Best Extended Car Warranty: Top 9 Providers (2022)

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An extended auto warranty is a service contract that covers auto repairs after the factory car warranty expires. Drivers can purchase aftermarket auto warranty coverage from vehicle manufacturers or from the best extended car warranty companies on the market.

Key Takeaways

• The cost of an extended warranty ranges from about $1,600 to $4,500.
• An auto warranty covers repairs to essential parts and components such as the engine and transmission for a set number of years or miles.
• Endurance is the best extended car warranty provider, closely followed by CARCHEX and Protect My Car.
• An extended used car warranty is worth it for many drivers who want peace of mind on the road.

When shopping for car warranty coverage, the best thing to do is shop around to find the best quote for your vehicle. That way, you can compare each company’s prices up front and get a feel for customer service.

 

In this article:

• Our Picks For The 9 Best Extended Car Warranty Companies
• What Is An Extended Warranty On A Car?
• How Much Does An Extended Auto Warranty Cost?
• Types Of Aftermarket Auto Warranties
• How Does An Aftermarket Car Warranty Work?
• Do I Need An Aftermarket Car Warranty?
• Benefits Of An Extended Car Warranty
• Best New Car Warranties
• 5 Things To Look For In An Aftermarket Car Warranty Provider
• FAQ: Best Extended Car Warranty
• Methodology

Our Picks For The 9 Best Extended Car Warranty Companies

Our research team compiled key information on all of the most popular extended auto warranty providers. We rated these providers based on industry standing, coverage, cost, transparency, and customer service. Based on these criteria, our top picks for the best extended car warranties include:

• #1 Endurance: Best Coverage
• #2 CARCHEX: Best for Used Cars
• #3 Protect My Car: Best Maintenance Benefits
• #4 CarShield: Best Value
• #5 autopom!: Best Claims Process
• #6 Olive: Best Online Warranty
• #7 ForeverCar
• #8 Concord Auto Protect
• #9 Toco

The chart below goes into more detail about the factors that comprised each company's ranking:

 

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Best Coverage: Endurance

Why we chose it: Widest selection of standard warranties and maintenance plans

A direct provider for vehicle protection, Endurance is an extended car warranty company with over 10 years of experience backed by an AM Best insurance company with an A rating. Endurance also has a 4.3-star rating on Trustpilot from over 4,400 reviews.

Unlike most car warranty companies, Endurance is a direct administrator of warranty plans, meaning it handles all claims directly, so there’s no go-between involved. You talk with just the Endurance team at every point of the process. Not only can this speed up the claims process, but you also won’t be wondering who you should call for what issue.

Endurance Car Warranty Cost

Our team reached out for Endurance quotes and found plans can range from $2,600 to $4,400. Monthly payments ranged from $86 to $124, making Endurance an affordable option.

Endurance Coverage

Endurance offers six levels of auto protection: 

 

Endurance doesn't list maximum term lengths on its website. In our secret shopper analysis, the longest coverage we could find was 8 years/200,000+ miles. We recommend calling Endurance to get a quote for your car since vehicle age and mileage factor into the cost.

Each Endurance plan comes with roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage. Plans also come with one year of Endurance Elite Benefits, which include tire repairs and replacements, key fob replacements, and more. These benefits are some of the best you will find in the extended auto warranty industry.

Additionally, the EnduranceAdvantage plan is unique in the industry because it offers both extended warranty coverage and vehicle maintenance. There are three levels of coverage within the plan – Prime, Plus, and Preferred – all of which include high-level, stated-component coverage and many maintenance services.

Other features that make Endurance a top extended warranty for cars include:

• Quick and easy claims process: Customers can make claims online or by phone.
• Collision discount: Endurance Elite Benefits include a reimbursement of $500 per covered collision to help with your car insurance deductible (up to $1,000 total).
• Endurance mobile app: This app connects you with Endurance staff and makes it easy to access benefits like roadside assistance.
• Highline add-on: The Supreme Highline add-on can cover performance luxury vehicles like many of the Mercedes AMG vehicles and BMW M Series models.

For more information on this extended car warranty provider, check out our complete Endurance warranty review.

 

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Best For Used Cars: CARCHEX

Why we chose it: High mileage limits and strong industry reputation

CARCHEX has been in the business for more than 20 years, has an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and accreditation, and is endorsed by industry leaders such as Kelley Blue Book, the Vehicle Protection Association, CARFAX, and Edmunds.com. The company has also received numerous awards for outstanding customer service, including:

• 2017 Top Pick by ThoroughlyReviewed 
• TopConsumerReviews.com 5-star rating for 6 consecutive years
• BestReviewsHub.com Best Choice Award for 4 consecutive years
• Golden Bridge Awards^® “Silver Status” for 3 consecutive years for customer service

On customer service, the company’s No-Haggle, Low-Price, Everyday Guarantee™ differentiates CARCHEX from competitors, as the provider aims to provide the best possible experience in which coverage and pricing details are clear, you aren’t pressured to buy, and your questions are fully answered. It's an experience that can be hard to find in the car warranty industry. 

Additionally, the CARCHEX 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee means you can give the company a try and get a full refund if you’re not satisfied within 30 days. We found a 30-day guarantee period is fairly standard among the car warranty companies we reviewed.

CARCHEX offers five coverage tiers with several plan options under each tier for a total of 16 warranty plans. Sample contracts are available on the company’s website, and though the contracts are long (14 to 34 pages), CARCHEX representatives will walk you through them to help you understand what is and isn't covered.

CARCHEX Warranty Cost

According to quotes our team received from CARCHEX, plans cost between $2,500 and $3,100. Payments range from $110 to $215 per month. You may find different prices based on your vehicle and desired coverage.

CARCHEX Coverage

CARCHEX works with multiple contract administrators, including Royal Administration, so each contract has customization opportunities. Let's take a closer look at what a CARCHEX extended car warranty covers under each tier:

 

Other reasons we recognized CARCHEX as one of the top choices for the best extended car warranty include: 

• Added perks: CARCHEX protection plans include 24/7 emergency roadside assistance, gas delivery, trip interruption services, lost key or lockout services, and more. 
• Choice of your favorite auto shop: You won’t be limited to a dealership or a certain repair shop with CARCHEX. You can go to your favorite licensed repair facility, including your local dealer, an independent repair shop, or a national chain such as Firestone or Pep Boys. 
• Claims paid to repair shops: Instead of having you pay for your car’s repairs and then endure a lengthy claims process to get reimbursed, CARCHEX pays your repair shop directly.

For more information on this extended car warranty provider, check out our CARCHEX review.

 

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Best Maintenance Benefits: Protect My Car

Why we chose it: Flexible plans that cover scheduled maintenance

Established in 2005 and based in St. Petersburg, Florida, Protect My Car is a popular choice for vehicle service contracts. Hundreds of five-star customer reviews on the BBB website give Protect My Car a 4.2-star rating. The company also has a 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot from over 3,000 reviews. 

With Protect My Car's two highest levels of protection, you will have a $100 deductible. Its lowest level of protection has a $200 deductible. A $0 deductible option isn't available.

 

Protect My Car also offers Ambassador Maintenance Plans that apply to most vehicles, even ones older than 13 years. These car maintenance contracts offer guaranteed discounts between 50 and 75 percent on vehicle repairs, plus rental car coverage and more for older cars. However, they don't provide protection on the same level as a standard extended warranty for cars.

Benefits of Protect My Car include:

• 24/7 roadside assistance is included with all warranty plans.
• Protect My Car customers have access to PMC Rewards, a shopping and dining discounts reward program.
• Protect My Car has flexible payment terms, with monthly payment plans that last between 36 and 48 months and allow you to finance your coverage over many years.

For more information on this extended car warranty provider, check out our Protect My Car review.

 

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Best Value: CarShield

Why we chose it: Affordable monthly costs and most popular provider

CarShield started in 2005 and has since protected over one million vehicles. Our team recognized it for having the Best Value because of its low rates and positive online reviews. CarShield boasts an average rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 stars across more than 30,000 Trustpilot reviews and gets 4.2 out of 5.0 stars averaged from more than 10,000 Google reviews.

CarShield sells plans from multiple providers, including American Auto Shield, and operates as the liaison between the customer and a warranty company. It has several levels of coverage for new and used cars, but we especially like its protection for specialty vehicles and high-tech systems and components.

Is CarShield Expensive?

In the quotes we received, CarShield plans ranged from $89 to $129 per month. These prices are affordable compared to many other providers.

 

CarShield can cover vehicles up to 300,000 miles. As with Endurance, the maximum number of coverage years isn't listed on the company website.

To make coverage as flexible as possible, many of the company’s plans are month-to-month contracts, so you’re not locked in for any number of years. Since your vehicle’s age and mileage help determine eligibility, the best way to find out how long you can cover your vehicle is to call CarShield.

We found CarShield to be a popular choice because of its many perks, including:

• Low or $0 deductibles
• 24/7 roadside assistance
• Courtesy towing
• Claims paid directly to the auto repair facility
• Rental car reimbursement included in most plans

For more information on this vehicle service contract provider, check out our CarShield review.

 

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Best Claims Process: autopom!

Why we chose it: Strong customer service record for shopping and claims experience

The name for autopom! comes from the company’s mission: to provide automotive peace of mind. Since its founding in 2010, the company has earned BBB accreditation and an A+ rating, with only a few customer complaints. The warranty provider is rated 4.6 out of 5.0 stars on Trustpilot based on more than 100 customer reviews.

The warranty company prides itself on its consultative approach to customer service and a low-pressure quotes process, which we like. Of the companies we've reviewed, autopom! had the fastest and most convenient quotes process.

Within just a few minutes of submitting a quote request on autopom!’s website, we received an email with the recommended plan, term, waiting period, deductible, down payment, and total price, in addition to a sample contract. The quote also included the email address and direct phone number to a coverage consultant for questions and to complete the warranty purchase. 

The company promises never to leave customers to fend for themselves through the claims process, and autopom! agents will investigate on behalf of the customer when a claim is taking too long to process. The company works with the claims administrator to understand why a claim was denied if you feel you were entitled to coverage. 

autopom! Coverage

There are three levels of autopom! extended warranties for cars, though some plans are only available in California.

 

For more information on this extended vehicle warranty provider, check out our autopom! review.

 

 

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Best Online Warranty: Olive

Why we chose it: Innovative online warranty company with easy-to-understand plans

Olive warranty is a digitally focused extended warranty provider. The company was founded in 2000, though only recently began focusing efforts on selling its warranty products online. The relatively young company has an A rating and accreditation from the BBB.

Olive Coverage

With Olive, you have access to three plans with varying levels of coverage, ranging from bumper-to-bumper coverage to basic powertrain protection.

 

With each of the plans, you can get benefits such as towing and rental car reimbursement. As for pricing, Olive is cheaper than many other top providers of vehicle service contracts. Our team reached out for quotes for different vehicles and received extended warranty rates that were consistently lower than other leading companies.

 

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What Is An Extended Warranty On A Car?

An extended car warranty, also called a vehicle service contract or aftermarket car warranty, is an optional service plan that helps cover the cost of certain car repairs or part replacements. An extended service plan usually takes effect after your manufacturer’s factory warranty has expired, though the two warranties sometimes overlap.

The main difference between a manufacturer’s warranty and an extended auto warranty is that a manufacturer’s warranty is included at the time of a vehicle's sale. Extended car warranties, on the other hand, cost an additional fee.

What’s Covered Under An Extended Warranty?

Extended car warranties cover repairs and replacements for breakdowns that come from normal use. Depending on your plan, it may cover your powertrain, electrical system, air conditioning, and other systems.

Most extended warranties don't cover routine maintenance for your vehicle. Things such as oil changes, brake pads, and tires are usually the owner’s responsibility. The best extended car warranty companies have several coverage options, so you can select a plan that fits the needs of your vehicle.

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How Much Does An Extended Auto Warranty Cost?

Based on our research, extended warranties lasting between three and six years cost anywhere from $1,600 to $4,500 on average. Bumper-to-bumper warranties tend to be more expensive, as they cover more components. Longer-lasting coverage also increases the contract price. Other factors that affect car warranty costs include:

• Deductible
• Vehicle age, make, model, and mileage
• Existing coverage
• Location
• Provider

What Is A Good Price For An Extended Car Warranty?

A good price for a comprehensive extended car warranty is between $2,000 and $3,500 in total. Prices vary depending on the coverage and limitations you select. Many companies offer monthly payments that range from $80 to $125, so you can stay within a budget, as well. 

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Types Of Aftermarket Auto Warranties

Similar to manufacturers' warranties, aftermarket car warranties generally fall under three main types: powertrain, bumper to bumper, and named component. We’ve outlined some of the basics for each type of warranty below: 

• Powertrain: Powertrain warranties cover the drivetrain of your vehicle. This includes most of the internal parts of the engine and transmission. Extended powertrain warranties are usually recommended for high-mileage or older vehicles.
• Bumper-to-bumper: Bumper-to-bumper warranties usually offer the most comprehensive coverage. Most include the car’s major mechanical systems, except for certain excluded items. The excluded components of a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty should be listed in the warranty details.
• Named component: You might consider a named-component contract the opposite of a bumper-to-bumper warranty. Instead of a list of excluded parts or services, a named-component service contract gives you a list of included parts. Everything else is considered not covered.

Read the fine print of your warranty or look at a sample contract to make sure you know what type of service contract your aftermarket car warranty falls under.

Extended Auto Warranty Vs. Mechanical Breakdown Insurance

Some car insurance providers offer mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI). This is an add-on that covers mechanical issues similar to an extended auto warranty. However, MBI often requires you to visit a small network of dealerships, and it usually doesn't last as long as plans from the best car warranty providers.

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How Does An Aftermarket Car Warranty Work?

An extended warranty helps protect you by covering the cost of certain repairs if a mechanical or electrical component breaks down. Exactly which parts are covered depends on your contract. Typically, there are two types of coverage plan options: exclusionary coverage and named-component coverage.

• Exclusionary coverage: This type of car warranty plan covers all parts of your vehicle in the case of a mechanical breakdown, except for a short list of excluded parts and components.
• Named-component coverage: This auto warranty, also known as inclusionary coverage, is essentially the opposite of exclusionary coverage. Your contract will specifically list the covered parts and systems. Any parts not listed aren't covered.

Within named component coverage, you can find various plan levels, such as:

• High-stated coverage: This is the highest level of stated coverage – every covered part is listed out on the contract. This type of plan can cover hundreds of separate components.
• Medium-stated coverage: This level usually covers most of the main systems of the car and includes things such as air conditioning, steering, and electrical components.
• Low-stated coverage: Also known as a “powertrain plus” plan, this covers the powertrain and a few important systems.
• Basic powertrain: This is typically the lowest protection level an extended warranty company offers and is comparable to a powertrain warranty. It covers repair costs of the engine, drivetrain, and transmission. These can be costly repairs, so it’s a good idea to protect them on high-mileage cars.

Car Warranty Exclusions

Extended car warranties only cover components that break down as a result of normal use. Damage resulting from an accident, misuse, or improper maintenance won't be covered. Certain items aren't covered under any circumstance. These typically include non-mechanical parts such as bumpers, glass, trim, and upholstery. Wear and tear items such as tires, brake pads, wiper blades, and shock absorbers are also typically excluded from coverage.

Auto Warranty Waiting Period

After purchasing your contract, most warranty providers require you to go through a waiting period until you can use your coverage. This helps protect the provider from someone purchasing a warranty right after discovering an issue with their car. Most extended warranties require you to wait 30 days and 1,000 miles before making a claim for car repairs.

If you experience a covered breakdown after your waiting period is up, you’ll file a claim with your warranty provider. Depending on your contract, you may have to use a network of dealerships, or you might be able to use your favorite repair facility. Most plans require you to pay a deductible, and the extended warranty covers the rest of the repair cost.

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Do I Need An Aftermarket Car Warranty?

You may have never been in an accident, but you still need car insurance. The reasoning for an extended car warranty follows the same principle. You may not need it today, but if you ever do need it, you'll be glad the protection was available.

According to AAA, 64 million Americans don’t have the funds to cover unexpected car repair costs. Instead, they would go into debt to cover the bill. An average repair bill costs between $500 and $600, but when a major component breaks, you could be looking at far more.

Here are a few average prices for expensive car components according to data from RepairPal.

These estimates aren’t even dealing with the cost of replacing an engine or transmission. If you had to face one of these repairs today, could you handle it with ease, or would the costly repair cause a good amount of stress?

With extended car warranties, you can opt for coverage that provides you with peace of mind. That way, if something breaks, you don’t need to worry about how you are going to pay for it.

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Benefits Of An Extended Car Warranty

Purchasing an aftermarket car warranty can be a great way to continue to protect your car after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. As cars become more complex, it's likelier something will go wrong. 

With so many computers, parts, and systems controlling your vehicle, it probably doesn’t surprise you that these technological advances might fail. Unfortunately, if your vehicle is only covered by a manufacturer’s warranty for, say, three years, your warranty may be expired by the time you really need it.

Extended car warranties keep your car covered in the case of a mechanical or technological failure. Based on what type of car you have and how much it costs to own over its lifetime, this could save you money.

Besides protecting your vehicle after the manufacturer's warranty expires, the best extended car warranties provide benefits such as:

• Convenience: If you have an issue covered by your service contract, you’ll know exactly who to call to get it fixed. Most warranty providers let you choose your own mechanic or repair facility. The best companies will even pay your repair shop directly.
• Risk mitigation: While some vehicles cost less than others to repair, recurring issues – or even just one costly repair – can quickly add up to a hefty repair bill. An aftermarket car warranty alleviates the cost of repairs as your vehicle ages.
• Added perks: Many of the best extended car warranty companies include benefits with their protection plans, such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, or towing services.

What Do Other Consumers Say About Extended Warranties?

Our team of experts polled 1,000 consumers who've purchased or considered purchasing extended car warranties. When asked whether they thought an extended car warranty is worth it, 40.5% of consumers said yes and 44.6% said it depends. Only 14.9% of consumers believe that an extended warranty isn't worth it.

Should I Get An Extended Car Warranty?

If you’re on the fence about whether you could benefit from an extended car warranty, we’ve compiled a few of the top reasons you might consider adding a protection plan to your vehicle. We also recommend reading our article on pros and cons of extended car warranties.

 

If you are ready to get the best extended car warranty for your car, we recommend comparing free quotes from some of the industry's top warranty providers. You can purchase an extended warranty online or over the phone from leading companies.

 

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Best New Car Warranties

If you're searching for new car warranties, our team has highlighted the top four brands that offer the best coverage and factory warranty plans.

Hyundai: 5 Years/60,000 Miles

With its great bumper-to-bumper and powertrain protection, Hyundai’s factory warranty tops our list for the best new car warranty in 2022. Hyundai’s warranties offer some of the longest coverage terms, with bumper-to-bumper coverage lasting 5 years or 60,000 miles, and a powertrain warranty that lasts 10 years or 100,000 miles.

Hyundai includes roadside assistance (5 years) and a corrosion warranty (7 years), both with no mileage limit, which sets its warranty plans apart. The provider is also known for its high reliability ratings, making it a top choice for factory warranties.

Kia: 5 Years/60,000 Miles

With its affordable vehicles and quality warranty coverage options, Kia stands out as one of the top brands. It offers car owners the same impressive coverage terms as its sister brand, Hyundai, with bumper-to-bumper protection lasting 5 years or 60,000 miles and powertrain coverage for 10 years or 100,000 miles.

The main difference between the Kia and Hyundai factory warranties is Kia’s shorter term lengths for roadside assistance and corrosion. Roadside assistance is capped at 60,000 miles, while the corrosion protection ends with 100,000 miles. This still sets Kia’s factory warranty apart with some of the longest coverage terms available.

Genesis: 5 Years/60,000 Miles

As the luxury brand associated with Hyundai, Genesis offers one of the best new vehicle warranties. The automaker has a positive industry reputation and offers factory warranties with long coverage terms. It also matches Hyundai’s 5 years or 60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper protection and 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain protection.

What Car Manufacturer Has The Best Extended Warranty?

Honda Care is one of the best manufacturer-backed extended warranty options available. Plans can cover up to 120,000 miles. We found Honda Care to be affordable compared to other manufacturer extended warranties, as well.

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5 Things To Look For In An Aftermarket Car Warranty Provider

If you’d like aftermarket car warranty coverage, shopping for quality options and determining the best warranty provider for your needs can be difficult. While reputable extended car warranty companies can offer decent coverage at good rates, some extended car warranties are little better than warranty scams, taking customers’ money and failing to provide adequate service.

If you know what to look for in a service contract, you have plenty of excellent options for coverage. We typically consider the following five categories when evaluating the best extended car warranty providers.

Industry Standing

Why it’s important: Industry standing is a good way to check whether a company is a fraud or legitimate. Look for extended warranty companies that have partnered with other trusted companies and that regularly win industry awards.

How to check: One place to start is the BBB. The BBB rates a provider based on how it resolves customer complaints, the transparency of its business practices, and any known licensing or advertising issues.

Coverage

Why it’s important: If you are going to spend upwards of $1,000 on an extended warranty, it’s important that your most essential vehicle parts and components are covered.

How to check: Any reputable extended car warranty provider will allow potential customers to review sample service contracts to verify what the warranties cover. These contracts list exactly what is or isn't covered by the warranty. Carefully read the full list of coverage and exclusions of any extended car warranty before you purchase it.

Cost

Why it’s important: If you want your extended warranty to help you save on repair costs, you need to find the best coverage plan at the lowest possible cost.

How to check: Most extended warranty providers offer easy-to-use quote tools online. In some cases, you may have to call to request pricing. Most providers also offer payment plans, though some may require upfront payment in full.

Transparency

Why it’s important: Any provider that tries to make coverage details obscure should raise eyebrows. Providers should be up front about contract information, and it’s a bad sign when a provider tries to hide important coverage details from its customers.

How to check: Companies that have a good BBB standing and post sample contracts demonstrate a high level of transparency. If you have difficulty finding contract information or even receiving a quote from a provider, this should be a red flag.

Customer Service

Why it’s important: Any extended warranty is only as good as the service it provides when it comes time to file a claim. The worst extended car warranty companies have slow claims processes and regularly look for excuses to deny claims.

How to check: Look at a company’s BBB page, which lists customer reviews and complaints. You can also check websites such as Trustpilot to see what customers are saying. Keep in mind that even the best extended warranty provider is bound to have its fair share of complaints. However, providers with an especially high volume of complaints and few positive comments should be greeted with skepticism.

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FAQ: Best Extended Car Warranty

What is the average cost of an extended car warranty?

When purchased from a dealership, an extended car warranty costs between $1,000 and $4,500. Aftermarket auto warranties from third parties usually cost between $1,000 and $3,500, making them a bit cheaper than dealer-backed car warranties.

Are extended warranties on cars worth it?

An extended warranty can be worth it f your car has higher-than-average repair costs or you want to have a predictable budget month-to-month. If you already have money set aside for repairs or breakdowns, an extended warranty might not be worth it.

Are car extended warranties a waste of money?

Extended warranties from reputable providers aren’t generally a waste of money. However, different vehicle models and makes have different average repair costs. This means an extended warranty can pay off more for one vehicle than another.

Is CarShield worth buying?

We found CarShield offers affordable monthly payments compared to other extended warranty providers. A CarShied warranty can be a good investment if you don’t have an emergency fund set aside for expensive repairs and your factory warranty has expired.

Is a car warranty the same as car insurance?

No. Extended warranties for cars and auto insurance cover different things. Car insurance is required by most states and pays for damages caused by collisions or other accidents, such as theft or fire. An extended car warranty provides coverage for mechanical breakdowns.

Is an aftermarket auto warranty worth it on a new car?

Generally, your new car will not need an extended car warranty while it’s under the factory warranty. However, buying a car repair warranty when your car is still new can save you money in the long run since prices for vehicle service contracts often take vehicle age and mileage into account.

Should I buy an extended warranty on a used car?

Alternatively, used cars are often sold “as-is,” meaning there is no warranty attached (unless you're purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle from a dealership). Purchasing an extended warranty can provide coverage from breakdowns that you wouldn’t have without the warranty. These vehicle service contracts typically cover used cars, including those with 100,000 miles or more.

Can you buy an extended car warranty after purchasing your car?

Vehicle eligibility for extended warranties varies between providers. Manufacturers usually require that you purchase an extended auto warranty on the day the vehicle is purchased or before the factory warranty expires. You can buy third-party contracts for new or used vehicles at any time. Some third-party provider coverage extends up to 300,000 miles.

What's the difference between manufacturer and third-party extended warranties for cars?

A manufacturer extended car warranty is a vehicle service contract purchased from an automaker, while a third-party extended warranty is purchased from an independent warranty company. Manufacturer coverage typically comes with benefits such as guaranteed use of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and service by a factory-trained technician. Warranty companies generally have greater plan variety and benefits such as the flexibility to have your car serviced at the repair shop of your choice.

What voids a car warranty?

Manufacturers can void your car warranty due to improper maintenance, aftermarket modifications, misuse of the vehicle, or tampering with the odometer. Your warranty can also be voided because of a total loss or severe environmental damage.

How do I check if my car is under warranty?

Your vehicle manufacturer can tell you if your car is still under factory warranty. You'll usually need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN).

Will my extended car warranty transfer to the new owner if I sell my car?

Extended car warranty plans are typically transferable to new owners. Check with the provider for details before purchasing or selling a vehicle with a warranty, but the best extended car warranty companies will transfer coverage.

Do car warranties have deductibles?

Extended warranties for cars usually have deductibles between $50 and $200. However, some companies – such as Endurance, CarShield, and CARCHEX – have $0 deductible options. The factory warranties that come with new vehicles don't have deductibles.

How do you cancel an extended warranty on a car?

You can cancel an extended warranty on a car at any time, but you'll only get a full refund within the first 30 to 60 days, depending on the provider. You typically need to contact the contract administrator to cancel in writing and provide a notarized odometer statement. 

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Methodology

In an effort to provide accurate and unbiased information to consumers, our expert review team collects data from dozens of extended auto warranty companies to formulate rankings of the best providers. Companies receive a score in each of the following categories, as well as an overall weighted score out of 5.0 stars.

• Industry Standing: Warranty providers with a history of strong business practices and endorsements from experts receive the highest scores in this category.
• Coverage: This rating is based on types of extended warranty plans available, coverage terms, and added benefits like roadside assistance.
• Cost: Our research team reviews sample quotes for a variety of plans and vehicles. Companies with lower prices per year of coverage receive the best scores.
• Transparency: This score takes into account contract transparency and the availability of a money-back guarantee.
• Customer Service: We comb through customer reviews and perform our own shopper analysis to get a sense of the responsiveness and helpfulness of each warranty company.

Our goal is to present a range of reputable extended car warranty providers for shoppers to compare. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, there are a number of extended car warranty companies that rise above the rest. We combine scores from the BBB, our own secret shopper analysis, and independent surveys to find these providers.

 

More On Warranties:

Extended Warranty Comparison: CarShield Vs CARCHEX

What Does A Car’s Factory Warranty Usually Cover?

Should You Get An Extended Auto Warranty?

Are Extended Car Warranties Worth It?

CARCHEX Reviews, Cost, And Plans (2022)

CarShield Reviews, Cost, And Coverage Plans (2022)

Protect My Car: Reviews, Cost, And Plans (2022)