Best Used Car Warranty

CARCHEX works with highly rated administrators such as American Auto Shield to offer plan options that last for up to 250,000 miles. The following extended warranty plans are available from CARCHEX:

• Titanium: Exclusionary protection similar to a bumper-to-bumper factory warranty
• Platinum: The highest level of stated-component coverage
• Powertrain Plus: Enhanced powertrain coverage for major components
• Powertrain: Basic powertrain coverage for high-mileage vehicles
• Extra Care: Covers nearly everything but powertrain components

Each of these coverage plans comes with perks such as 24/7 roadside assistance, towing services, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption benefits.

CARCHEX Warranty Cost

In our experience, CARCHEX offers affordable plans that can last for a long time and plenty of miles. The average cost of a warranty from CARCHEX is about $638 per year, which is cheaper than many other companies. The company’s plans don’t require a down payment, so coverage starts with your first month’s standard charge.

CarShield Coverage Plans

CarShield offers six vehicle warranty plans ranging from basic component coverage up to comprehensive coverage for the whole car. The company’s plans, which can last for up to 300,000 miles, come with roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage.

Take a look at CarShield’s used car warranty plans in the table below:

• Diamond: Bumper-to-bumper warranty offering comprehensive coverage
• Platinum: Stated-component plan that covers the engine, transmission, electrical system, and air conditioning
• Gold: Mid-level plan covering a variety of essential systems
• Silver: Basic powertrain coverage for your engine, transmission, and drivetrain
• Aluminum: Coverage for high-tech electronics
• Motorcycle & ATV: Protection for alternative vehicles like motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles

One unique feature of CarShield is that its rental car coverage also covers rideshare services up to a specific limit. Instead of getting a rental car, you could use Uber or Lyft to get to work and still receive reimbursement from CarShield.

CarShield Warranty Cost

CarShield is somewhat different from other used car warranty companies because it offers unlimited contracts. The company charges a certain cost per month that lasts however long you continue the contract, whether that’s for a few months or a few years. Because each driver’s coverage term varies so much, it’s difficult to predict the total price you could pay.

Omega Auto Care Coverage Plans

Omega Auto Care offers five extended car warranty options that each come with strong coverage benefits. The company can cover vehicles with up to 250,000 miles on them, meaning that most vehicles are eligible for coverage. Here are Omega Auto Care’s plans:

• Exclusionary: Covers nearly every part of your vehicle and acts similar to a bumper-to-bumper warranty on a new car.
• Used Stated: You’ll receive protection for the vast majority of car parts, though this plan lists specifically excluded components. 
• Powertrain Enhanced: Receive coverage for your car’s powertrain, along with the air conditioning, heating and cooling systems, and fuel system.
• Powertrain Plus: Get slightly slimmed-down protection for the same systems as those in the Powertrain Enhanced plan.
• Powertrain: Gain protection for only the most valuable and pricey-to-repair parts like the engine, transmission, and drive axles.

Omega Auto Care also provides 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption benefits with each plan. Car owners can add the Enhanced Electronics Package if they’d like up to $750 of repair and replacement costs for their car’s radio, audio system, touch screens, and navigation system.

Omega Auto Care Cost

Omega Auto Care is yet another affordable used car warranty company. According to the quotes we received, a year of coverage costs an average of $583 per year. Omega Auto Care only provided one deductible option of $100 to our secret shoppers.

One unique feature of Omega Auto Care is that the company will waive your deductible if you go to a mechanic certified by RepairPal. To find one, you can contact Omega Auto Care or use the RepairPal website.

Endurance Warranty Coverage Plans

Endurance offers used car extended warranty plans in every state. An Endurance extended car warranty covers can cover up to 200,000 miles, and you have access to six plans with varying levels of coverage: 

• Supreme: Bumper-to-bumper exclusionary warranty that covers most components of your car
• Superior: Stated-component coverage for hundreds of parts
• Secure Plus: Enhanced powertrain plan that covers steering, electrical, and braking systems
• Secure: Most affordable plan focused on protecting essential components
• Select Premier: Protection for high-mileage vehicles
• EnduranceAdvantage™: Covers mechanical breakdowns plus maintenance such as oil changes and engine diagnostics

Additionally, the Highline add-on for Supreme coverage offers protection to a variety of luxury and high-performance cars. The Mercedes AMG line, BMW M and 8 models, and various Porsche and Audi vehicles are a few that qualify for Highline coverage.

Endurance offers standard warranty perks such as roadside assistance, towing services, rental car coverage, and trip interruption benefits. All plans also come with one free year of Endurance Elite Benefits, which covers tire repairs and replacements, key fob replacements, collision discounts, and total loss protection.

Endurance Warranty Cost

Like CARCHEX, Endurance offers fairly affordable plans with an average cost of $640 per year. While the quotes we received required a down payment of between $150 and $300, Endurance agents offered to waive it if we signed up for coverage that day.

Toco Coverage Plans

Toco offers four plans, from bumper-to-bumper to powertrain coverage. The powertrain plan can cover vehicles with up to 250,000 miles, which makes it a good option for a used car warranty. The four plans are called Orange, Yellow, Blue, and Green. 

While there are four plans, you may only have one to choose from at the time. This is because Toco separates the plans by mileage: 0 to 100,000, 100,000 to 150,000, 150,000 to 200,000, and 200,000 to 250,000.

• Orange (0 to 100,000 miles): Comprehensive coverage for any breakdown except for a list of exclusions
• Yellow (100,000 to 150,000 miles): Extensive coverage for a variety of systems including technology, electrical, air conditioning, and more
• Blue (150,000 to 200,000 miles): Mid-tier coverage for important vehicle systems including the engine, fuel system, electrical, and more
• Green (200,000 to 250,000 miles): Basic coverage for crucial components in the engine, transmission, drivetrain, and hybrid components (if selected)

All Toco warranty plans come with 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage. They also include 5 percent cash back on hotel bookings through partners. 

Toco Warranty Cost

Overall, Toco warranty costs are about average for the industry. You pay the monthly price for the duration of the warranty and can cancel whenever you want during the term. Plans have a $100 deductible unless you go to Pep Boys, where it’s $50. Our team gathered quotes from three of the plans offered by Toco:

Protect My Car Coverage Plans

Protect My Car offers three extended warranty options that can cover your vehicle for up to 125,000 miles. It delivers three different coverage plans that can cover the needs of nearly anyone looking for a high-quality used car warranty.

• Ultimate: Coverage for most vehicle systems that mirrors a factory warranty
• Deluxe: Protection for low-mileage cars that covers the powertrain, air conditioning, steering, suspension, and seals and gaskets
• Essential: Enhanced powertrain coverage for only critical components

Each Protect My Car coverage plan includes 24-hour roadside assistance, towing, rental car reimbursement, trip interruption benefits, and enrollment into the PMC Rewards program.

Protect My Car Cost

Protect My Car generally costs a bit more than some other providers, but it can still be a good option depending on your situation. The quotes we received offered extended coverage up to 75,000 miles with no time limit. When we interacted with Protect My Car’s team, we found the agents to be helpful and to offer quick service.

Olive Coverage Plans

Olive offers three levels of extended warranty coverage. Contracts are only available for three-year periods but cover vehicles for up to 185,000 miles. Plans include a towing benefit and rental car reimbursement, but leave out all other roadside assistance services. While Olive warranties are shorter than most, they cover high-mileage vehicles and can be less expensive than those from many competitors.

• Complete Care: A bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers most vehicle components minus a short list of exclusions
• Powertrain Plus: This plan covers powertrain components and a few other critical systems such as steering, suspension, air conditioning, and electrical parts
• Powertrain: Basic powertrain coverage for the engine, transmission, drive axle, and fuel system

One main downside of Olive’s plans is that they don’t come with roadside assistance or trip interruption benefits. These are often included in a used car warranty.

Olive Warranty Cost

Olive is known for the extreme affordability of its used car warranty options, with plans only costing an average of $437 per year. The quotes we received came with a $500 deductible, meaning the plan kicks in if a covered breakdown costs more than $500. If you choose a lower deductible, you may receive slightly more expensive quotes from Olive.

Concord Auto Protect Coverage Plans

Concord Auto Protect offers three levels of coverage ranging from a powertrain plan to a premium plan (similar to a bumper-to-bumper). Below is a further breakdown of each plan and what is covered.

• Premium: Closest to a bumper-to-bumper warranty, this covers the engine, transmission, drive axles, suspension, fuel system, air conditioning, and more
• Advanced: A mid-level protection plan covering engine, transmission, and drivetrain components as well as steering, brakes, and the cooling system
• Powertrain: Similar to a typical powertrain warranty, covers the basic components that make the vehicle go

With every plan that it sells, Concord Auto Protect includes the following benefits:

• 24-hour roadside assistance
• Full transferability
• Towing to nearest repair facility
• Lockout service

Concord Auto Protect Cost

Concord Auto Protect offers prices that are often below the industry average. Extended warranties typically fall in the total cost range of $1,500 to $4,000, however, our team found that quotes from the company tend to be on the lower side. We received a few quotes from Concord Auto Protect, all for 5 years/60,000 miles, as shown in the table below. Each quote comes with a $100 deductible.

With so many options, it can be difficult to make a decision on a used car warranty. Next, we’ll go over what to know when shopping for an extended warranty on your used car.

Buying A Used Car Warranty

When you’re shopping for a used car warranty, consider getting multiple quotes from different companies. You may find out your car is eligible for different types of coverage from various providers.

It can often be helpful to call a company representative and have them walk you through the different plans. But hold your ground if you want to take time to consider your options. You can always call them back to make the purchase, as quotes are often good for 30 days.

After you find out the type of coverage you can get and the price, you’ll sign a contract electronically with the company to purchase a used car warranty. At that point, the waiting period starts. Usually, you need to wait 30 days and a few hundred miles before using warranty coverage. This is so the company doesn’t pay for preexisting issues.

The way you pay for the used car warranty will depend on what the company offers. You might want to pay for the whole plan upfront to save a bit on the total cost, or you could make monthly payments. Some companies charge payments for the duration of the plan while others lump payments into the first one, two, or three years.

How To Buy A Used Car Warranty

The used car warranty market can be overwhelming due to hundreds of providers and plans, varying payment and claim structures, and confusing fine print. Before contacting used car warranty companies for quotes, it’s important to understand the landscape and reflect on your needs.

Important Used Car Warranty Questions

Along with big-picture questions such as your level of vehicle protection and how much you’re willing to pay, here’s a short list of questions to ask during your search:

• Is the used car warranty company known for reliable and fast customer service?
• Does the company have high ratings from expert sources?
• What are customers saying in online reviews?
• Can you file claims on the weekend?
• How many years has the company been in business?
• Do the customer service representatives seem more eager to make a sale than meet your needs?
• Are warranty plans transferable?
• What other benefits are offered with the provider’s warranty plans?
• Are there restrictions, limitations, or inconveniences outlined in the fine print?

What To Look For In Used Car Warranty Companies

From coverage plans to what customers have to say, there’s lots to consider when comparing the best used car warranties. The best car warranty companies are known for reliably paying out claims on repairs and parts that are under contract. For this reason, buying from dependable used car warranty companies helps you get the best value.

If you’re thinking about purchasing a used car warranty, here are some items to consider:

• Reputation: The used car warranty company’s reputation is key. Much of your satisfaction with the warranty plan will depend on how helpful customer service representatives are throughout the entire process.
• Industry reviews: Websites like the BBB and Trustpilot can give insight into customers’ experiences and help you find the best used car warranty.
• Transparency: Make sure you can easily locate sample contracts on the company’s website easily. Also, see if there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Coverage terms: Consider how long you plan to keep the vehicle, what parts need to be covered, and what it would cost to cancel or transfer coverage.
• Price: The best used car warranty companies should be able to provide coverage at a price you’re comfortable with, and the plan should be as flexible as possible. You should have $0 deductible options along with your choice of a repair shop.

It’s important to consider these questions whether you’re looking at an automaker-backed plan, one from a third-party extended warranty company, or coverage in the form of mechanical breakdown insurance.

Used Car Warranty Coverage

Used car warranty companies offer multiple plans that cover different lists of vehicle components. Below are the three main coverage types you’ll find:

• Bumper-to-bumper: A bumper-to-bumper warranty is most similar to the new vehicle limited warranty and covers all parts not specifically listed as exclusions. Because of this, it’s commonly known as an exclusionary warranty.
• Stated-component: These plans protect most major components such as the air conditioning and electrical systems, but they’re less comprehensive than bumper-to-bumper plans. Stated-component coverage only protects what’s written in the contract and is often considered best for high-mileage vehicles.
• Powertrain: A powertrain warranty covers the most essential systems the car needs to function, like its engine, transmission, and drive axles. Because powertrain coverage is pretty basic, you’ll also find that it’s the cheapest coverage option.

Even with a used car, you’ll likely be eligible for a bumper-to-bumper warranty from most third-party providers. Note, though, that many people searching for used car warranties consider stated-component coverage instead of full bumper-to-bumper protection.

Used Car Warranty Exclusions

Note that warranties are meant to pay for auto repairs when car parts fail or break as a result of normal use. This means a used car warranty won’t pay for damages caused by a car accident, poor weather, or lack of proper maintenance. Providers also exclude damages covered by car insurance companies and wear and tear parts like brake pads, wiper blades, and tires.

Vehicle protection plans generally won’t cover the following:

• Regular maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations
• Unauthorized vehicle repairs
• Repairs that upgrade the car
• Aftermarket parts
• Cosmetic items such as paint, glass, and fabric
• Parts covered by the car’s manufacturer

Benefits Of A Used Car Warranty

Most extended car warranty plans come with extra benefits beyond the repair contract. These usually include roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and trip interruption. In most cases, you’ll need to cover these costs yourself and then submit receipts later on for reimbursement.

• Roadside assistance: This covers towing services, fuel deliveries, lockout assistance, spare tire changes, and battery jump-starts.
• Rental car reimbursement: This covers rental car costs while your own vehicle is in the shop for a covered repair. Warranty plans usually limit coverage to a set amount per day and set a maximum number of days.
• Trip interruption: This covers certain food and lodging costs if your car breaks down far away from home.

In our experience, most used car warranty companies offer all three benefits on stated-component and bumper-to-bumper coverage contracts. Some offer all three with powertrain plans, while other companies may just offer roadside assistance.

Used Car Warranty Cost

A used car warranty can cost between $1,500 and $4,000 in total depending on the provider, coverage plan, and term length. Some companies require you to pay the entire cost upfront, while others allow you to make monthly payments of about $100 to $200 per month. On top of your monthly payment, some companies require a down payment of up to $300.

Used Car Warranty Pros And Cons

Below, we’ll discuss several reasons a used car warranty may or may not be worth it:

Used Car Warranty Pros

Below are some strong reasons to consider purchasing a used car warranty:

1. You won’t pay for repairs out of pocket: The chance of your car suddenly requiring an expensive repair increases as the vehicle ages. If you aren’t able to pay for a $1,000 or $2,000 repair bill out of pocket, a used car warranty provider may be worth considering.
2. You’ll gain peace of mind: With an extended car warranty, you’ll have a set monthly budget for auto repairs. In this way, a warranty acts as a sort of insurance for car repairs, protecting you against bank-breaking bills.
3. You can keep your car longer: If you love your used vehicle and want to keep it for years to come, a used car warranty will help you do so by covering future repair costs. The sooner you purchase an extended car warranty, the sooner you can lock in a low rate for the long term.

Used Car Warranty Cons

Below are reasons to potentially consider avoiding a used car warranty:

1. Extended warranties don’t cover everything: A used car warranty isn’t a promise to pay for every repair that your car may need. After your vehicle breaks down, you’ll need approval from your claims administrator before repairs are made. Your claim could be denied if the contract doesn’t cover a certain part or breakdown.
2. Used car warranties can be expensive: If you have thousands in savings to use for car repairs, it’s probably not worth it to purchase a used car warranty. While it’s not fun to foot a pricey repair bill, you could save more money by not purchasing an extended car warranty.
3. You may not keep the used car for long: If you plan to buy a different car in the near future, purchasing a used car warranty may not be worth it. However, most extended warranties are transferable and could improve the car’s resale value.