Best Car Warranty Companies
The best car warranty companies are Endurance, Olive, CarShield, and CARCHEX based on cost, coverage, reputation, transparency, and service.
With our #1 rated provider, 
The Gist:
- We rank Endurance as Best Coverage and our top pick overall because it offers a wide range of warranty options.
- Other top warranty providers include Olive which stands out with its easy online process, and CarShield which stands out due to offering affordable monthly payment plans.
- Customers can get auto warranties from a dealership, a coverage broker, or a direct contract provider like Endurance.
To determine the best car warranty companies on the market, our team reviewed leading coverage providers across the industry. From this, we found several companies that stand out for their car warranty plans, costs, transparency, reputations, and customer experiences.
However, there’s no one–size–fits–all warranty provider available. To make the most informed decision, we recommend getting quotes from at least three providers so you can compare their pricing and coverage options side by side. In this article, we’ll cover the five best extended car warranty companies and share tips on how to find the best one for your needs.
What Are The Best Car Warranty Companies of 2024?
- Endurance: Best Plan Offerings
- Olive: Great for Young Drivers
- CarShield: Month-to-Month Contracts
- CARCHEX: High Mileage Limits
How We Rate The Best Car Warranty Companies
We used an in-depth analysis of the best aftermarket warranty providers to rank our top picks. The overall score for each provider is based on ratings in the following categories:
- Reputation: It’s important that an extended car warranty company is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) score well in this category. Established providers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
- Coverage: Our team of experts looks at the number of extended warranty plans available as well as term limits, exclusions, and added benefits like roadside assistance. Ratings also take into account the availability of maintenance coverage.
- Cost: Cost can be difficult to compare between providers because so many factors impact vehicle service contract pricing. To determine our extended car warranty cost score, we perform a secret shopper analysis for a variety of vehicles and plans and consider available deductibles.
- Transparency: Our team evaluates the availability and transparency of each company’s contracts, as well as whether each provider offers a money-back guarantee.
- Customer Experience: We listen to real customer sales calls and comb through reviews on sites like the BBB to learn about customer experiences. Warranty companies with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the availability of mobile apps and chat features.
Car Warranty Company Comparison
The table below highlights our ratings for the 10 best extended car warranty companies of 2024:
| Best Car Warranty Companies | Our Award | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Endurance | Best Plan Offerings | 4.6 |
| #2 Olive | Great for Young Drivers | 4.4 |
| #3 CarShield | Month-to-Month Contracts | 4.5 |
| #4 CARCHEX | High Mileage Limits | 4.4 |
| #5 Omega Auto Care | Long-Standing Provider | 4.4 |
| #6 autopom! | Best Customer Experience | 4.6 |
| #7 Toco | 4.2 | |
| #8 Concord Auto Protect | Best For Luxury Cars | 4.3 |
10 Best Extended Car Warranty Companies
Being the best car warranty company is different from simply offering one of the top extended warranty plans. It requires meeting the standard of our comprehensive rating system listed above.
The following sections provide details about the coverage plans, costs, customer experiences, transparency, and industry reputations of the best car warranty companies.
#1 Endurance: Best Coverage
Founded: 2006
Company headquarters: Northbrook, Illinois
Availability: 50 states
Endurance is our pick for the best extended car warranty provider on the market today. It has 17 years of experience-fewer than many competitors–but has built a strong reputation for customer service.
Endurance is unique because it’s a direct provider of extended car warranties. Dealing with Endurance directly means the claims process will be simpler and faster, as you won’t have to go through an intermediary. With Endurance, you can file claims either by phone or through an online portal, and service is also available through an online concierge with the Endurance app.
These customer-friendly features result in better customer service overall and make Endurance an excellent fit for drivers who want an easy, fast, and stress-free claims experience.
Endurance Pros And Cons
Endurance Warranty Plans
Endurance offers six coverage levels that are both cancelable and transferable. These coverages range from powertrain to bumper-to-bumper levels, with periods available for up to eight years or 200,000 miles. See the table below for basic descriptions of each warranty option:
| Endurance Warranty Plan | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Supreme | Endurance’s bumper-to-bumper warranty covers most parts of your vehicle other than a small list of exclusions. |
| Superior | The highest level of stated-component coverage which takes care of hundreds of vehicle parts. |
| Secure Plus | Covers powertrain components as well as some electrical system parts. This plan has the shortest waiting period with only 30 days or 1,000 miles before the plan takes effect. |
| Secure | Basic but affordable powertrain coverage for the engine, transmission, and water pump. |
| Select Premier | A budget-friendly plan for high-mileage vehicles with up to 200,000 miles on them. It covers most powertrain, air conditioning, and electrical parts. |
| EnduranceAdvantageTM | Combines typical extended warranty protection with coverage for routine maintenance items like oil changes, engine diagnostics, and brake pad replacements. |
Exclusions for Endurance plans, which are standard in the industry, include things like damages from lack of maintenance, severe weather, car accidents, and wear and tear other than with the EnduranceAdvantage plan.
Endurance Warranty Benefits
All Endurance car warranties come with roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage. Additionally, extended auto warranty contracts include one free year of Endurance Elite Benefits, which offer perks that include:
- Key fob replacement
- Tire repair and replacement
- Total loss protection
- Collision discount
- Up to $1,000 toward replacing a totaled vehicle.
Endurance Warranty Cost
We mystery shopped and obtained quotes for various levels of coverage from Endurance, as shown in the table below.
| Endurance
Warranty Plan | Car Make and Model | Term Length | Total Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supreme | 2018 Honda Civic | 6 years/71,000 miles | $2,352 |
| Supreme | 2012 Subaru Outback | 5 years/51,000 miles | $3,120 |
| Secure | 2012 Subaru Outback | 5 years/51,000 miles | $3,615 |
Keep in mind that your specific price for coverage will depend on factors like your chosen plan level, deductible, and vehicle. The best way to find out how much each Endurance plan will cost you is to ask for a free quote.
Endurance Customer Reviews
Endurance has a relatively strong 3.7-star customer review score from the BBB but receives an alert for a pattern of complaints. On Trustpilot, the business has 3.7 out of 5.0 stars with almost 80 percent of the reviews being four stars or above. Many Endurance warranty reviews talk about patient and helpful agents and great explanations of the coverage available.
Read more: Endurance warranty review
#2 Olive: Best Online Process
Founded: 2000
Company headquarters: Chicago
Availability: All 50 states
For those who are looking for an online purchasing experience, Olive will be your best bet. It not only offers a 100-percent online shopping and claims process, but it also has no waiting period before its vehicle service contracts take effect. Olive provides protection plans with no yearly mileage limits, making it a great choice for those who drive far and often.
Olive is owned by Repair Ventures LLC, which has a solid A+ rating from the BBB. We like that it offers protection in all 50 states, with mechanical breakdown insurance in California. While Olive only offers three levels of protection, its upside is the ability to avoid the hassle of dealing with customer service agents over the phone.
Olive Warranty Pros And Cons
Olive Warranty Plans
Olive offers three levels of coverage to its customers including bumper-to-bumper, powertrain-plus, and powertrain coverages. See below for a more detailed description of each vehicle protection plan:
| Olive Warranty Plan | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Complete Care | Olive’s bumper-to-bumper warranty offering, covering all components of your vehicle except for a short list of exclusions. |
| Powertrain Plus | Covers all components of the Powertrain plan in addition to your vehicle’s serpentine belt tensioner and high-pressure oil pump for diesel vehicles. |
| Powertrain | Covers powertrain components such as your car’s engine, turbocharger, transmission, seals and gaskets, and cylinder heads. |
Olive’s extended warranty plans are available for vehicles up to 10 years old or with up to 140,000 miles on them. After this, your warranty will cover your vehicle until it’s 12 years old or with 185,000 miles. Keep in mind that contracts are transferable to new owners.
Olive Warranty Benefits
Olive’s suite of extra perks offered with its extended warranty contracts includes both towing and rental car coverage. Unfortunately, roadside assistance and trip interruption coverage are not included, though they’re standard services with other reputable extended warranty providers.
Olive Warranty Cost
We mystery shopped and received quotes from Olive for two of its three vehicle protection plans, which you’ll find in the table below:
| Olive
Warranty Plan | Car Make and Model | Term Length | Total Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete Care | 2016 Ford Fusion | 3 years/185,000 miles | $1,980 |
| Powertrain Plus | 2016 Ford Fusion | 3 years/185,000 miles | $1,800 |
It’s good to note that your quoted prices will differ due to factors including your vehicle’s make, model, and mileage. Quotes are easily found online, so we encourage you to head to Olive’s website and get them for yourself.
Olive Customer Reviews
Olive’s parent company holds an A+ rating from the BBB. Unfortunately, it lacks a significant amount of reviews on the BBB website to paint an accurate picture of its customer service. However, reviewers on Google provide a favorable outlook on all that Olive has to offer. Positive reviews mention excellent customer service while negative ones talk about frustration regarding claim denial.
Read more: Olive warranty review
#3 CarShield: Best Monthly Payments
Founded: 2005
Company headquarters: St. Peters, Missouri
Availability: 49 states (all but California)
CarShield has covered over 1 million vehicles since it was established in 2005. We found it to have low monthly payment plans and some of the best extended auto warranty coverage in the industry. However, CarShield is not a direct provider of warranty coverage, and instead uses established companies like American Auto Shield to administer plans.
CarShield was named Best Monthly Payments by our research team for its low-cost coverage plans that include perks such as roadside assistance and your choice of a repair shop. Possible downfalls to CarShield include mixed customer reviews and some nontransferable contracts. While CarShield’s BBB rating may be lower than competitors, customers are overall pleased with its professionalism and claims process.
CarShield Pros And Cons
CarShield Warranty Plans
CarShield offers more coverage tiers than many competitors, including contracts for specialized vehicles and high-tech equipment. The company’s levels of coverage are as follows:
| CarShield Warranty Plan | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Diamond | Exclusionary, bumper-to-bumper coverage that includes most parts on a vehicle minus a few exclusions. |
| Platinum | The highest level of stated-component coverage from CarShield, covering the engine, transmission, air conditioning, electrical system, and more. |
| Gold | An enhanced powertrain plan providing mid-level coverage for 10 major systems on vehicles. |
| Silver | Basic powertrain coverage for the engine, transmission, drive axle, water pump, turbocharger, and transfer case. |
| Aluminum | High-tech coverage for luxury and specialty vehicles. Includes protection for basic systems and components for the GPS system, instrument clusters, sensors, and gauges. |
| Motorcycle and ATV | Specialty coverage for motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. |
CarShield Warranty Benefits
CarShield offers a number of perks with its extended warranty plans, including:
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Rental car and rideshare coverage
- Trip interruption
- Towing
CarShield Warranty Cost
CarShield markets itself as an affordable option for extended car warranties, and it offers plans with low or no deductibles. However, costs vary depending on personal factors like your vehicle model and mileage. See the table below for monthly rates we received during our mystery shopping endeavors.
| CarShield
Warranty Plan | Car Make and Model | Term Length | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond | 2018 Honda Civic | Unlimited | $110 |
| Gold | 2012 Subaru Outback | Unlimited | $140 |
CarShield Customer Reviews
Thousands of customers have rated Carshield on both the BBB and Trustpilot. The company earns a rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 stars on Trustpilot, with almost 80 percent of reviewers giving the company a high score. However, on the BBB website it has very low ratings and a D score overall. CarShield’s service reputation is considered good by most, but some customers complain about coverage of part repairs.
Read more: CarShield review
#4 CARCHEX: Best For Used Cars
Founded: 1999
Company headquarters: Hunt Valley, Maryland
Availability: 50 states
We’ve rated CARCHEX as one of the business’s most reputable extended warranty companies. The organization has been in the car warranty industry for over 20 years, touting its No-Haggle, Low-Price, Everyday Guarantee™.
CARCHEX is known for its low prices and straightforward quote process. You can be sure that you’ll get concise and accurate explanations on coverage terms and prices without the annoying sales pressure you may experience from other providers. CARCHEX has endorsements from brands like RepairPal, Edmunds.com, CARFAX, and Kelley Blue Book.
CARCHEX Pros And Cons
CARCHEX Warranty Plans
As one of the best car warranty companies, CARCHEX markets vehicle service contracts from a network of administrators that are backed by car insurance carriers with A and A+ ratings. Whether you’re looking for a basic powertrain warranty or a bumper-to-bumper warranty, CARCHEX offers five coverage levels:
| CARCHEX Warranty Plan | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Titanium | Exclusionary, bumper-to-bumper coverage that protects most of your car’s systems and components. |
| Platinum | The highest level of stated-component coverage from CARCHEX which includes protection for your car’s electrical system. |
| Powertrain Plus | Covers only the essential systems in a vehicle such as its fuel system, alternator, electrical, and air conditioning on top of powertrain components. |
| Powertrain | Protects your vehicle’s powertrain parts such as the engine, drive axle, and transmission. |
| Extra Care | This plan takes care of important parts outside of your car’s powertrain such as its brakes, steering, suspension, and electrical system. |
CARCHEX plans cover new vehicles and used vehicles over 100,000 miles, but don’t expect your Porsche or exotic car to have many coverage options. However, we were impressed with coverage options for older cars, with plans covering up to 10 years or 250,000 miles.
CARCHEX Warranty Benefits
Here’s what extra perks are included in each CARCHEX plan:
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Towing
- Rental car reimbursement
- Gas delivery
- Trip interruption service
CARCHEX is an excellent fit for those who prefer a mechanic over a dealership, as it has a nationwide network of providers. In addition, car owners don’t have to go through long claims processes. Instead, the repair facility files claims directly with the provider, saving you both time and stress.
CARCHEX Warranty Cost
CARCHEX extended warranty costs will depend on your plan and vehicle make, model, age, and mileage. See the table below for cost estimates we acquired through mystery shopping with CARCHEX:
| CARCHEX
Warranty Plan | Car Make and Model | Term Length | Total Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Titanium | 2018 Honda Civic | 7 years/125,000 miles | $3,001 |
| Platinum | 2012 Subaru Outback | 5 years/60,000 miles | $3,987 |
| Powertrain Plus | 2012 Subaru Outback | 5 years/60,000 miles | $3,470 |
Many of its vehicle warranty plans come with deductibles as low as $0. Also, if you decide to cancel, CARCHEX has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
CARCHEX Customer Reviews
CARCHEX has an average rating of 2.6 out of 5.0 stars on Trustpilot. Overall customer satisfaction is mixed, and some report problems with claims and coverage of parts. On the other hand, others find that service agents are extremely helpful and mention a smooth purchase process. In addition, CARCHEX is accredited by the BBB and has an A+ rating with the company.
Read more: CARCHEX review
#5 Omega Auto Care
Founded: 1968
Company headquarters: Jacksonville, Florida
Availability: 50 states
Omega Auto Care has been around in some form since 1968. That’s a long history for a warranty company. Today, Omega Auto Care offers coverage for vehicles with up to 250,000 miles, and this makes it a great option for a used car warranty. Omega Auto Care also offers maintenance coverage as an option, which sets it apart from most providers.
Omega Auto Care Pros And Cons
Omega Auto Care Warranty Plans
You can choose from five plans with Omega Auto Care, from exclusionary to basic powertrain. The plans differ in coverage and also eligibility. Here are the eligibility details:
- Exclusionary: Vehicles with up to 7 years/100,000 miles
- Used stated: Vehicles with up to 10 years/150,000 miles
- Powertrain (all three variations): Vehicles with up to 15 years/250,000 miles
And here are the details on the coverage plans:
| Omega Auto Care
Warranty Plan | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Exclusionary | Covers nearly any breakdown except for a list of exclusions |
| Used Stated | Covers most systems of the vehicle |
| Powertrain Enhanced | Covers the powertrain along with a few other systems plus
a good number of components of the air conditioning and electrical system |
| Powertrain Plus | Covers the powertrain along with a few other systems plus
basic components of the air conditioning and electrical system |
| Powertrain | Covers the basic systems including the engine, transmission,
and drive axles |
Omega Auto Care Warranty Benefits
A couple of Omega Auto Care benefits stand out from the others. These are its maintenance and tire road hazard add-ons.
- Maintenance: Besides standard warranty coverage, you can also get maintenance coverage for routine services. This coverage includes oil changes, brake pads, cooling system maintenance, and more.
- Tire road hazard: This add-on covers tire repair up to $20 per occurrence or replacement up to $100 per tire with a maximum of $400.
Beyond these, Omega Auto Care offers standard benefits:
- Roadside assistance
- Rental car reimbursement
- Trip interruption
Omega Auto Care Warranty Cost
Our research shows Omega Auto Care offers good prices on average. In particular, we found the exclusionary warranty to be cheaper per year of coverage than the average for other providers. Below are details on sample quotes we received.
| Omega Auto Care
Warranty Plan | Car Make and Model | Term Length | Total Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exclusionary | 2018 Honda Civic | 5 years/75,000 miles | $2,760 |
| Powertrain Enhanced | 2012 Subaru Outback | 5 years/75,000 miles | $3,552 |
Omega Auto Care offers one deductible option: $100. However, if you go to a mechanic certified by RepairPal, that deductible is dropped to $0.
Omega Auto Care Customer Reviews
Omega Auto Care has a good track record from customer reviews. The company has 3.9-star ratings on both the BBB and Trustpilot. Many customers write about how the warranty covered repairs or regular maintenance. On the other hand, some customers have had a hard time canceling or didn’t appreciate the advertising tactics Omega used.
#6 Autopom!: Best Claims Process
Founded: 2010
Company headquarters: Lake Forest, California
Availability: 50 states
Next on our list of best car warranty companies is Autopom!. The company may have a strange name at first until you learn it stands for automotive peace of mind. Autopom! has been in business since 2010 and has provided peace of mind for many customers during that time.
In particular, our research found Autopom! has a reliable claims process that is easy to navigate. Many customers praise Autopom!’s claims service, and some have even said the CEO personally reached out to help get their breakdown covered.
Autopom! Pros And Cons
Autopom! Warranty Plans
With Autopom!, you have three options for coverage: Exclusionary, Mid-Level, and Powertrain Plus. The exact terms available to you may vary depending on your vehicle and state.
One downside we noticed is that Autopom! doesn’t provide sample contracts online. Instead, the website invites you to call if you have questions about specific parts being covered. It would be nice to read through sample plans before talking to a sales representative, though.
| Autopom!
Warranty Plan | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Exclusionary | This plan is similar to a factory warranty as it covers most parts except for a list of exclusions. |
| Mid-Level | Under this plan, most major systems are covered including the powertrain, electrical, steering, braking, and air conditioning. |
| Powertrain Plus | This plan covers the engine, transmission, and drive axle plus some parts in the electrical and air conditioning systems. |
Autopom! Warranty Benefits
You can get the following benefits with Autopom!:
- Trip interruption
- Roadside assistance
- Rental car reimbursement
- Tire hazard protection (on some plans)
Autopom! Warranty Cost
Our research shows Autopom! plans are both cheap and expensive. How does that work? Well, we found the exclusionary plan was cheaper than the industry average but the powertrain warranty was more expensive. You may find different prices depending on your vehicle and its condition too. Here are some sample quotes we received.
| Autopom!
Warranty Plan | Car Make and Model | Term Length | Total Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exclusionary | 2018 Honda Civic | 7 years/150,000 miles | $4,500 |
| Powertrain Plus | 2012 Subaru Outback | 4 years/48,000 miles | $6,480 |
Autopom! Customer Reviews
Autopom! shines when it comes to customer reviews. The company has a 4.7-star rating on the BBB and a very high 4.9-star rating on Trustpilot. Many reviewers mention customer service reps by name and say they provided great experiences. A number of reviews also say Autopom! worked hard to get claims covered.
Read more: Autopom! review
#7 Toco
Founded: 2012
Company headquarters: West Hills, California
Availability: All states except Alaska, Missouri, and Washington
Toco is another great option for an extended warranty. The company offers four plans and can cover a range of common repairs. One thing that stands out is Toco provides detailed explanations of its plans online. Some companies require you to read a fine print contract, while others don’t offer any explanation at all. We’ll go through Toco’s positives and negatives here.
Toco Pros And Cons
Toco Warranty Plans
Toco warranty offers four different plans: Orange, Yellow, Blue, and Green. The Orange plan covers nearly any component while the Green plan covers the basics. The plans available to you depend on the mileage on your car:
- Orange: 0 to 100,000 miles
- Yellow: 100,000 to 150,000 miles
- Blue: 150,000 to 200,000 miles
- Green: 200,000 to 250,000 miles
Below you can compare coverage options from each of these plans:
| Toco
Warranty Plan | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Orange | Covers almost any part except for a list of exclusions |
| Yellow | Covers the powertrain plus most systems of the vehicle |
| Blue | Covers the powertrain plus a few more major systems |
| Green | Covers the powertrain of the car (engine, transmission, drive axle, supercharger, and hybrid components if applicable) |
Toco Warranty Benefits
Toco offers the following benefits on all its warranty plans:
- 24-hour roadside assistance
- Rental car benefits
- Trip interruption
- 5% cash back on hotel partners
Toco Warranty Cost
One thing that sets Toco apart from many of its competitors is it offers long 48-month payment terms. This keeps your monthly payment low. We found payments below $70 per month for Toco’s plans. As far as total cost goes, we found Toco’s plans are cheaper than average per year of coverage. Below, you can see sample quotes we received.
| Toco
Warranty Plan | Car Make and Model | Term Length | Total Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange (exclusionary) | 2018 Honda Civic | 5 years/75,000 miles | $1,392 |
| Blue (powertrain) | 2012 Subaru Outback | 5 years/75,000 miles | $1,632 |
Toco Customer Reviews
For the most part, Toco gets great customer reviews. The company has a 4.0-star rating from customers on the BBB and a 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot. May customers write about how Toco covered multiple repairs for them. Others mention helpful representatives when calling for a repair or to use benefits like roadside assistance.
That said, a few customers have had issues getting certain repairs covered.
#8 Concord Auto Protect: Best For Luxury Cars
Founded: 2013
Company headquarters: King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Availability: All states except California, Florida, and Washington
Wrapping up our picks of the best car warranty companies is Concord Auto Protect. The company has three plans to choose from and offers very low rates for the industry. If you’re shopping on a budget, consider getting a free quote from Concord Auto Protect.
Concord Auto Protect Pros And Cons
Concord Auto Protect Warranty Plans
Concord Auto Protect provides the standard plan selection you can expect from any reputable warranty company. However, the company doesn’t offer sample plans on its website. That means you’ll need to speak with a representative to get the final details on coverage. It also doesn’t list maximum mileage amounts for each plan.
Below, you can compare an overview of Concord Auto Protect’s three plans.
| Concord Auto Protect
Warranty Plan | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Premium | Covers parts in all major systems of the vehicle |
| Advanced | Covers the powertrain plus electrical, cooling, brakes, and steering |
| Powertrain | Covers basic components in the engine, transmission, drivetrain, cooling, and brake systems |
Concord Auto Protect Warranty Benefits
All three Concord Auto Protect Plans come with the following benefits:
- Roadside assistance
- Rental car coverage
- Trip interruption
Concord Auto Protect Warranty Cost
As we mentioned above, Concord Auto Protect plans are surprisingly affordable for the industry. Below, you can see two sample quotes we received.
| Concord Auto Protect
Warranty Plan | Car Make and Model | Term Length | Total Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | 2018 Honda Civic | 5 years/75,000 miles | $1,008 |
| Powertrain | 2012 Subaru Outback | 5 years/75,000 miles | $1,872 |
Concord Auto Protect Customer Reviews
Concord Auto Protect’s reviews are mixed. The company has a 4.0-star rating from customers on the BBB. However, it has a 2.8-star rating from customers on Trustpilot. Some customers had issues getting claims covered, while others were waiting weeks for refund payments. Still, positive reviews say the warranty covered claims without issues.
Our recommendation is to always read the fine print before you purchase a policy to know what’s covered.
Read more: Concord Auto Protect review
What To Know About Extended Car Warranty Companies
When coverage from your manufacturer’s warranty expires, the best car warranty companies can provide you with vehicle service contracts to extend your coverage. These protection plans come from both third-party brokers and direct providers. In some cases, you may find great coverage for better rates than from an automaker.
Both dealerships and third-party aftermarket providers can give you coverage, but each offers different benefits and drawbacks. Factory extended warranties can provide you with automaker–backed car repairs and maintenance, but they tend to come at a higher premium. However, a nonmanufacturer protection plan can give you more coverage options and usually has more affordable payments.
Is An Extended Car Warranty Worth It?
As your car ages, it’s worth considering an extended warranty plan to cover mechanical breakdowns that auto insurance companies won’t cover. The older your car is the more likely part failures are to occur, and used car warranty coverage can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs. Even if you’re considering selling your vehicle at some point, a warranty that’s transferable can add value to your vehicle, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
Where Can I Buy An Extended Car Warranty For My Car?
When searching for the best car warranty companies you have three main options: dealerships, brokers, and direct service providers. See below for how they differ from one another:
- Automaker dealerships: Warranties from a dealer must be purchased before your new car warranty expires, so your time frame for decision-making is limited. They also tend to be more expensive overall and lack plan customization. However, they come with the benefit of certified manufacturer technicians doing repairs on your vehicle.
- Coverage brokers: These types of car warranty companies don’t directly provide coverage plans and work through intermediaries for claims. While you may not receive the exact original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts to replace damaged components, you’ll have access to a more diverse network of auto body shops certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®).
- Direct plan providers: This type of plan provider handles all of its own vehicle service contracts, meaning it takes out the middleman when it comes to claims. With fewer companies in the mix, it’s much easier to know who is handling your coverage, making it a more transparent process. Many administrative fees that would normally get charged will also be left out of your contract.
How To Find The Best Car Warranty Company For You
Deciding whether a provider’s offerings are right for your needs is difficult and requires the consideration of many factors. Some offers seem like a good deal on the surface with strong value for their coverage plans, but services may be lacking. In other cases, a company could be a scam only out to line its pockets.
However, if you know what to consider when looking for a protection plan, you’ll be well equipped to make a great decision. When determining what the best car warranty company is in our comprehensive review, we considered the following factors:
Company Reputation
Finding out a company’s ratings from certified agencies is the first step to determining whether a company is legitimate and worth your time. It’s important to look for any awards given to an organization or any key partnerships with other reputable companies.
You can find key ratings regarding the industry standing of extended warranty providers on the BBB website. These scores compile time in business, responsiveness to customers, and other factors into their measurement to determine if a company has a good reputation.
Coverage Options
As with all of the best car warranty companies, you must consider whether the provider’s service plan coverage gives you what you need. The most reputable companies will most likely provide sample contracts for all levels of coverage so you can understand their offerings in detail. If you can’t find much information on coverage offerings, you’ll be better off looking elsewhere.
Plan Pricing
Searching for company plan offerings that fit your needs for the lowest price makes sure that you have peace of mind for both your car and wallet. Get plenty of quotes from a variety of reputable companies to compare your options and find the best deal. All reputable providers on our best car warranty companies list offer free quotes.
Transparency
When a company has nothing to hide, it’ll be more than willing to give you all the information you need to make the right decision. If some contract details are hidden and imprecise language is often used by an extended warranty provider, stay away and look elsewhere for coverage.
Customer Reviews
To really know how reputable a company is, always read customer reviews. They will often reveal key information about claims processes, how helpful service agents are, coverage plans, and overall transparency from start to finish. If a company has high ratings, you may want to consider it in your list of the best car warranty companies.
Best Extended Auto Warranty Companies: Conclusion
Our study found that Endurance is the best extended car warranty provider based on its combination of prices, coverage, and reviews. However, Olive, CarShield, and CARCHEX weren’t far behind, and one may be the best option for your vehicle. We encourage you to shop around and get quotes from multiple providers, as this will allow you to see who offers the best cheap car warranty coverage.
Car Warranty Companies: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about the best aftermarket warranty providers:
Who is the best car warranty company?
Based on our research, we rate Endurance as the most reputable extended car warranty company in 2024 because of its excellent coverage, competitive pricing, and reliable customer service. However, the best option for you depends on your current situation, so it’s best to get quotes from various providers before making a final decision.
Which is the best car warranty to buy?
There’s no one best car warranty to buy, as this depends entirely on your particular needs. If you have an older or unreliable vehicle you may need a more comprehensive bumper-to-bumper warranty. However, if you have a more reliable car it may be better to purchase lower levels of coverage to give you peace of mind.
Is an aftermarket car warranty worth It?
To determine whether purchasing an aftermarket warranty is worth it, compare vehicle maintenance costs with extended warranty prices. This comparison, along with your financial preparedness and tolerance for the unanticipated, should determine whether it’s worth it to purchase an extended warranty.
How do I cancel an extended warranty on a car?
You can cancel an extended warranty on your car by calling the plan provider. Many warranty providers offer a 30-day money-back guarantee when you purchase coverage. After that cancellation period, read the fine print to see if the company offers a prorated refund or if there are any administrative fees for ending coverage early.
Can you buy an extended warranty after purchase?
Yes, you can purchase an extended warranty from an independent provider at almost any point in your vehicle’s life. Drivers can also usually buy coverage from the car manufacturer while the factory warranty is still active. Keep in mind that most limited warranties expire after three years or 36,000 miles.
What does an extended car warranty exclude?
Most vehicle protection plans exclude regular maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations, and the replacement of windshield wiper blades. Plans may also not cover electrical components unless clearly stated. Make sure to check the list of covered repairs before signing up for an extended auto warranty.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
How We Rate Warranty Providers
Our review process aims to deliver consistent and unbiased assessments of extended auto warranty providers. While there are multiple qualities that make a warranty company successful, our review team focuses on those we believe are the most important for consumers:
- Reputation: It’s important that an extended car warranty company is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a long history of reliable service score well in this category. We also evaluate the availability and transparency of each company’s contracts, as well as whether each provider offers a money-back guarantee.
- Coverage: Our team of experts looks at the number of extended warranty plans available, as well as term limits, exclusions, and added benefits like roadside assistance. Ratings also take into account the availability of maintenance coverage.
- Cost: Cost can be difficult to compare between providers because so many factors impact vehicle service contract pricing. To determine our cost score, we perform a secret shopper analysis for a variety of vehicles and plans and consider available deductibles.
- Customer Experience: We listen to real customer sales calls and comb through reviews on sites like the BBB to learn about customer experiences. Warranty companies with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the availability of mobile apps and chat features.
