When you purchase a car, whether you buy one that’s new or used, it’s natural to think about the reliability of your vehicle and consider the potential cost of repairs. At some point in the purchase process, it’s likely you’ll be offered an extended car warranty.
An extended vehicle warranty protects your car after your manufacturer’s coverage has expired. It can also protect you in the event of repairs and services that may not be covered by your manufacturer. Not all warranties are created equally. To help you navigate them, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best extended vehicle warranties available.
| Compare the Best Extended Car Warranty Companies | 1  | 2  | 3  | 4  | 5  | 6  | 7  | 8  | 9  | 10  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best for | Comprehensive coverage for older vehicles | Personalized coverage | Wide range of policies | Extended warranty coverage with superior customer service | Comparing a wide range of warranty plans | Protection against breakdowns | Extended car warranties up to 5 years | Drivers looking for affordable full coverage plans | Older vehicles | Those looking for a personalized policy |
Annual premium | $1,200-$1,800 | From $1200 | $200-$750 | No quotes were available at this time. Premium based on the plan you choose. | Varies by provider | $180-$3,000 | $450-$515 | $954 - $1217 (based on quotes for a Honda Accord and a Ford F-150, both with a mileage of 50,000 ) | Custom pricing | Variable |
Technicians | Any dealership or ASE-certified mechanic | Any ASE certified repairer | Any licensed mechanic | Any ASE certified shop or dealership | Any ASE-certified mechanic | Any ASE-certified repair shop | Any ASE-certified mechanic | All ASE-certified technicians accept Premier Auto Protect’s Plans | Any ASE-certified mechanic | Any licensed repairer |
Service call fee | $0 | Variable | $0 | No rates were available at this time. | None | Either $100, $250, or $500 | $0 | Toll-free | $0
| $100 |
Service Requests | 8AM-5PM (CT) Monday-Friday, 8AM-3PM Saturday | 24/7 online form submission, business-hours phone | 24/7 | Customer service hours: 24/7/365
24/7 roadside assistance | 24/7 | 7 AM-4 PM (PST) Monday-Friday | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7
| Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (PST) |
A Closer Look at Our Top 10 Extended Car Warranty Companies
- 1
Endurance
exceptional9.9![]()
- Best forComprehensive coverage for older vehicles
- Annual premium$1,200-$1,800
- TechniciansAny dealership or ASE-certified mechanic
Endurance offers 5 extended auto warranty plans that cover you in case of a mechanical breakdown. With Endurance, you can bring your vehicle to any dealership or ASE-certified mechanic, and you don’t have to pay anything but your deductible out of pocket. All Endurance plans include 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and a 1-year Endurance Advantage subscription to help cover routine maintenance.
Endurance is ideal for older vehicles since it covers cars up to 20 years old. You can sign up for policy terms up to 6 years or 100,000 miles, as well as set up a monthly payment plan to pay for your policy. All Endurance plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros- 5 different plans available
- Take your car to any ASE-certified mechanic
- Covers vehicles up to 20 years old
Cons- 60-day waiting period for most plans
- Limited rental car reimbursement
- Best forPersonalized coverage
- Annual premiumFrom $1200
- TechniciansAny ASE certified repairer
CarShield offers a selection of vehicle warranty solutions. These include everything from basic drivetrain and engine protection to comprehensive coverage. There’s also an option for motorcycles and ATVs.
Standout features include CarShield’s roadside protection package and personalized policies. Its prices are quite competitive, and although it has a mixed reputation online, it seems that many of its bad reviews come down to people not understanding their policy. Overall, it’s a good option that’s certainly worth considering.
Pros- Motorcycle and ATV coverage
- Personalized policies
- Competitive prices
Cons- Phone claims during business hours rather than 24/7
- Mixed reviews from past customers
- 3
CARCHEX
excellent9.3![carshex]( "carshex")
- Best forWide range of policies
- Annual premium$200-$750
- TechniciansAny licensed mechanic
CARCHEX is a broker for extended auto warranty policies. The company offers hundreds of different policies from several insurance providers, all of which come with 24/7 roadside assistance and towing and car rental reimbursement. Coverage terms are available for up to 10 years, and you can pay for your plan in up to 24 monthly installments.
CARCHEX is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating with the agency. In addition, all plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can transfer your plan if you sell your vehicle or cancel anytime for a prorated refund.
Pros- A+ Rated and Accredited by the BBB
- Coverage available for vehicles with up to 250,000 miles
- Wide selection of plans ranging from 12-84 months
Cons- Fee for transferring your policy
- Does not administer policies directly
- 4
American Dream Auto Protect
very good8.5![American Dream Auto Protect]( "American Dream Auto Protect")
- Best forExtended warranty coverage with superior customer service
- Annual premiumNo quotes were available at this time. Premium based on the plan you choose.
- TechniciansAny ASE certified shop or dealership
American Dream Auto Protect provides 24/7 customer service and claims. The claims process is simple and can be started at any time. You can choose any ASE-certified mechanic or dealership, and the warranty company will work directly with the company to provide payment for the repairs provided. You can use the warranty services of this company if your vehicle was made in the year 2000 or later. Renewing the policies can also be set up automatically, which takes the hassle out of remembering to call.
Pros- 24/7 roadside assistance with all plan levels
- Coverage for any 2000 or later model year vehicle
- Round-the-clock access to customer service
Cons- Only 3 plan options available
- Must call or fill out a form for prices
- 5
Complete Car Warranty
good8.2![complete car]( "complete car")
- Best forComparing a wide range of warranty plans
- Annual premiumVaries by provider
- TechniciansAny ASE-certified mechanic
Complete Car Warranty offers extended auto warranty policies from CarGuard, Matrix, and Royal. In total, you can compare 14 different plans, several of which have no deductible for covered repairs. All plans let you bring your vehicle to any ASE-certified mechanic for repairs.
Complete Car Warranty doesn’t administer plans directly, but it’s easy to file a claim with your plan provider. The company offers 24/7 access to sales specialists who can help you determine which warranty plan is best for your needs. Plus, Complete Car Warranty has sample contracts available online for all offered plans.
Pros- Compare warranties from CarGuard, Matrix, and Royal
- 14 plan options in total
- Bring your vehicle into any ASE-certified mechanic
Cons- Doesn’t handle claims for third-party warranties
- Claims must be approved before repairs are started
- Best forProtection against breakdowns
- Annual premium$180-$3,000
- TechniciansAny ASE-certified repair shop
Olive is a car warranty company that offers insurance policies against mechanical breakdowns. If your engine goes out or your AC stops working, Olive will pay for the repair. You can take your car to any state-licensed mechanic and file a claim over the phone in minutes.
Olive has 3 different policies to choose from and you can choose from a $100, $250, or $500 deductible. Your policy goes into effect the day after you purchase it, and it’s transferable if you sell your vehicle. Olive policies offer fixed pricing for 3 years, but you can cancel at any time.
Pros- Choose your deductible
- All components are fully covered for the length of your policy
- Policies are transferable if you sell your vehicle
Cons- Pre-existing conditions are not covered
- Policies are limited to 3 years at a time
- 7
Select Auto Protect
very good8.8![select auto protect]( "select auto protect")
- Best forExtended car warranties up to 5 years
- Annual premium$450-$515
- TechniciansAny ASE-certified mechanic
Select Auto Protect offers extended car warranty policies up to 5 years or 70,000 miles. With Select Auto Protect, you can take your car to any ASE-certified mechanic, and you never pay for expensive repairs out of pocket. All plans carry a $100 deductible and include reimbursement for towing and car rental.
You’ll need to call to get a quote for your Select Auto Protect policy. The company offers price matching if you come prepared with a competitor’s quote. Plus, every Select Auto Protect policy comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can cancel your coverage at any time.
Pros- Pays your repair bill directly
- 3- or 5-year coverage terms
- $100 deductible for all plans
Cons- 30-day waiting period for coverage to take effect
- Must call for a quote
- 8
Premier Auto Protect
very good8.6![Premier Auto Protect]( "Premier Auto Protect")
Affordable warranty plans for any driverRead Premier Auto Protect Review- Best forDrivers looking for affordable full coverage plans
- Annual premium$954 - $1217 (based on quotes for a Honda Accord and a Ford F-150, both with a mileage of 50,000 )
- TechniciansAll ASE-certified technicians accept Premier Auto Protect’s Plans
Premier Auto Protect is a warranty provider dedicated to providing premiums at affordable rates. The company offers six plans designed to suit any type of driver ranging from new car owners to used car buyers. With every plan comes a 30-day money back guarantee, a referral program, and 24-hour roadside assistance. In case of any car trouble, you should be able to repair your car at any ASE-certified facility.
Customers have described Premier Auto Protect’s claims process as smooth and fast, so it should be a breeze getting your car repaired with their plan.
Pros- 30-day money back guarantee
- Available at any ASE-certified repair facility
- 24-hour roadside assistance in case of a breakdown
Cons- Not enough reviews online from past customers
- Limited information on the company site
- 9
Goodstone Auto Warranty
very good8.7![goodstone auto warranty]( "goodstone auto warranty")
- Best forOlder vehicles
- Annual premiumCustom pricing
- TechniciansAny ASE-certified mechanic
Goodstone Auto Warranty is a BBB-accredited A+ rated warranty aggregator that helps you get custom quotes from a range of car warranty providers. Through its partnerships, the company offers unlimited repair claims per year and is accepted at any certified mechanic.
If you’re looking for a good warranty for your aging vehicle, Goodstone Auto Warranty—with its long list of reputable partners—is a choice worth considering.
Pros- BBB-accredited business with an A+ rating
- Instant quotes offered directly on the service website
- Unlimited repair claims in a year, with no caps or restrictions
Cons- Might prove expensive for older vehicles
- Does not cover accident-related damages
- Best forThose looking for a personalized policy
- Annual premiumVariable
- TechniciansAny licensed repairer
Autopom! has a great reputation online, and it’s easy to see why. When you request a quote, you will be presented with the most appropriate options from a range of partner providers. The process is simple, and you will usually benefit from features like roadside assistance and the ability to select your own repairer.
On the downside, autopom! is quite an expensive option. However, you should benefit from a high level of service, and autopom! has a great reputation for standing up for its customers. Overall, it’s a decent choice for those who want to be matched with the most appropriate policy for their needs.
Pros- Will find the most appropriate policy
- Simple over-the-phone quotes
- Great online reputation
Cons- Quite expensive
- Third-party warranty retailer rather than provider
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.20211004105817.jpg "goodstone auto warranty")
10 Best Extended Car Warranty Companies 2023
When you purchase a car, whether you buy one that’s new or used, it’s natural to think about the reliability of your vehicle and consider the potential cost of repairs. At some point in the purchase process, it’s likely you’ll be offered an extended car warranty.
An extended vehicle warranty protects your car after your manufacturer’s coverage has expired. It can also protect you in the event of repairs and services that may not be covered by your manufacturer. Not all warranties are created equally. To help you navigate them, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best extended vehicle warranties available.
What Is an Extended Warranty for Cars?
An extended auto warranty is basically a contract that covers your vehicle in case it needs repairs or breaks down due to normal use. Different types of plans may cover the car’s powertrain, air conditioning, electrical system, and more. The best extended warranties for cars provide comprehensive coverage for repairs to your vehicle and may offer some added perks as well.
What Types of Extended Warranties Are There?
Extended car warranties fall into 5 main categories:
1. Bumper-to-bumper warranties offer the most comprehensive coverage around. Most bumper-to-bumper plans include repairs to a car’s major mechanical systems. Any exclusions to a bumper-to-bumper plan should be listed in the contract.
2. Powertrain warranties cover most internal parts of your engine and transmission. If your vehicle is older or has a lot of mileage on it, this type of coverage may be a good bet.
3. Drivetrain warranties cover the parts that make your vehicle move, like the transmission, driveshaft, axle shafts, and wheels. The car’s engine is not covered in a drivetrain warranty.
4. Named component warranties cover only the specific parts listed in the contract. Unlike a bumper-to-bumper warranty, which covers everything except what’s listed, a named component warranty details the items that are under warranty.
5. Wrap policies extend a bumper-to-bumper warranty to cover the parts of your vehicle after the bumper-to-bumper policy has expired.
What Are the Advantages of an Extended Warranty?
An extended car warranty has numerous advantages that far outweigh the costs of the warranty itself:
- It covers your car even after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired in terms of time or mileage.
- It protects your car’s various, complex parts that tend to get damaged, like smart systems.
- It allows you to make a claim for parts that fail or get worn out. These are things not typically covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
- It offers convenient benefits like replacement rental coverage, towing services, and roadside assistance.
- It will give you the assurance and peace of mind to know that you’ve set up thorough protection for your car.
- It provides you with useful coverage for repairs so you can keep your vehicle running smoothly.
- You won’t be caught off guard by sudden expenses if you need repairs.
- If you choose to sell your car one day, having an extended warranty in place shows responsible ownership and makes it more likely that your car’s condition has been kept up to date. These are things that go a long way towards improving your car’s resale value.
What Car Warranties Won’t Cover
When shopping for an extended car warranty it’s important to know that an extended warranty won’t cover things like damage to a vehicle from a car accident, or anything that was already wrong with the car before the warranty was bought—in other words, pre-existing conditions.
If you wait until you really need the benefits provided by an extended warranty, you may not qualify for one, or you’ll pay more for lower-level coverage. This drives home the point about locking an extended plan in place before you ever need to make a claim.
What Should You Look for When Choosing an Extended Warranty?
- Look for a plan that makes a payment directly to the car mechanic, rather than one in which you lay out the money and then get reimbursed.
- Read the fine print to learn whether there are exclusions or limitations that may void your warranty.
- Ask questions to find out more about a plan’s flexibility.
- Verify whether the warranty contract can cover anyone else who drives your car.
- Don’t forget to check customer reviews to find out what others had to say.
How Can You Avoid Getting Scammed When Purchasing an Extended Warranty?
- The level of coverage you choose
- One-time or recurring fees
- Deductibles or other extra charges you may incur, like paying for an insurance adjuster
- Your maximum payout amount
How Can You Avoid Getting Scammed When Purchasing an Extended Warranty?
Unfortunately, extended car warranties have gotten a bad rap due to scam robocalls and swindlers who are out to defraud customers. Here’s how you can stay safe and avoid the scammers, while still getting access to reputable coverage.
- We’ve done your homework for you. The providers we recommend here have all been vetted by us, and you can trust their safety.
- Auto warranty robocalls are a known scam. More than merely annoying, these harmful calls can misuse your personal information. Always ignore spam calls.
- Be sure that any company you have dealings with is reputable and accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
- Remember, when shopping around for the best deal, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Scammers are sophisticated, and you need to be proactive to avoid being a victim.
FAQs
What Is an Extended Car Warranty?
An extended car warranty goes beyond your car’s factory warranty to cover the cost of repairs for a number of years or amount of miles. The warranty may cover repairs to the entire car (bumper-to-bumper) or to specific car systems (powertrain, drivetrain, etc.).
Is an Extended Car Warranty the Same as Car Insurance?
While both protect you, an extended auto warranty and auto insurance are two very different types of coverage. An extended warranty for cars pays for parts and labor costs in the event of a mechanical breakdown. Car insurance may pay to repair damage to your vehicle in case of a collision, theft, fire, or other disasters.
What’s the Difference Between Manufacturer and Third-Party Extended Warranties?
A new car usually comes standard with a manufacturer’s factory or dealership warranty. This coverage tends to be limited as it covers your car only in case of a manufacturing defect or malfunction. If the factory that produced the car caused the issue, it will be covered by your manufacturer’s warranty. A manufacturer warranty generally covers a car for three years and 36,000 miles.
A third-party extended warranty is protection you can purchase for longer or more extensive coverage. Also called a vehicle service contract, this type of warranty offers different advantages than the manufacturer’s coverage. For this reason, some car buyers opt to get an extended warranty plan for their vehicle even before the manufacturer’s warranty runs out.
Third-party extended warranties can offer you benefits like coverage for towing costs, and a replacement rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. They may allow you to choose your own repair facility or set up a monthly payment plan for repair costs, or reimburse you for the costs of certain repairs not covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.
