Best Extended Car Warranty Companies: 2024 Guide
Auto manufacturers offer protection against mechanical breakdowns through extended car warranties. While similar coverage from third parties is available, this coverage is technically considered a vehicle service contract–not an extended warranty. However, we've used both terms interchangeably in this article for simplicity.
To learn more about our editorial integrity policy and how we make money through affiliate partnerships, read our full disclosure here.
An extended warranty can take a lot of the worry out of owning a car, especially as it ages. However, not all vehicle service contract (VSC) providers offer the same level of coverage, service, or value.
To help you pick the best extended car warranty company for your protection plan, we created this guide to feature the top providers from our 2024 auto warranty study. You’ll also find information about costs and coverage to help you make the best possible decision about your next warranty plan.
Table of contents
- Best Extended Car Warranty: Top Picks
- The Best-Rated Extended Car Warranty Companies of 2024
- #1 autopom!: Best Customer Service
- #2 Endurance: Most Awards Won
- #3 CarShield: Best Plan Selection
- #4 CARCHEX: Best Industry Reputation
- #5 Omega Auto Care: Best Maintenance Benefits
- Extended Car Warranty Costs
- How To Find the Best Extended Car Warranty
- Is an Extended Car Warranty Worth It?
- Conclusion: Best Extended Car Warranty
- Best Extended Car Warranty: Q & A
- Our Warranty Review Standards
Best Extended Car Warranty: Top Picks
In our 2024 extended car warranty study, autopom! earned the number one spot among all providers in the field. The table below shows the top 10 from this year, along with each provider’s editor’s award, star rating, and notable brand highlights. Then, we’ll take a closer look at the top five.
Extended Car Warranty Company | Our Score | 2024 Auto Guide Award | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
Autopom! | 4.6 | Best Customer Service | Top-tier customer support |
Endurance | 4.6 | Most Awards Won | Handles all claims directly across a wide selection of plan options |
CarShield | 4.4 | Best Plan Selection | Low prices on a wide range of coverage options |
CARCHEX | 4.4 | Best Industry Reputation | Thoughtful selection of coverage plans, even in California |
Omega Auto Care | 4.3 | Best Maintenance Benefits | Included maintenance benefits that provide real financial value |
EasyCare Warranty | 4.3 | Best Claims Process | Offers coverage for commercial vehicles, RVs, and other alternative vehicle types |
Everything Breaks | 4.3 | Best for Month-to-Month Contracts | Contracts include roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement |
CNA National Warranty Corporation | 4.2 | Best for Long-Term Contracts | Doesn't exclude preexisting conditions from coverage |
Toco | 4.2 | Most Helpful Representatives | Consistently praised for the professionalism and friendliness of company agents |
Olive | 4.2 | Best Online Experience | Provides a user-friendly, easy-to-manage modern online experience |
The Best-Rated Extended Car Warranty Companies of 2024
The five providers listed below earned the highest overall scores in our 2024 extended auto warranty review. Each provider stood out in different ways, which we dive into in the following sections.
#1 autopom!: Best Customer Service
- Why we picked it: Fantastic customer service, unique benefits, excellent value
- Customer rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars on Google
- Availability: All states, but only mechanical breakdown insurance in California
The name autopom! stands for "automotive peace of mind," and that's exactly what the provider aims to offer. The company sells four different types of vehicle service contracts and runs off of a dedicated service team. Drivers seem to notice the emphasis that autopom! places on customer service, evident by its strong reviews.
Find out more: autopom! Review
autopom! Warranty Costs
autopom! Extended warranty costs are on the lower side for the industry. In the table below, we’ve listed two of the quotes we got in our 2024 secret shopper study.
Extended Car Warranty Plan | Vehicle | Term Length | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Exclusionary | 2021 Honda CR-V | 4 years/75,000 miles | $3,176.80 |
Mid-Level | 2022 Ford Explorer | 4 years/75,000 miles | $2,898.60 |
autopom! Coverage Plans
Drivers choose from three autopom! plan options that range from bumper-to-bumper coverage down to the most basic components. Contracts are transferable and can protect your vehicle up to 150,000 miles.
autopom! Warranty Plan | Details |
|---|---|
Exclusionary | Extensive plan that covers nearly all mechanical and electrical vehicle components |
Mid-Level | Covers powertrain components and some components of the steering and braking systems |
Powertrain-Plus | Offers protection for your car's major systems, including the engine, transmission, transfer case, drive axle, differential assembly, air conditioning, and basic electrical components |
autopom! Warranty Benefits
All autopom! plans come with perks that include:
- Rental car reimbursement: Covers some of the cost of a rental car if your car is out of commission due to a covered repair.
- Roadside assistance: Provides towing, fuel delivery, and other emergency roadside services.
- Trip interruption coverage: Covers some of the costs of lodging, food, and alternative transportation if your vehicle suffers a covered breakdown far from home.
- Tire protection: Covers tires against damage from road hazards like nails and potholes.
When issues arise, drivers move through a simple claims process with an autopom! extended warranty. The company’s excellent claims process adds peace of mind for motorists who run into unexpected breakdowns.
#2 Endurance: Most Awards Won
- Why we picked it: Plenty of coverage options, standout benefits, streamlined claims process
- Customer rating: 4.1 out of 5.0 stars on Google
- Availability: All states, but only mechanical breakdown insurance in California
Endurance is a direct provider backed by an A-rated insurance provider on AM Best, so it can easily cover its own quotes and claims. The company is known for strong customer service that comes with the choice of any of its six plans.
Many of the best extended car warranty companies work with third-party administrators, leading to less consistent coverage than that from Endurance.
Find out more: Endurance Warranty Review
Endurance Warranty Costs
While Endurance offers extensive plans with impressive benefits, we didn't find its prices to be particularly competitive. We’ve included two of the quotes we received from Endurance in our secret shopper study in the table below.
Extended Car Warranty Plan | Vehicle | Term Length | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Supreme | 2020 Hyundai Elantra | 2.5 years/40,000 miles | $2,934.20 |
Superior | 2016 Hyundai Elantra | 2.5 years/40,000 miles | $3,233.30 |
Endurance Coverage Plans
Endurance warranty reviews rate the company's six plans quite well, and we've given an overview of each tier below:
Endurance Warranty Plan | Details |
|---|---|
Supreme | Exclusionary coverage that nearly matches a factory warranty |
Superior | Greatest component coverage |
Secure Plus | Shortest waiting period |
Secure | Most affordable |
Select Premier | For high-mileage vehicles |
EnduranceAdvantage™ | Combines an aftermarket auto warranty with coverage for regular maintenance |
Endurance offers one of the best extended car warranties due to its excellent benefits, but also because its plans can fit nearly any vehicle's needs.
The Endurance Elite benefits are what set the company apart the most from other extended warranty companies. New customers get one free year of Endurance Elite benefits (they cost $29 a month after the first year), which include:
- Tire repair and replacement: Endurance will reimburse you for up to two replaced or repaired tires per year.
- Total loss protection: Endurance will reimburse you up to $1,000 toward vehicle replacement.
- Collision discount: Get $500 per covered collision, up to a $1,000 limit.
Endurance also offers standard benefits such as a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
#3 CarShield: Best Plan Selection
- Why we picked it: Low prices, generous coverage limits, highest number of plans
- Customer rating: 4.3 out of 5.0 stars on Google
- Availability: Every state but California
CarShield is one of the most popular providers on our list of the best extended car warranty companies. The company has been offering extended warranties since 2005 and CarShield administrators have paid over $1 billion in claims to drivers over this time period.
*Editor’s note: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced on July 31, 2024 that CarShield would be required to pay a $10 million settlement to resolve charges that the company engaged in deceptive advertising practices.
Find out more: CarShield Review
CarShield Warranty Costs
Most drivers find competitive rates from CarShield, but remember that the company offers different payment options compared to other providers. Instead of having a specific length of coverage, drivers will pay the same rate for an unlimited amount of time until they decide to cancel.
Extended Car Warranty Plan | Vehicle | Term Length | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Diamond | 2021 Toyota Camry | Unlimited; month-to-month | $149.99 per month for duration of coverage |
Gold | 2017 Toyota Camry | Unlimited; month-to-month | $149.99 per month for duration of coverage |
CarShield offers eight different varieties of extended service plans. Notably, CarShield will cover motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles as well as electric vehicles.
CarShield Warranty Plan | Details |
|---|---|
Diamond | Bumper-to-bumper coverage |
Platinum | Best for high-mileage vehicles |
Gold | Great for major and minor vehicle parts |
Gold Select | Strong option for higher-mileage used cars |
Silver | Most affordable |
Aluminum | Great coverage for most electrical and high-tech problems |
Motorcycle & ATV | For motorcycles and ATVs |
Electric Vehicle Coverage | For electric vehicle components |
Through CarShield, drivers receive a plethora of plan options that come with generally affordable prices. The Motorcycle & ATV coverage option is a rarity among the best extended car warranty companies, and makes CarShield stand out.
CarShield offers a generous package of complimentary perks with its plans, including:
- Emergency roadside assistance
- Rental car coverage
- Towing coverage
- Trip interruption protection
You’ll also find that CarShield provides a 30-day money-back guarantee to make sure that drivers receive the coverage that they want.
#4 CARCHEX: Best Industry Reputation
- Why we picked it: Affordable coverage, impressive industry experience, wide range of plans
- Customer rating: 3.7 out of 5.0 stars on Google
- Availability: All 50 states
CARCHEX has been in business since 1999 and holds plenty of expertise in the field. There's no provider that offers used car coverage that's as extensive and affordable as CARCHEX, and it's a strong choice for higher-mileage vehicles.
While most extended warranty companies don't offer plans in California, CARCHEX is available for Golden State drivers.
Find out more: CARCHEX Review
CARCHEX Warranty Costs
We reached out to CARCHEX for extended car warranty quotes and found that the company offers highly-competitive rates. Check the table below for a few of the quotes we got from CARCHEX in our 2024 secret shopper study.
Extended Car Warranty Plan | Vehicle | Term Length | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Titanium | 2020 Hyundai Elantra | Unlimited; month-to-month | $149.99 per month for duration of coverage |
Powertrain Plus | 2016 Hyundai Elantra | Unlimited; month-to-month | $149.99 per month for duration of coverage |
CARCHEX Coverage Plans
CARCHEX offers five levels of coverage through American Auto Shield, Royal Administration Services, and other administrators. See the table below for a few details about each plan.
CARCHEX Warranty Plan | Details |
|---|---|
Titanium | Exclusionary coverage, closest to a bumper-to-bumper plan |
Platinum | Highest level of component coverage available |
Powertrain Plus | Covers everything included in the Powertrain plan along with the air conditioning and electrical systems |
Powertrain | Provides essential coverage to the major systems of your vehicle, including the engine and transmission |
Extra Care | Supplemental coverage to add protection for braking, electrical, steering, and suspension systems to Powertrain or Powertrain Plus plans |
CARCHEX Warranty Benefits
Some of the top driver perks that come with CARCHEX include the following:
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Choice of over 30,000 licensed repair shops in the US
- Emergency roadside assistance with flat-tire changes and fuel delivery
- Rental car benefits
- Towing services
- Trip interruption benefits
CARCHEX generally offers a robust set of extended warranty benefits. Most drivers will come away pleased with the company’s choices, and its protection is strong enough for endorsements from CARFAX, Edmunds.com, and the Kelley Blue Book.
#5 Omega Auto Care: Best Maintenance Benefits
- Why we picked it: Readily-available sample contracts, included maintenance benefits, positive customer reviews
- Customer rating: 3.9 out of 5.0 stars on Google
- Availability: 50 states
Omega Auto Care is another well-established extended auto warranty provider that, according to the company’s website, has “serviced vehicle owners by offering protection and financial security” since 1968. Our researchers like how its sample contracts are easily available for customers to help them with their purchasing decisions. That kind of transparency is likely part of why the company has a positive reputation among customers online.
Omega’s most attractive feature as a provider may be that it includes basic maintenance benefits with its plans. This covers services like oil and fluid changes, which helps warranty holders keep their cars healthy and eligible for warranty claims.
Find out more: Omega Auto Care Review
Omega Auto Care Warranty Costs
Omega Auto Care is similar to autopom! in that it has high monthly rates but a low total cost, compared to other vehicle service contract companies in the industry. The table below features quotes our team collected in 2023.
Extended Car Warranty Plan | Vehicle | Term Length | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
New Exclusionary | 2017 Ford Explorer | 5 years/75,000 miles | $3,048 |
Used Stated Component | 2012 Honda Civic | 5 years/75,000 miles | $4,200 |
Powertrain Enhanced | 2017 Ford Explorer | 5 years/75,000 miles | $2,856 |
Omega Auto Care Coverage Plans
Omega offers five coverage options to choose from. We’ve listed those plans and a brief summary of each in the table below.
Omega Auto Care Warranty Plan | Details |
|---|---|
Exclusionary | Bumper-to-bumper-style coverage with only a handful of listed exclusions |
Used Stated | Omega’s most comprehensive stated-component plan |
Powertrain Enhanced | Adds fuel and cooling systems to everything covered under the Powertrain Plus plan |
Powertrain Plus | Covers everything covered by the Powertrain plan plus the air conditioning, electrical, and heating systems |
Powertrain | Basic coverage for only the most essential drive-related components, including the drive axle, engine, transmission, and transfer case |
Omega Auto Care Warranty Benefits
The benefits Omega Auto Care packages with its warranty plans are one of the main reasons the company made it into our top five for 2024. Omega warranty contracts come with some useful perks that include:
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Maintenance package
- Rental car reimbursement
- Road hazard coverage
- Trip interruption coverage
Extended Car Warranty Costs
In our 2024 independent secret shopper study, extended car warranty costs range from around $30 to $360 per month. However, the vast majority of plans fell between $100 and $200 per month, or between $2,000 to $4,000 in total. Most contracts also have a downpayment that varies between providers—often the equivalent of one month’s payment.
Extended Car Warranty Cost Factors
The cost of your aftermarket car warranty depends on your vehicle and how much you're willing to spend. Here are some factors that extended warranty providers look at when determining prices:
- The car's manufacturer, model, and mileage
- Location
- The level of coverage
- Deductible amount
Extended Car Warranty Coverage
An extended auto warranty is a vehicle service contract designed to protect your vehicle from costly repairs after your manufacturer’s warranty has expired. While a manufacturer’s factory warranty is included with every new vehicle for free, an extended car warranty must be purchased separately.
Types of Extended Car Warranties
There are three major types of extended coverage: a bumper-to-bumper warranty, stated component coverage, and a powertrain warranty. We'll quickly run through what each of these plans entail.
- Bumper-to-bumper warranty: Offers comprehensive coverage that's exclusionary in scope. As the highest level of coverage, bumper-to-bumper warranty plans cover almost all auto repairs other than exclusions found in the warranty contract.
- Stated component coverage: An inclusionary contract that specifically names all covered parts. Some stated component car warranties cover only the high-tech items in your vehicle, while others protect hundreds of car parts.
- Powertrain warranty: Covers your vehicle's powertrain, which consists of the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. Fixing these car parts is typically quite expensive, so many consumers opt for an extended powertrain warranty.
While not all extended car warranty plans fit these exact definitions, you'll generally find that coverage falls into one of the categories listed above.
Extended Auto Warranty Benefits
Most extended car warranty providers include a few perks with their contracts to add value and attract customers. Some of the benefits you may come across include:
- Rental car coverage
- Emergency roadside assistance
- Towing benefits
- Maintenance packages
- Tire protection
- Trip interruption coverage
Extended Auto Warranty Exclusions
Extended auto warranties only cover repairs when your car breaks down due to mechanical failure. Other damages may be your responsibility or that of a car insurance company.
The following will likely not be covered by even the best extended car warranty:
- Wear-and-tear items (brake pads, wiper blades, and seat belts)
- Damage caused by an accident or environmental damages
- Routine maintenance needs (oil changes and tire rotations)
- Issues caused by failure to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule
- Certain car parts (auto glass, headlights, bumpers, and interior decorations)
How To Use an Extended Car Warranty
Using an extended warranty is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the basic steps:
- Have a mechanic diagnose your problem.
- Check to see if the part or system is covered under your warranty contract.
- Take your vehicle to a repair shop of your choice.
- Allow the shop and your warranty provider to sort out the details.
- Once the repair is approved, pay your deductible to the shop. Your provider will cover the rest.
- When you pick up your repaired vehicle, get a copy of the bill and ensure that the entire balance is paid in full.
How To Find the Best Extended Car Warranty
The best extended car warranty choices above are excellent, but plenty of options exist if you want to keep searching. Know that some scams pose as trustworthy extended auto warranty providers, so we’ve added some guidelines below to help you find a reliable extended car warranty provider.
Look for Transparent Warranty Providers
Why it matters: The best extended warranty companies provide most of your information upfront. That includes sample contracts, information on deductibles and the claims process, and details on cancellation fees. If a warranty provider withholds basic coverage information before you pay, consider that a red flag.
What to do: Look for the sample contract for your potential extended auto warranty. It should be readily available and should clearly list out what is and isn't covered, how the company plans to take care of repairs, and its methods for satisfying customers' needs. Walk away if the sample contract is vague or if it seems to discount drivers' concerns.
Read Customer Reviews
Why it matters: Nobody understands how a company treats its customers quite like a product's users. The best extended car warranty companies all receive stellar reviews from the majority of drivers, but that's not the case of every provider on the market. Research to make sure you don't get ripped off or have to deal with an uncooperative extended warranty provider.
What to do: Head to the BBB, Trustpilot, and Google reviews to make sure that your top choice is indeed one of the best extended car warranty providers. A score of above 4.0 is generally a sign of standout customer service in this industry. Read through some reviews as well so that you'll be able to learn about the benefits and drawbacks of each potential provider.
Compare Extended Warranty Costs
Why it matters: It's never fun to get ripped off, and that's especially true of a major purchase such as an extended auto warranty. The best extended car warranty companies consistently give fair rates to motorists, but some other providers are slightly less transparent. You'll need to learn what a competitive rate is for your potential coverage so that you can discount the options that cost too much.
What to do: Get free quotes from multiple extended auto warranty companies to figure out what the standard rate is for coverage. You'll be able to compare prices to make sure that you get the best rate possible on coverage for your vehicle. If you take one company's word for it, there's a strong chance that you'll overpay for coverage on your car.
Is an Extended Car Warranty Worth It?
An extended warranty can be worth it for many car owners. It’s important to understand that, much like car insurance, you may never use all or even any of the coverage you pay for. However, you could also end up getting much more in covered repairs than you spend on the plan.
Should I Buy an Extended Warranty for My Car?
If you’re considering getting extra coverage for your vehicle, there are a few things to think about, including:
- Vehicle reliability: The more reliable your car is, the less likely it is that you’ll get as much back in covered repairs as you spend on coverage. You can find vehicle reliability ratings on sites like RepairPal to see how frequently cars like yours need fixing.
- Cost of repairs: Even if your vehicle is reliable, European brands and luxury cars can cost more to fix than other vehicles. You can also find the average cost of repairs for your vehicle online and compare that to the cost of a plan.
- Future cost of repairs: One major advantage of extended car warranties is that you can “lock in” the cost of your plan based on current auto repair prices. If costs continue to rise in the future and you have a multi-year contract, you’ll still be paying for coverage based on the cheaper rates available right now.
Other Ways an Extended Warranty Can Be Worth It
While you can make an educated guess, there’s truly no telling whether or not an extended car warranty will pay itself off in covered repairs. Even so, a service contract can be worth what you pay for it in other ways, including:
- Financial management: For some people, making monthly payments is just easier than stashing away money in a car repair fund or trying to come up with a large sum when a car breaks down. Paying for a warranty plan can take some of the responsibility of saving for car expenses out of owners’ hands.
- No waits for repairs: Many people end up driving their car when it needs to be fixed due to not having the money for repairs, which can lead to even more damage and more expense. When repair costs are covered under an extended warranty, you won’t have to wait.
- Peace of mind: Coverage for your vehicle means not having to stress about what you would do if it breaks down. An extended warranty gives you one less thing to worry about.
Conclusion: Best Extended Car Warranty
There are a lot of advantages to buying an extended auto warranty for your car beyond the potential financial savings. Our top pick for an extended warranty provider in 2024 is autopom!, but any of the providers in our top five could be the best option for you. Getting quotes is free and you could save a significant amount of money by comparing offers. Take the time to be a smart warranty shopper and use the information in this guide to help you.
Best Extended Car Warranty: Q & A
Here are some frequently asked questions about the best extended car warranties:
Are extended warranties worth the money?
Extended warranties can be worth the money for drivers who crave peace of mind on the road and want to avoid unexpected and costly car repairs. If you can easily pay for unexpected mechanical breakdowns, an extended car warranty may not be worth it.
Where can I get the best extended car warranty?
The best extended car warranty company in our 2024 study ia autopom!, followed by Endurance. CARCHEX, CarShield, and Omega Auto Care also earned spots in our top five providers.
What is a fair price for an extended car warranty?
A fair price for an extended warranty seems to be between $100 to $200 per month, based on our secret shopper study. Some plans may cost more based on the coverage plan, length of the contract, the vehicle being covered, and other factors.
Is CarShield a ripoff?
CarShield pays out many warranty claims every year and has high ratings on several review sites, so it is inaccurate to say the company is a ripoff. However, CarShield recently paid $10 million to settle FTC charges for engaging in deceptive advertising practices. We advise that you proceed with caution if you do look into CarShield as a provider.
Can I buy an extended warranty later?
Yes, you can buy an extended warranty later from a third-party provider. Dealership extended warranties must be purchased before the end of your new vehicle limited warranty, however.
How do I cancel an extended warranty on a car?
You can typically cancel an extended car warranty by sending a written note to your provider alerting them of your plans. A slight cancellation fee might apply with certain warranty companies.
How do I purchase an extended car warranty?
You can purchase an extended car warranty from a third-party provider online or over the phone in most cases. Car warranty quotes are free, so it’s always a good idea to get offers from a few companies and compare the prices you receive.
Our Warranty Review Standards
Our review team prides itself on sharing accurate and unbiased information with consumers. We have accumulated data from dozens of extended auto warranty companies to formulate our rankings of the industry’s best providers. Companies receive a score out of 5.0 overall, as well as a rating in each of the following categories:
- Price: Comparing providers can be difficult due to the many factors that influence cost. To determine this score, we employ a secret shopper analysis using different vehicles, mileages, warranty plans, and locations.
- Coverage: A wide variety of coverage is essential to support the differing needs of customers. We take into account the number of extended car warranty plans available, term limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
- Customer Service: The level of customer service and care provided by an extended warranty company is an important consideration. Our review team sifts through customer reviews and complaints from reputable sources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. We also consider the responsiveness of each company's customer service team based on our secret shopper analysis.
- Reputation: Good extended warranty providers consistently provide quality experiences. Our team takes into account BBB ratings and the company's history of reliable service when giving this score.
- Transparency: Customers value a commitment to open and honest communication when it comes to vehicle service contracts. Our team of experts takes into account the availability of money-back guarantees and sample contracts.
Stephen Kenney is a writer and editor who focuses on car insurance, auto financing, and vehicle shipping services. He's a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and has experience covering categories ranging from travel to sports to environmental sustainability. In his free time, Stephen enjoys going on long-distance runs, trying out new recipes, and exploring his adopted hometown of Cincinnati.
More by Stephen Kenney
Comments
Join the conversation