Extended car warranties offer additional protection beyond the manufacturer’s warranty. These service agreements provide peace of mind to those who worry about unexpected repairs that could impact their budget. Cars are complex machines and repairs can be expensive, which is why many drivers decide to invest in extended car warranties. However, choosing the best car warranty provider is crucial to ensure you get the best value and coverage.
The best extended car warranty companies offer comprehensive coverage, flexible payment options, excellent customer service and a track record of helping customers when they need it most. By selecting a reputable provider, you can rest assured that your car will be protected in case of any unexpected mechanical breakdowns.
Best Extended Car Warranty Companies of 2024
- Endurance — Best Overall
- CarShield — Best for Plan Selection
- Concord Auto Protect — Best for 24/7 Live Support
- Carchex — Best for Transparent Pricing
- Olive — Best for No Waiting Period
- Autopom! — Best for Customer Advocacy
Best Overall: Endurance
| Pros | Cons |
| Take your car to any certified mechanic shop in the country | Cars need to be 20 years old or newer to be eligible |
| Salvage and rebuilt title coverage | Need to contact the company for a quote |
| No mileage restrictions | 30-day waiting period before coverage starts |
HIGHLIGHTS
| Number of plans offered: | Three |
| Highest mileage limit: | No mileage limit but car must be 20 years old or newer |
| Roadside assistance? | Yes |
| Additional features: | Use any licensed repair facility to fix your car; direct administrator of plans; no middleman needed |
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 $287 million in claims. The company offers comprehensive auto protection plans designed to save customers money on costly auto repairs. The approval process moves quickly and is completed within 48 hours. Endurance plans are accepted at any licensed repair shop or dealership in the country.
Endurance does not have a mileage limit; instead, it covers cars that are 20 years old or newer. The company has an online customer service portal where you can review coverage details, and it features a mobile app for you to view your policy details, request roadside assistance and contact customer service.
Endurance coverage plans include:
- Secure Plus Plan: The most budget-friendly plan that offers coverage for older vehicles and covers the major components of your car or truck.
- Superior Plan: This plan offers high-level component coverage with stated components and parts, plus coverage for your vehicle’s electrical system and the ability to add coverage for high-tech features.
- Supreme Plan: Endurance’s most premium option, the Supreme Plan, covers almost all systems, parts and components in your vehicle. It even covers seals and gaskets and is similar to a manufacturer’s coverage.
If you live in California, Endurance also offers mechanical breakdown insurance plans for your vehicle.
Read our full Endurance review.
Best for Flexibility: CarShield
| Pros | Cons |
| Seven plans to choose from | Not all warranties are transferable |
| Customize plans to fit your budget and needs | A few negative customer reviews |
| 24/7 roadside assistance | Not available in California |
HIGHLIGHTS
| Number of plans offered: | Seven |
| Highest mileage limit: | 225,000 |
| Roadside assistance? | Yes |
| Additional features: | Coverage for motorcycles, ATVs and EVs |
Why we chose it: CarShield offers seven flexible and customizable warranty plans, so you can build the coverage you need.
CarShield was founded in 2005 and has protected more than 2 million vehicles since then. It’s listed as a Consumer Affairs-accredited company and strives to give each customer the best service. It has paid out over 1 billion dollars in administrative claims.
CarShield offers a choice of mechanic, courtesy towing and 24/7 roadside assistance. Additionally, rental car reimbursement is available with some plans. Cars with under 225,000 miles are typically covered.
CarShield offers the following protection plans:
- Aluminum: CarShield’s Aluminum plan offers specialty coverage for most electrical and computer-related problems.
- Silver: This policy covers your vehicle’s most essential parts, including the lubricated parts of your engine, water pump and transmission.
- Gold: Considered CarShield’s powertrain plus plan, this option is ideal if you want to cover major and minor parts, including your engine transmission and power windows.
- Platinum: This plan provides comprehensive coverage for higher-mileage vehicles. It covers things like your car’s engine, starter, transmission and water pump.
- Diamond: Offering the best coverage — and the most similar to a manufacturer’s warranty — the Diamond plan includes everything from the engine to the fuel pump.
- Motorcycle and ATV: Designed for motorcycles and ATVs, this plan covers your specialty vehicle’s parts and components.
- Electric Vehicle: CarShield coverage is also available for fully electric vehicles. These service contracts are tailored to EVs and include certain components within the electric drive unit, electrical system, battery pack and other systems.
Read our full CarShield review.
Best for 24/7 Live Support: Concord Auto Protect
| Pros | Cons |
| No third-party administrator | Limited information on its website |
| Roadside assistance | No upfront pricing |
| 30-day money-back guarantee | No information on mileage limitations |
HIGHLIGHTS
| Number of plans offered: | Three |
| Highest mileage limit: | Contact for specifics |
| Roadside assistance? | Yes |
| Additional features: | Full 30-day money-back guarantee, transferable plans and no-interest payment programs |
Why we chose it: Concord Auto Protect is available whenever you are by offering live customer support 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
Founded in Pennsylvania in 2013, Concord Auto Protect offers three levels of auto extended warranty plans. The company also provides 24/7 customer support, roadside assistance and payment programs. Its roadside assistance includes help with dead batteries and lockouts.
Additionally, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee, and all warranties are offered directly from the company and are transferable.
Concord Auto Protect offers the following plans:
- Powertrain: Concord’s Powertrain plan includes coverage of the cooling system, engine, transmission and drive axles.
- Premium: In addition to everything covered by the Powertrain plan, this plan also covers the heating system, high-tech electronics, fuel system and more.
- Advanced: This is the middle-of-the-road plan and includes everything from the Powertrain plan plus the manual or power steering system.
Read our full Concord Auto Protect review.
Best for Transparent Pricing: Carchex
| Pros | Cons |
| Fuel delivery | 30-day waiting period |
| Trip interruption service | Third-party company services warranties |
| Some plan pricing and repair costs listed on site | Mileage limitations not published online |
HIGHLIGHTS
| Number of plans offered: | Five |
| Highest mileage limit: | Not specified but over 100,000 |
| Roadside assistance? | Yes |
| Additional features: | Gas delivery, towing and rental car reimbursement |
Why we chose it: Carchex offers plans starting at $99 per month, and it lists the cost of common repairs without a warranty on its site.
Carchex has been offering extended vehicle protection since 2004 and has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2009, where it maintains an A+ rating. Prior to 2004, it was a mobile vehicle inspection company. In addition to auto warranties, Carchex offers vehicle inspections and auto insurance.
The company offers payment plans and customizable warranty plans to make coverage more accessible and affordable. It also provides towing services, rental car reimbursement, trip interruption coverage and gas delivery services.
Carchex warranty plans include:
- Titanium: Carchex’s highest level of coverage provides the maximum breakdown protection and is similar to a manufacturer’s warranty with few exceptions.
- Platinum: The Platinum plan includes stated component coverage for all major systems.
- Silver: The Carchex Silver option covers major systems of your vehicle, including more than just powertrain coverage. You can pay for the plan monthly or upfront.
- Bronze: The Carchex Bronze plan includes affordable coverage for the major systems of your vehicle, such as the engine and transmission.
- Extra Care: This plan covers things outside of the powertrain, such as steering, braking, electrical and suspension systems.
Best for No Waiting Period: Olive
| Pros | Cons |
| Coverage starts immediately | Newer company |
| No vehicle inspection required | Started out as a payment service company |
| Manage plans 100% online | Covers vehicles up to 10 years old or 140,000 miles |
HIGHLIGHTS
| Number of plans offered: | Three |
| Highest mileage limit: | 140,000 |
| Roadside assistance (yes/no): | No |
| Additional features: | Transfer coverage when you sell your car |
Why we chose it: Olive offers extended car warranties without a waiting period, so you can get coverage as soon as you sign up.
Olive is an online car warranty company that started as a payment services company in 2006 under a different name. The provider added its extended car warranty digital platform in 2019. Olive makes it easy to get coverage by letting you sign up for a plan, get a quote and file a claim all online.
Olive doesn’t impose any waiting periods or mandatory vehicle inspections. Once you sign up and pay for your plan, it goes into effect immediately, and you’ll be covered in the U.S. and Canada. Your vehicle is eligible if it is 10 or fewer years old and has 140,000 or fewer miles. Once you purchase a warranty, it remains in effect until the vehicle reaches 12 years old or 185,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Olive features the following warranty plans, all of which offer monthly payment plans:
- Complete Care: Olive’s most popular and most comprehensive plan, Complete Care covers the engine, suspension, electric system, air conditioning, timing belt and more.
- Powertrain Plus: This plan covers more than just the major car parts. Some components included are the engine, transmission, oil pump and timing belt.
- Powertrain: The most affordable plan, Olive’s Powertrain warranty covers the most expensive parts of your vehicle, including the engine, transmission and suspension.
Best for Customer Advocacy: Autopom!
| Pros | Cons |
| Dedicated customer support | 30-day waiting period |
| Some plans include tire protection | No online claims |
| 24-hour roadside assistance | Does not publish pricing |
HIGHLIGHTS
| Number of plans offered: | Three |
| Highest mileage limit: | Contact for details |
| Roadside assistance? | Yes |
| Additional features: | Tire protection, rental car reimbursement and trip interruption coverage |
Why we chose it: If you’re not happy with how Autopom! handles your claim, the company has an entire division devoted to customer advocacy.
Automotive Peace of Mind or Autopom! was founded in 2010. The “!” in its name is designed to set it apart from other automotive warranty companies by putting its customers ahead of its profits. The company is BBB-accredited and has an A+ rating with the bureau.
Olive sells warranty plans administered by third parties, including Mercury Mechanical Protection and Enterprise Financial Group. Additional features include roadside assistance, tire service, rental car reimbursements and trip interruption coverage.
Autopom! plans include:
- Exclusionary: Similar to new-car coverage, Autopom!’s Exclusionary plans cover almost all car parts except for maintenance and consumable items, such as your car battery or tires.
- Mid-Level: This plan covers most of the car’s major systems, including the transmission, engine, steering and electrical components.
- Powertrain Plus: Autopom!’s Powertrain Plus plan covers the essentials, including your vehicle’s A/C system, engine, transmission and more.
What Is an Extended Car Warranty?
An extended car warranty is a type of insurance policy that covers the cost of repairs and replacement of certain vehicle parts after the original factory warranty expires. These warranties are often offered by third-party companies and can be purchased for a variety of vehicles. They provide peace of mind to drivers who want to ensure their car is covered in case of unexpected malfunctions or breakdowns.
With an extended warranty, you can avoid the high costs of repairing or replacing expensive vehicle components out of pocket. It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of each warranty before purchasing to ensure you understand what is covered and what is not, as well as any deductibles or exclusions that may apply.
Types of extended car warranties
These are the three main types of extended car warranties:
- Bumper-to-bumper warranty: Bumper-to-bumper warranties cover most of the parts and components in your car, including many labor costs associated with repairs.
- Stated-component warranty: These warranties are designed to cover specific systems or components in your vehicle, such as the electrical system, air conditioning, audio system or brakes.
- Powertrain warranty: A powertrain warranty is a limited form of coverage that focuses primarily on the major parts that keep the vehicle running, such as the engine, transmission and drive axles.
How Do Extended Warranties Work?
Understanding how extended car warranties work is crucial if you want to protect your new or used vehicle. Third-party providers often sell these warranties to provide additional coverage beyond the manufacturer’s warranty. Some warranties may include additional perks like roadside assistance or rental car coverage. Always weigh the cost of an extended warranty against the potential savings in repairs and peace of mind. Likewise, you should research the reliability and reputation of a warranty provider before making a purchase.
What Does an Extended Warranty Cover on a Car?
Generally, extended warranties cover mechanical breakdowns and failures that occur due to normal wear and tear. This means that any repairs or parts replacement associated with these breakdowns will be covered. The best extended car warranties cover the repair or replacement of major systems such as engines, transmissions, steering components, brakes and electrical systems. Each warranty provider and policy is different, so read the terms and conditions carefully before signing up.
How Much Does an Extended Car Warranty Cost?
Most extended warranties cost between $1,000 and $4,000, but the cost can fluctuate depending on the type of car and its specific make and model. For example, extended warranties for older cars with higher mileage may be more expensive due to their increased risk of breakdowns. Some providers may charge extra for additional features, such as roadside assistance coverage or rental car reimbursement.
Overall, the cost of an extended car warranty can be comparable to that of repairing a car without one. However, the protection of an extended warranty can provide peace of mind and financial security. Consider purchasing an extended car warranty if your car is unreliable and you don’t have the financial resources to cover necessary repairs.
Pros and Cons of an Extended Car Warranty
An extended car warranty can provide financial protection to ensure your vehicle is properly serviced in case of a breakdown. However, just like any product or service, extended car warranties come with both pros and cons to consider.
Pros of extended warranties
- Provides additional coverage beyond the manufacturer’s warranty
- Can provide financial security if an expensive repair is needed
- May come with extra benefits like roadside assistance or rental car coverage
- Provides peace of mind that your vehicle is covered in case of unexpected problems
- Can save you money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs without a warranty
Cons of extended warranties
- May come with high upfront costs
- Doesn’t cover all repairs and may require deductibles or impose exclusions
- Doesn’t always extend to older cars with higher mileage
- May not provide as much coverage as a manufacturer’s warranty for new vehicles
- May require periodic maintenance checks to remain valid
How to Choose an Extended Car Warranty
Follow these tips when choosing an extended car warranty:
- Be wary of extended warranty scams.
- Understand the terms and conditions before signing up for an extended warranty.
- Research providers to make sure they’re reputable and reliable.
- Compare prices and coverage of different providers to get the best deal possible.
- Make sure there aren’t any hidden fees or additional costs associated with your policy.
- Check if you need to keep up with regular vehicle maintenance for coverage to remain valid.
- Read through applicable exclusions, deductibles and other limitations.
- Determine what type of coverage is necessary based on your needs.
- Consider how long you plan to keep your car before you purchase an extended warranty.
- Review customer reviews or ratings for each provider you consider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy an extended warranty on a used car?
Whether you should buy an extended warranty on a used car depends on the vehicle’s age, condition and mileage. An extended warranty may be unnecessary if your car is well maintained and in good condition. However, if you have a car that’s older or has higher mileage, an extended warranty could be a wise investment. It can provide invaluable peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, repair costs won’t come out of pocket.
Are extended car warranties worth it?
Whether extended car warranties are worth it depends on a variety of factors, such as the age and condition of the car, its estimated repair costs without a warranty and the features offered under different warranties. If your car is in good condition and reliable with low mileage, then buying an extended warranty may not be necessary. However, extended warranties can be valuable for older cars or those with higher levels of wear and tear from frequent use.
What is a downside to purchasing an extended warranty?
One potential downside of purchasing an extended warranty is that it can be expensive, as the cost of a policy depends on the age and condition of your car. Additionally, many warranties have exclusions or limitations on certain repairs and services that can reduce their value. Some providers may also require you to use only approved mechanics or repair shops, which can be inconvenient. Finally, keeping up with regular maintenance, like oil changes, is necessary even with an extended warranty.
Are there car warranties that go to 150,000 miles?
Some providers offer bumper-to-bumper extended warranties and powertrain plans with coverage for cars up to 150,000 miles or more. Some providers offer coverage for cars with up to 300,000 miles. Depending on the warranty and provider, additional benefits such as roadside assistance may also be available.
Is there such a thing as a lifetime warranty on a car?
There is no such thing as a lifetime warranty on cars. While extended warranties can provide long-term coverage depending on the provider and policy chosen, they typically have a maximum term of up to 100,000 miles or 10 years, though some go as high as 300,000 miles. If a company offers you an extended warranty that seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Are extended warranty prices negotiable?
In some cases, extended warranty prices may be negotiable. Depending on the provider and type of policy offered, you may be able to negotiate for a better price or get added benefits at no additional cost. In addition to shopping around, inquire about special discounts, promotions and loyalty rewards that can reduce your overall costs. Remember that not all warranties are created equal, so read through the terms and conditions before purchasing a plan.
How We Chose the Best Extended Car Warranty Companies
To choose the best extended car warranty companies, we evaluated three main areas: available service contracts, the claims process and the company’s financial backing.
- Plans and service contracts: We compared extended warranty companies based on available plans and coverage. We also compared providers based on plan pricing, warranty transferability and the availability of additional perks. The best extended car warranty companies offer features like 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, tire replacement or repair, locked-out service and trip interruption coverage.
- Claims and repairs: Understanding what’s included in an extended car warranty is essential before committing to a contract. We considered each company’s claims process and how much flexibility policyholders have in choosing a certified repair shop. Our list contains companies that process claims in-house and through third-party agencies.
- Customer satisfaction and financial backing: When comparing extended car warranty companies, we looked at providers certified by the Vehicle Protection Association (VPA) and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). We also evaluated customer reviews on third-party sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot, as well as financial stability ratings.
