Endurance, autopom!, Carchex, Omega Auto Care, and Everything Breaks have the best extended car warranties based on coverage, cost, customer service, and reputation.
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Brogan is a Motor1.com Senior Writer based in Central Oregon. He produces in-depth auto product guides on topics spanning from auto warranties and insurance to tips on how to sell a car.
Last Updated 08/29/2024 View Plans From Endurance – Our #1 Provider
Endurance is our top pick for extended warranties.
Quick Facts Plan Coverage and Perks| Plan coverage includes | Endurance Elite perks™ |
|---|---|
| Exclusionary plan | One-year membership for free |
| Powertrain plan | Tire repair and replacement |
| Maintenance coverage with Endurance Advantage | Key fob replacement |
| Roadside assistance | Total loss protection |
| Towing | Collision discount |
| Rental car | $250 rewards voucher |
| Trip interruption coverage | Endurance Protect app |
When factory coverage on your new car expires, you may be wondering how to best protect your car. Purchasing an extended warranty can give you peace of mind and cover your vehicle’s most essential components in the case of a mechanical breakdown.
Our expert review team spent over 1,475 hours combing through research to determine the best extended car warranties. To do this, we gathered hundreds of quotes, surveyed thousands of past and present warranty owners, pored over countless customer reviews, and even bought extended warranties for our own cars. In this article, we’ll give an in-depth explanation of our top five choices before highlighting some of the industry’s best coverage plans and cheapest providers.
At Motor1.com, we’re dedicated to supplying car owners with the well-researched information they need to make sound decisions about auto warranties. Our editorial team consists of experienced automotive researchers, writers, and editors that follow strict guidelines to ensure that our articles are unbiased and fact checked.
To compile our product reviews and rankings, our team continuously evaluates dozens of warranty companies to compare plans, coverage, costs, customer service, and transparency. We verify each provider’s quality through our hands-on research process. More than 1,500 hours of research has gone into analyzing past customer reviews and mystery shopping top providers to gather pricing quotes for various plans. We’ve also surveyed 2,000 extended warranty customers to learn what matters most to consumers when purchasing a warranty. Lastly, to obtain first-hand product knowledge our team bought five warranty plans from separate providers to test the coverage levels and claims process of each company.
Based on an extensive research study of the vehicle service contract (VSC) industry, we assessed the available extended vehicle protection plans and rated them on a scale of 1.0 to 5.0 stars. This overall score is weighted based on the factors most important to extended car warranty customers according to our consumer survey: coverage, cost, transparency, customer experience, and reputation.
Our study found that the following providers offer the best extended car warranties. All ratings are out of 5.0 stars. You can learn more about how we give scores in each rating category in our methodology section at the end of this article.
| Best Extended Car Warranty | Overall Rating | Industry Standing | Coverage | Cost | Transparency | Customer Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Endurance | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 3.9 |
| 2. autopom! | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.9 | 4.6 | 4.7 |
| 3. Carchex | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 3.4 |
| 4. Omega Auto Care | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.9 | 3.9 | 4.7 | 3.6 |
| 5. Everything Breaks | 4.4 | 3.9 | 4.7 | 4.1 | 4.6 | 4.2 |
Endurance is our top pick overall for its wide selection of coverage options and reasonable prices. However, depending on your situation, you may find that another auto warranty company on our list is a better fit. For example, autopom! offers great customer service while Omega Auto Care includes road hazard tire repair on all plans.
While no one-size-fits-all answer exists, there are a number of extended warranties that rise above the rest in the areas that matter to consumers. To present customers with a range of top extended car warranties to compare, we’ll review each of our top picks in detail below. If you’re interested in learning more about different types of warranties before selecting a provider, see our buyers guide.
Why we chose it: Endurance offers six warranty plans, including one that covers routine maintenance
Number of plans: Six
Average cost per year of coverage: $1,282
Highest mileage limit: Unlimited miles Read more: Endurance Warranty Review
Endurance offers plenty of options when it comes to warranty plans, providing six tiers of coverage that range from a basic powertrain warranty to factory-level coverage. While term lengths aren’t specified for each plan, its website advertises unlimited mileage .
With six tiers of protection, you can choose the coverage plan that best suits your needs and wallet. One plan in particular, EnduranceAdvantage™, stands out in the industry because it offers both extended warranty coverage and vehicle maintenance.
Let’s take a look at the different tiers and what each car warranty plan covers:
| Warranty Plan | Recommended For | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Supreme | Exclusionary coverage | The most extensive plan with bumper-to-bumper protection |
| Superior | Stated-component Coverage | Covers hundreds of components |
| Secure Plus | Fast coverage | Covers steering, electrical, and brakes with a shorter waiting period (30 days and 1,000 miles) than the Select Premier plan |
| Secure | Most affordable coverage option | Covers the most vital car components |
| Premier | Older vehicles | Covers basic powertrain components |
| EnduranceAdvantage ™ | Aftermarket auto warranty and maintenance coverage | Combines mechanical breakdown coverage with maintenance services like oil changes |
*There are three levels of coverage within the EnduranceAdvantage plan—Prime, Plus, and Preferred—all of which include high-level, stated-component coverage and many maintenance services.
Like all extended warranties, Endurance doesn’t cover everything. Plans exclude damage from the environment and lack of maintenance. They also leave out wear items like filters and brake pads unless covered under the EnduranceAdvantage maintenance plan.
Each Endurance plan comes with the following perks:
Along with the basic services above, every Endurance plan also includes one free year of Endurance Elite Benefits, which include:
These unique benefits are some of the best you’ll find in the extended automotive warranty industry. The downside is that you have to pay to get these Endurance Elite Benefits after the first year.
Compared to other companies, Endurance offers relatively affordable coverage considering the number of years the plans cover.
Endurance plans can range from approximately $2,800 to $3,800 , depending on the coverage and terms you select. Monthly payments are generally $95 to $125 over 24 or 30 months, but the total length of the contract is even longer. You’ll likely pay more than that if you have a luxury vehicle.
Below are several quotes our team received for Endurance warranties:
| Type | Plan Name | Term | Monthly Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exclusionary | Supreme | 2.5 years/ 40,000 miles | $97 for 30 months | $2,934 |
| Mid-level | Superior | 2.5 years/ 40,000 miles | $96 for 30 months | $2,899 |
| Powertrain | Secure Plus | 2.5 years/ 40,000 miles | $93 for 30 months | $2,824 |
These quotes have a $100 deductible and apply to a 2021 Toyota Camry with 60,000 miles.
To calculate average cost per year of coverage, our team divided the average total cost of the quotes we received by the average term length to get $1,282 . Note that not all quotes used in this calculation appear in the table above.
In addition to offering comprehensive coverage at affordable rates, Endurance leverages its 18 years of experience to provide a top-notch customer experience. As a direct provider, Endurance cuts out the middleman because it administers the contracts it sells.
This enables Endurance to deliver a smooth claims process to customers, who can easily connect with the provider online or by phone when they need a covered repair.
The customer experience that Endurance offers is reflected in positive online reviews. On Trustpilot, the company has a score of 3.7 out of 5.0 stars based on reviews from more than 8,900 customers.
Though it isn’t accredited and has no rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Endurance has a star rating of 3. 7 out of 5.0 from customers on the platform, based on over 3,800 customer reviews.
Why we chose it: Thousands of customers on Trustpilot and Google rate autopom! as a reliable warranty provider
Number of plans: Three
Average cost per year of coverage: $794 per year
Highest mileage limit: 150,000 miles
autopom! coverage plans are listed below:
| autopom! Warranty Plan | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Exclusionary | This plan is most similar to a bumper-to-bumper warranty or a new car manufacturer’s warranty and covers nearly everything except for maintenance items, tires, and the battery. |
| Mid-Level | This plan provides coverage for major systems of your vehicle like the engine, transmission, drive axles, steering, electrical components, air conditioning and braking system. |
| Powertrain Plus | This is a powertrain warranty that covers the essentials in your vehicle such as the engine, transmission, drive axles and air conditioning. It can even include coverage for basic electrical system components, though this varies based on the plans available in your area. |
In 2024 our team received a quote for an exclusionary plan from autopom! for a 2021 Honda CR-V with 60,000 miles. The autopom! plan included four years of coverage with unlimited miles and cost $126 per month for 24 months.
autopom! stands out because it has high customer satisfaction ratings, which is fairly uncommon for the extended warranty industry. Trustpilot customers rate it 4.3 out of 5.0 stars. In addition, customers through the BBB rate it 4.7 out of 5.0 stars and Google reviewers rate it 4.6 out of 5.0 stars.
Why we chose it: Carchex is a good option for a used car warranty with its 10-year-long plans and affordable contracts
Number of plans: Five
Average cost per year of coverage: $1,340 per year
Highest mileage limit: 250,000 miles
Read more: Carchex Review
Carchex works with contract administrators including American Auto Shield and Royal Administration Services, so each contract has customization opportunities.
Let’s take a closer look at what a Carchex extended car warranty covers under each tier:
| Warranty Plan | Recommended For | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Titanium | Owners looking for the highest protection available | Exclusionary coverage, similar to a bumper-to-bumper warranty |
| Platinum | Long-term coverage of stated components | Hundreds of specific components covered |
| Powertrain Plus | High-mileage vehicles | Provides essential coverage for many major systems |
| Powertrain | Drivers looking for basic protection | Pays for the most common and expensive auto repairs |
| Extra Care | Enhanced protection of non-powertrain parts | Provides protection for items outside of the powertrain, such as the electrical system and suspension components |
All Carchex plans come with these three standard perks:
Our team received quotes for month-to-month plans from Carchex and got an average cost of $1,340 per year. You can start and stop these contracts whenever—you aren’t locked into a multi-year term. Upfront prices range from $150 to $170 per month but we found representatives offer discounts to win your business. Discounted rates range from $100 to $140 per month, which we’ll show below. All plans below have unlimited time and mileage terms.
| Type | Plan Name | Vehicle | Monthly Cost | Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exclusionary | Titanium | 2021 Toyota Camry with 60,000 miles | $110 | $200 |
| Mid-level | Powertrain Plus | 2017 Honda CRV with 100,000 miles | $100 | $250 |
| Mid-level | Powertrain Plus | 2017 Chevrolet Silverado with 100,000 miles | $140 | $250 |
When we polled consumers who had purchased an extended warranty from Carchex , 68 percent of respondents were very satisfied with the company’s coverage. However, reviews on Trustpilot and the BBB website are mixed. The company earns 2.5 out of 5.0 stars from over 1,500 reviews on Trustpilot and 1.9 out of 5.0 stars on the BBB, though this is from fewer than 200 reviews.
Why we chose it: Omega Auto Care has been around for over 50 years and offers free maintenance benefits for the first year
Number of plans: Three
Average cost per year of coverage: $571
Highest mileage limit: 250,000 miles
With Omega Auto Care, you have access to three plans with varying levels of coverage that range from bumper-to-bumper to basic powertrain protection. Omega Auto Care’s powertrain warranty has three coverage levels, so you can technically choose between five different options.
The plans offered by Omega Auto Care are described in further detail below.
| Warranty Plan | Recommended For | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Exclusionary | The most comprehensive coverage | Protects virtually all mechanical and electrical components unless it’s specifically listed as not covered (for vehicles up to 7 years/100,000 miles) |
| Used-stated | High-mileage vehicles | Protects most systems of the vehicle including the engine, transmission, drive axle, A/C, fuel system, steering, brakes, and more (for vehicles up to 10 years and 150,000 miles) |
| Powertrain Enhanced | Powertrain coverage with optional add-ons | Protects the powertrain (engine, transmission, and drive axle) plus components in the A/C, heating, electrical, cooling, and fuel systems (for cars up to 15 years/250,000 miles) |
| Powertrain Plus | Powertrain coverage with optional add-ons | Covers the powertrain plus components in the A/C, heating, and electrical systems |
| Powertrain | Basic coverage | Covers crucial systems of the engine, transmission, transfer case, and drive axle |
Omega Auto Care plans come with the five following perks:
Besides Endurance, not many companies offer maintenance coverage. While Endurance offers certain plans with maintenance coverage, Omega’s coverage is free on all plans for one year.
Our team received quotes for exclusionary and mid-level plans from Omega Auto Care. These plans had terms of 6 years and 100,000 or 72,000 miles, which are fairly long terms. You’ll see the monthly rate is low at $45 or $50. However, you keep making payments for the entire six-year term. Other companies may charge higher monthly payments but you finish paying for the plan before coverage expires.
| Type | Plan Name | Term | Monthly Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exclusionary | New Exclusionary | 6 years/ 100,000 miles | $45 for 72 months | $3,273 |
| Mid-level | Used Stated | 6 years/ 72,000 miles | $50 for 72 months | $3,573 |
*These quotes have a $100 deductible and apply to a 2019 Toyota Camry with 28,000 miles.
Overall, Omega Auto Care is affordable considering the average cost of coverage is $571 per year. While payments continue for six years with these quotes, the monthly payment is on the cheaper side.
Omega Auto Care has a 3.7-star rating from over 300 customers on the BBB, which is a decent rating for a warranty company. The company also has a 3.9-star rating from over 1,200 reviews on Trustpilot.
Positive reviews say Omega Auto Care has covered multiple repairs and maintenance services. They say the representatives are helpful in explaining how to use the coverage. However, some customers have said the hold times over the phone can be long and others experienced repairs that weren’t covered.
Why we chose it: Everything Breaks offers other types of contracts beyond the standard extended warranty plan.
Number of plans: Five
Average cost per year of coverage: $935
Highest mileage limit: Unlimited for Critical Coverage, 250,000 for powertrain plans
Everything Breaks covers repairs at licensed mechanics nationwide. Its five plans all cover vehicles up to 20 years old, but they have different mileage requirements and limits. All plans except Critical Coverage have options for standard and “Elite” vehicles, which are luxury models.
| Plan | Starting Mileage | Mileage Expiration |
|---|---|---|
| Topline Protection | Under 125,000 for standard vehicles or 100,000 for Elite | 175,000 |
| Deluxe Protection | Under 150,000 for standard vehicles or 125,000 for Elite | 175,000 |
| Enhanced Powertrain Protection | Under 240,000 for standard vehicles or 200,000 for Elite | 250,000 |
| Standard Powertrain Protection | Under 240,000 for standard vehicles or 200,000 for Elite | 250,000 |
| Critical Coverage | No restrictions | Unlimited |
Below is a detailed look at what each plan covers.
| Warranty Plan | Recommended For | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Topline Protection | Comprehensive coverage for cars with moderate mileage | Bumper-to-bumper coverage that includes over 180 components on all major systems. |
| Deluxe Protection | High level of coverage with some cost savings | High-level coverage that includes 129 components on most major vehicle systems. |
| Enhanced Powertrain Protection | Decent coverage for high-mileage vehicles | Covers 61 components in the engine, transmission, drive axle, air conditioning, electrical, cooling, fuel, transfer case, and hybrid systems. |
| Standard Powertrain Protection | Affordable coverage for high-mileage vehicles | Covers 18 components in the engine, transmission, and drive axle. |
| Critical Coverage | Safety net for older cars with frequent breakdowns | Covers 50 percent of any repair (pays up to $500 per repair and $2,000 per year). |
The Critical Coverage plan is more like an auto club than a warranty. You get three main things:
All plans offer the following benefits most other companies offer:
The Critical Coverage plan also comes with:
As we mentioned above, Everything Breaks offers clear pricing for each plan on its site. You pay the same price whether you have a Honda Civic or Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, luxury vehicles require an Elite plan, which adds $20 or $30 to the monthly price.
Below are prices for Everything Breaks’ five plans:
| Type | Plan Name | Term | Monthly Cost | Cost for One Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive | Topline Protection | Month-to-month | $119.88* | $1,438.56 |
| Mid-level | Deluxe Protection | Month-to-month | $109.88* | $1,318.56 |
| Mid-level | Enhanced Powertrain Protection | Month-to-month | $89.88* | $1,078.56 |
| Powertrain | Standard Powertrain Protection | Month-to-month | $79.88* | $958.56 |
| Auto club | Critical Coverage | Month-to-month | $29.88 | $358.56 |
*These prices above apply to standard contracts. Elite contracts increase the monthly cost by $20 for the Powertrain and Enhanced Powertrain plans and $30 for the Topline and Deluxe plans. There isn’t an Elite option for Critical Coverage.
In order to see if the Critical Coverage plan is worth the money, we did the math. Considering the cost of the plan is $358.56 per year, and the maximum amount it will pay out is $2,000, to get the minimum amount of use out of the plan you’d have to spend $718 in repairs in one year, which would save you $359. This would be a wash and just pay for the cost of the plan.
Everything Breaks has a decent reputation with customers. The company has an A rating with the BBB and holds accreditation. This shows it responds to complaints quickly. Looking at customer reviews, the company has a 2.8-star rating on the BBB along with a 3.3-star rating on Trustpilot from 200 reviews.
In our latest third-party warranty consumer survey, 29 percent of respondents said coverage is the most important factor when choosing a warranty company. Our editorial team spent time analyzing the coverage options available from each extended warranty provider. We gave Endurance, Omega Auto Care, and Carchex the highest ratings for the coverage review category.
The table below provides a look at the score we gave each provider out of 5.0 stars, along with some insight into each one’s coverage options.
2. Omega Auto Care
*The coverage rating given to each provider is based on the types of warranty plans offered, coverage term length, and added benefits like roadside assistance. A provider scores well if it offers more than three plans and has mileage limits over 150,000 miles. You can learn more about how we give scores in each rating category in our methodology section.
In addition to high ratings across the coverage review category, our team also looked into the providers that offer standout bumper-to-bumper, stated-component, and powertrain plans for the industry. If you’re looking for a specific type of plan, consider the following.
Because of its comprehensive coverage and included benefits, our editorial team found that Endurance Supreme is the best bumper-to-bumper extended warranty overall. Since Endurance is a direct warranty provider, it can provide coverage for up to 8 years and unlimited miles with only a short list of exclusions.
We also like that the plan comes with a free year of Endurance Elite Benefits like a tire allowance, key fob replacement, collision discounts, and up to $1,000 in total loss replacement. This is on top of standard benefits that come with the Supreme plan like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage.
Omega Auto Care offers three levels of Powertrain Protection. This gives you multiple ways to cover the most essential parts of the vehicle. The company’s most basic option, Powertrain, covers the engine, transmission, transfer case, and drive axle. The next step up, Powertrain Plus, adds components in the A/C, heating, and electrical systems. The Powertrain Enhanced option adds cooling and fuel systems to the mix.
Any powertrain plan comes with roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, trip interruption, and road hazard tire repair for the life of the contract. Plans also come with maintenance coverage for one year.
With most other companies, all plans will cover the powertrain. But what if you still have powertrain coverage from the manufacturer? Brands like Kia and Hyundai offer powertrain warranties that last 10 years or 100,000 miles, so you might not want to double up on powertrain coverage.
That’s where Carchex’s Extra Care plan comes in. The plan covers systems outside the powertrain, like the electrical, air conditioning, and suspension systems. The Extra Care plan can be a good idea if you already have a powertrain warranty but want more comprehensive coverage for the vehicle.
In our industry-wide study of the best extended car warranties, we found several providers that stood out in terms of affordability. Endurance, Carchex, and autopom! all received high cost ratings from our editorial team while also receiving a positive overall score. Because the warranty market has many low-cost providers with poor reputations, it is difficult to judge a provider purely by using the cost score from our research.
The table below compares cost ratings on a scale of 1.0 to 5.0, along with the cheapest monthly rate we were given.
| Cheap Extended Car Warranty Companies | Cost Rating | Cheapest Plan | Cheapest Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. autopom! | 4.9 | Exclusionary | $126 |
| 2. Endurance | 4.6 | Superior | $96 |
| 3. Carchex | 4.6 | Titanium | $110 |
*Our cost rating is determined by the providers that offer great coverage at an affordable price. You can learn more about how we give scores in each rating category in our methodology section.
The highest cost rating out of our top 10 recommendations came from autopom!. It might not have the lowest monthly cost, but with autopom! you pay off your four-year coverage in just two years. Meaning, over the course of 24 months you will pay $126 per month for a total of $3,177 (which includes an initial down payment of $158). After this, your coverage is paid for in full. If you divide this total cost by the four years you receive coverage from the company, you’re essentially paying $794 per year.
Endurance is one of the best value providers. Plans start as low as $93 per month and come with Endurance Elite benefits for one year. If you get into an accident, these benefits can help with $500 toward damage repair. And if you total your vehicle, Elite benefits can provide up to $1,000 toward replacing it.
Finally Carchex is also a good value for the coverage, at about $110 per month. Carchex representatives often offer discounts if you ask. The flexible month-to-month contracts let you stop coverage easily if you happen to sell your car or decide you don’t want a warranty.
Industry Standing: 4.3/5.0 Coverage: 4.9/5.0 Cost: 4.6/5.0 Transparency: 4.8/5.0 Customer Service: 4.3/5.0
Endurance is our top pick for extended warranties.
Quick Facts Plan Coverage and Perks| Plan coverage includes | Endurance Elite perks™ |
|---|---|
| Exclusionary plan | One-year membership for free |
| Powertrain plan | Tire repair and replacement |
| Maintenance coverage with Endurance Advantage | Key fob replacement |
| Roadside assistance | Total loss protection |
| Towing | Collision discount |
| Rental car | $250 rewards voucher |
| Trip interruption coverage | Endurance Protect app |
If you’re not sure where to start when shopping for extended car warranty coverage, read on to learn more about various types of warranties and plans.
An extended auto warranty, also known as a vehicle service contract or vehicle protection plan, pays for damage caused by defective materials and workmanship after your initial factory warranty expires. By doing so, these plans can protect you from paying for potentially costly out-of-pocket repairs if your vehicle breaks down.
If you experience a covered breakdown after your waiting period is up, you’ll file a claim with the warranty provider. Depending on the contract, you may have to use a network of dealerships or might be able to pick your favorite repair facility. Most plans require you to pay a deductible before the extended warranty covers the rest of the repair cost.
Some car insurance providers, like Geico, offer mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI). This is an add-on that covers mechanical issues in a similar way to extended auto warranties. 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.
Out of the five providers featured in our review, only Endurance specifically states that it offers MBI. However, autopom! offers MBI for its customers depending on state requirements.
Extended car warranties cover repairs and replacements after breakdowns that come from normal use. Depending on your plan, it may cover the 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 usually remain the owner’s responsibility. The best extended car warranty providers have several coverage options, so you can select the plan that best fits your vehicle’s needs.
An extended warranty protects 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. In terms of how the warranty information is presented, there are typically two types of plans: exclusionary coverage and named-component coverage.
Another way to compare warranties is by the amount of coverage provided by each plan. Aftermarket car warranties generally fall under three main types: bumper-to-bumper, mid-level, and powertrain. We’ve outlined some of the basics of each warranty type below:
Read the fine print of your warranty or look at a sample contract to know what type of service contract your aftermarket car warranty falls under.
Within stated-component coverage, you can find various plan levels such as:
Extended warranties function similarly to insurance policies since they protect you from potentially pricey and unpredictable car repair costs. Instead of spending hundreds or thousands of dollars out of pocket, you’ll only need to pay a small deductible if your repairs are covered under warranty.
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 like bumpers, glass, trim, and upholstery won’t be taken care of. Wear items such as tires, brake pads, wiper blades, and shock absorbers are also typically excluded from coverage.
When surveying 1,000 consumers in our 2024 third-party warranty survey, just two percent of respondents said their warranty claim was denied. This is far less than our 2022 survey, where over 40 percent of respondents said their warranty claim was denied due to their contract not covering the specific part or component that needed repairs. To fully understand what is and isn’t covered by your warranty plan, it’s important to read the fine print in your contract before signing it.
After purchasing your contract, most warranty providers require you to go through a waiting period before you can use coverage. This protects the provider from someone purchasing a warranty right after discovering a major issue with their car. Most extended warranties require you to wait 30 days and 1,000 miles before making a car repair claim.
Reputable extended car warranty companies will allow you to cancel coverage for a full refund within 30 days. They’ll also provide prorated refunds after that. You must contact the contract administrator and provide a written odometer statement to cancel an extended car warranty.
Based on our research, extended warranties from leading providers cost $1,330 per year of coverage on average. Bumper-to-bumper warranties tend to be costlier since they cover more vehicle components, and long-lasting coverage also increases the contract price. Other factors that affect car warranty costs include:
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 pick. Many companies offer monthly payments in the range of $80 to $160, though you can find higher and lower options.
You can buy an extended warranty from reputable third-party providers at almost any time after purchase. Manufacturers, on the other hand, usually require you to buy an extended warranty before the factory warranty expires. Some only allow you to get one when you buy the vehicle.
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 you’ll likely be glad to have protection if an issue arises. However, it’s important to note that car warranties are not required by law.
Typical automakers offer bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage for 3 years/36,000 miles. Ford, Honda, Toyota, and others all offer this term limit. Some brands like Hyundai offer longer coverage, but it still falls short of the 150,000 miles that the average car owner can expect to put on a vehicle throughout its lifetime.
For this reason, those who are planning to keep their vehicles for a while might consider an extended warranty. Owners who plan to sell may want to think about coverage, too. If you plan to sell your vehicle on the private market after a few years, a transferable service contract could make your car more appealing to potential buyers.
According to Jessica Campbell, Director of Marketing at Endurance, “Whether or not an auto protection plan or extended warranty is ‘worth it’ largely depends on a vehicle owner’s needs and the quality of the vehicle itself.”
To be sure that the extra coverage is a wise decision, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of extended car warranties.
In addition, car owners should read the fine print of a vehicle service contract to understand what’s excluded and what could void the warranty. You should also make sure that you’re signing up for a monthly payment plan that fits within your finances.
According to AAA, 64 million Americans don’t have the funds to cover unexpected car repair costs. Instead, they’d go into debt to cover steep repair bills. An average car repair costs between $500 and $600, but you’ll be looking at much more if a major component breaks.
Here are a few average prices for some of the more expensive car repairs according to data from RepairPal.
| Car Component | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Engine control module (ECM) replacement | $1,037 to $1,113 |
| Turbocharger assembly replacement | $2,101 to $2,496 |
| Fuel tank replacement | $1,479 to $1,599 |
| Catalytic converter replacement | $2,304 to $2,443 |
| Head gasket replacement | $1,937 to $2,245 |
| Water pump replacement | $738 to $877 |
Jessica Campbell, quoted earlier, states that the most common types of repair claims with Endurance are repairs dealing with transmissions and water pumps. She also mentions that costs vary due to factors “including vehicle type, model, age, and the complexity of the individual repair.”
While there are many providers in the industry, we think Endurance has the best extended car warranty overall. The company offers a wide range of coverage options that last for several years and unlimited miles. Endurance is also a direct warranty provider, so you’ll never have to worry about dealing with another company. Our team also recommends autopom! for its excellent customer service and Carchex for its long coverage terms.
Getting a free quote online and comparing prices from several extended warranty providers can help you find the best fit for your car and budget.
