking for in a plan and provider before you start shopping.
  2. Consider your budget: Think about how much you can reasonably afford to spend, either as an upfront lump sum or in monthly installments. Figuring out your budget can help to guide your decision.
  3. Find a few options you like: Most extended warranty companies offer similar products, but there are differences that make some more attractive than others. You can use roundups like this one to find providers that offer the options, benefits, and customer service that you desire.
  4. 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 offers you receive.
  5. Go with your gut: There are a lot of things to consider when 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 2024 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.

Endurance

4.6

Industry Standing: 4.4/5.0

Coverage: 4.9/5.0

Affordability: 4.5/5.0

Transparency: 5.0/5.0

Customer Service: 4.4/5.0

Best Extended Car Warranty Plans (May 2024) (5)

We recommend Endurance as the best warranty provider

Quick Facts

  • Best Overall
  • Coverage Plans: 6 options plus maintenance plan
  • Odometer Limit: Up to 200,000 miles
  • Free Cancellation: 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Longest Term: 8 years of coverage
  • Discounts: $300 same-day signup discount, $250 shopping voucher, and others

Warranty Coverage and Perks

Plan coverage includesEndurance Elite perks™
Factory-level bumper-to-bumper planFree membership for first year
Multiple powertrain/mid-level choices$500 collision discount
Scheduled maintenance coverageTire repair or replacement
24/7 emergency roadside assistanceTotal loss protection up to $1,000
Trip interruption reimbursementKey fob replacement and repair
Rental vehicle coverageEndurance mobile app
Towing allowance$250 credit with shopping or dining partners

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, CARCHEX, and Omega Auto Care 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 $150 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, 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 a 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 also 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.

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, doesn’t have negotiable contracts, which is a good thing for many customers. The CARCHEX haggle-free guarantee means you’re 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, 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 Omega Auto Care, 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 $977 per year, based on our research. 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.

Who administers CARCHEX extended warranty plans?

CARCHEX uses several third-party administrators to service claims for the warranty plans it sells. Depending on the plan you buy and where you buy it, your CARCHEX coverage may be handled by companies like American Auto Shield.

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.

  • Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, availability, and years in business when giving this score.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Transparency: We consider the transparency of each company’s contracts and the availability of a money-back guarantee when determining 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.

*Data accurate at time of publication.

Best Extended Car Warranty Plans (May 2024) (2024)

FAQs

Best Extended Car Warranty Plans (May 2024)? ›

Based on our 2024 industry-wide research, Endurance Supreme is the best extended auto warranty plan overall due to its comprehensive coverage and additional perks. Omega Auto Care New Exclusionary and Olive Complete Care ranked after Endurance Supreme among bumper-to-bumper coverage options.

Which is the best extended car warranty to buy? ›

Best Overall: Endurance

Why we chose it: Endurance is our best overall car warranty company because it offers the warranties itself instead of using a third party, they're reviewed by actual mechanics, and the company provides roadside service. Founded in 2012, Endurance has paid over $300 million in claims.

Is the $100 000 mile warranty worth it? ›

The older your car gets and the more miles you drive, the more likely it is you may encounter failing or malfunctioning vehicle parts. Purchasing an extended warranty for cars over 100,000 miles will help ensure your vehicle is protected long-term in case of a mechanical breakdown.

Which is better, CarShield or Endurance? ›

Endurance has a healthy 3.6 out of 5 stars from nearly 3,400 customer reviews on the BBB. CarShield, by contrast, holds a 1.3-star rating out of 5 based on more than 2,400 reviews.

How much should an extended car warranty cost? ›

What is the average cost of an extended warranty? Extended car warranty costs depend on many factors, including the vehicle's type, mileage and the owner's choice of deductible and coverage. In our recent survey, half of the respondents said they paid between $1,700 and $3,200 for their vehicle service contracts.

What is the best extended warranty for cars in 2024? ›

Based on our 2024 industry-wide research, Endurance Supreme is the best extended auto warranty plan overall due to its comprehensive coverage and additional perks. Omega Auto Care New Exclusionary and Olive Complete Care ranked after Endurance Supreme among bumper-to-bumper coverage options.

What are two reasons not to buy an extended warranty? ›

Well, not necessarily.
  • Extended warranties are expensive. ...
  • Extended warranty coverage may not be applicable in all situations. ...
  • Your purchase likely comes with a manufacturer's warranty. ...
  • Your credit card may protect you. ...
  • The retailer may take the item back.
Jan 15, 2023

What car company has a 10 year 100000 mile warranty? ›

Kia. New Kia vehicles also come with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Kia can't match the above brands when it comes to roadside assistance, but you still get extra peace of mind in the event of a breakdown.

Why do car dealers push extended warranties? ›

Because dealerships profit more from aftermarket sales than from new car sales, they hope to be your primary source for an extended car warranty. Dealers want to make the car buying experience as easy and efficient as possible, so they will try to sell you a warranty based on convenience and accessibility.

Are extended car warranties ever a good idea? ›

Final take: An extended warranty is usually a good investment. A vehicle protection plan is an especially wise investment if your car has a reputation for expensive upkeep or below-average reliability.

Is the CarShield warranty a ripoff? ›

Is CarShield a Legitimate Business? CarShield is a legitimate extended auto warranty provider, offering six vehicle service contracts.

Is Carchex or endurance better? ›

Endurance scored higher in our comprehensive, industrywide review when compared with Carchex. However, which one is better for you will largely depend on your individual needs.

How much is endurance monthly? ›

Price Range and Plans Offered

Endurance offers six different plans, all of which vary in cost depending on the type of service selected, as well as customizable coverage for all drivers. A basic plan typically costs around $99 per month, while the most comprehensive plans cost more monthly or annually.

What is the highest rated car warranty company? ›

We recommend Endurance, which ranks No. 1 in our list of best extended car warranty providers, based on its six coverage options, low cost and trustworthiness.

Can I negotiate the price of extended warranty? ›

Like the price of the car, you can negotiate the price of an extended warranty. But even if you can get the price down, you may want to pass on the extended warranty altogether, since they usually cost more than the out-of-pocket cost of repairs.

What are two of the things should you consider before getting an extended warranty? ›

Vehicle mileage: The higher the mileage, the more your car warranty will cost. This is because your vehicle is more likely to need major repairs than one with low mileage. Vehicle make and model: If you drive a make or model that's expensive to repair, you'll end up paying more for an extended warranty.

Is it worth paying extra for extended warranty on car? ›

Key Takeaways: Extended car warranties can provide peace of mind and protect drivers from paying out of pocket for costly repairs. It's smart to consider an extended warranty if you have a used car, if the vehicle has high mileage or if it's an unreliable model.

Is CarShield a good warranty? ›

CarShield is a legitimate extended auto warranty provider, offering six vehicle service contracts. In our review of the best car warranty companies, we gave CarShield an overall review score of 8.9 out of 10.0 based on its reputation, coverage, cost, transparency and customer experience.

Why is CarShield so expensive? ›

Factors that affect CarShield costs

Coverage level: Bumper-to-bumper or exclusionary contracts cover more parts and repairs than stated-component and powertrain coverages, so they cost more. Vehicle: Older vehicles and vehicles known to have a higher rate of mechanical breakdowns may cost more to cover.

What car has the best longest warranty? ›

Hyundai

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