5 Best Used Car Warranty Companies (2023 Complete Guide)
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If you’re planning to keep an older vehicle, it’s likely that you’ve considered the purchase of a used car warranty. Even the most reliable cars face issues as they age, making expensive and unexpected repairs a very real possibility.
We’ve reviewed various used car warranty plans, their average costs, and overall customer reviews to discover the best extended car warranty companies of 2023. Read on to learn whether a used car warranty would be the right choice for your aging vehicle.
Table of contents
- What Does a Used Car Warranty Cover?
- How Much Does a Used Car Warranty Cost?
- Is a Used Car Warranty Worth Buying?
- 5 Best Used Car Warranty Companies
- 1. Endurance Warranty: Best Coverage
- 2. CARCHEX: Best for Used Cars
- 3. Protect My Car: Best Financing
- 4. CarShield: Best Monthly Payment Plans
- 5. autopom!: Best Claims Process
- What Is a Used Car Warranty?
- Bottom Line on Used Car Warranty Plans
- Methodology
- Q & A
What Does a Used Car Warranty Cover?
The exact coverage details of a used car warranty depend on the plan you choose. From a basic powertrain plan up to an exclusionary warranty that includes routine maintenance, most providers have options to fit any needs or budget.
Endurance |
CARCHEX |
Protect My Car |
CarShield |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Coverage Options |
6 |
5 |
3 |
6 |
|
Highest Mileage Limit |
200,000+ miles |
250,000 miles |
125,000 miles |
300,000 miles |
|
Added Benefits |
|||||
Roadside Assistance |
âś“ |
âś“ |
âś“ |
âś“ |
|
Towing |
âś“ |
âś“ |
âś“ |
âś“ |
|
Rental Car Reimbursement |
âś“ |
âś“ |
âś“ |
||
Trip Interruption |
âś“ |
âś“ |
|||
Other Perks |
One year of Endurance Elite Benefits |
The best coverage for your vehicle depends on its reliability and age. As vehicles grow older and add extra miles, repair needs change and cars become more likely to break down. A used car warranty can help protect your wallet against unexpected repair bills.
Used Car Warranty Exclusions
Even if you get an exact copy of a manufacturer warranty for your used car, some parts aren't covered at the repair facility. Below are some common exclusions from vehicle service contracts:
- Damage covered by a car insurance company (collisions, floods, theft, vandalism)
- Damage from abuse or neglect by car owners
- Damage from improper maintenance
- Common wear-and-tear items such as brake pads and wiper blades
- Cars from certain model years
How Much Does a Used Car Warranty Cost?
The exact cost of your warranty plan will depend largely on how extensive and long-lasting your contract is. Expect to spend more money if you opt for a yearslong extended warranty that cover nearly every component on your vehicle.
Bumper-to-Bumper Used Car Warranty CostsBelow are quotes from five used car warranty companies for a bumper-to-bumper warranty on a 2017 Ford Explorer with 45,000 miles. All plans came with a $100 deductible.
Endurance |
CARCHEX |
Protect My Car |
CarShield |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Bumper-to-Bumper Plan |
Supreme |
Titanium |
Supreme |
Diamond |
Term Limit |
3 years/ 80,000 miles |
5 years/ 100,000 miles |
4 years/100,000 miles |
Unlimited month-to-month contract |
Financing |
$166.88 for 18 months |
$202.89 for 18 months |
$96 for 48 months |
$129.99 monthly |
Total Cost |
$3,181.94 |
$3,652.02 |
$4,707 |
Varies |
CARCHEX offers an exceptional value for its bumper-to-bumper coverage, which lasts significantly longer than other options and costs around the middle of the pack. CarShield is also a strong choice, while Protect My Car justifies its higher rates with long-term payments and superb customer service.
Powertrain Used Car Warranty Costs
We also received quotes for a basic powertrain warranty, which is typically the lowest level of coverage that used car warranty companies offer. These quotes were for a 2012 Honda Civic with 88,000 miles. All plans came with a $100 deductible.
Endurance |
CARCHEX |
Protect My Car |
CarShield |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Powertrain Plan |
Secure |
Silver |
Driveline |
Gold |
Term Limit |
5 years/ 50,000 miles |
5 years/ 150,000 miles |
4 years/75,000 miles |
Unlimited month-to-month contract |
Financing |
$119 for 36 months |
$190 for 18 months |
$79 for 48 months |
$129.99 monthly |
Total Cost |
$4,530 |
$3,420 |
$3,925.68 |
Varies |
One detail worth noting for extended car warranty costs is that used car warranty providers often require a down payment. This is separate from your monthly payment, and you must pay it before coverage starts.
Drivers should make sure to review the fine print of their contract to see if the company has cancellation of transfer fees. It’s common for providers to offer a full refund within the first 30 days of warranty coverage.
Factors that Affect Used Car Warranty CostsWhether you’re buying a bumper-to-bumper warranty or a basic powertrain warranty, there’s no set guideline for used car warranty costs. The price of your vehicle service contract typically depends on:
- Chosen level of coverage
- Length of your contract
- Deductible amount
- Vehicle make, and model
- Vehicle age and mileage
If your used vehicle already has many miles on the odometer, it will likely cost more to cover than a new and lower-mileage car. Mechanical breakdown coverage bought from a dealership usually leads to higher price tags as well. Below, you can see the costs reported by consumers in our customer surveys for extended car warranties.
If you’re interested in checking out potential costs for used car warranties, try comparing free, no-obligation quotes from various providers.
Is a Used Car Warranty Worth Buying?
Consider some covered repairs and their costs as reported by RepairPal:
Breakdown |
Repair Cost |
---|---|
AC condenser replacement |
$604 to $701 |
Head gasket replacement |
$1,808 to $2,098 |
Spark plug replacement |
$196 to $251 |
Alternator replacement |
$573 to $742 |
Starter replacement |
$420 to $551 |
Fuel pump replacement |
$806 to $967 |
Transmission replacement |
$4,924 to $5,119 |
If you prefer to know that unexpected and expensive repair costs such as the ones above will be covered, a used car warranty is a wonderful option for you.
Extended Warranty Survey Results
In 2021, we polled 1,000 consumers who had bought an extended auto warranty or considered buying a warranty for their vehicle. Of those respondents, nearly 41 percent said they were happy with their purchase because it covered needed repairs. Meanwhile, another 24 percent said they were satisfied despite not filing a warranty claim.
About 22 percent of respondents paid less than $1,500 for their coverage, and another 45 percent paid between $1,500 and $2,500.
5 Best Used Car Warranty Companies
Used Car Warranty Companies |
Overall Star Rating |
Award |
---|---|---|
4.6 |
Best Coverage |
|
4.4 |
Best for Used Cars |
|
4.4 |
Best Financing |
|
4.5 |
Best Monthly Payment Plans |
|
4.3 |
Best Claims Process |
You'll gain extensive vehicle service contracts from any of these providers, but they specialize in different types of protection. Read on to figure out which extended warranty company best suits your own needs.
1. Endurance Warranty: Best Coverage
Endurance Warranty Pros |
Endurance Warranty Cons |
---|---|
Coverage up to 8 years/200,000+ miles |
Endurance Elite Benefits end after a year |
Wide array of plans |
Not available in California |
Direct warranty provider |
Endurance stands out for its comprehensive coverage and benefits for used cars. Drivers have access to six levels of coverage ranging from powertrain coverage to bumper-to-bumper protection. You’ll also receive one free year of Endurance Elite Benefits, which include perks such as tire repairs and replacements, a collision discount, and key fob replacements.
With the EnduranceAdvantage™ plan, the highest level of coverage, you can get coverage for up to 8 years/200,000+ miles.
2. CARCHEX: Best for Used Cars
CARCHEX Warranty Pros |
CARCHEX Warranty Cons |
---|---|
Coverage up to 10 years/250,000 miles |
Somewhat mixed customer reviews |
A+ rating from the BBB |
|
Endorsements from CARFAX and Kelley Blue Book |
Known for its coverage of high-mileage vehicles, CARCHEX has arguably the best reputation among these used car warranty providers. CARCHEX carries an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and is highly regarded in the extended warranty industry.
Drivers can get CARCHEX used car warranty coverage for vehicles up to 10 years/250,000 miles. This is a relatively long length of protection even compared to other high-mileage warranty providers.
3. Protect My Car: Best Financing
Protect My Car Warranty Pros |
Protect My Car Warranty Cons |
---|---|
Long-term payment plans |
Fewer plans to choose from |
Great customer service ratings |
Can be more expensive overall |
PMC Rewards program |
Known for its breadth of coverage, Protect My Car is another solid choice among used car warranty companies. Protect My Car offers three warranty plans — Supreme, Select, and Driveline. With Protect My Car’s highest levels of protection, you will have a $100 deductible. With its two lowest levels of protection, you will have a $200 deductible. A $0 deductible option isn’t available.
Protect My Car receives 4.5 stars out of 5.0 from the BBB, an outstanding performance in the extended warranty industry. It offers coverage in every state except for Alaska, California, Hawaii, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Washington.
4. CarShield: Best Monthly Payment Plans
CarShield Warranty Pros |
CarShield Warranty Cons |
---|---|
Coverage up to 300,000 miles |
A larger number of negative reviews than some competitors |
Consistently affordable rates |
|
Wide range of plans |
CarShield is a well-known used car warranty company with mileage limits reaching up to 300,000 miles. This provider is popular for its low-cost used car warranty options, and positive CarShield reviews often focus on the value of the company's protection plans.
In addition to five extended warranty plans for cars, CarShield offers coverage for motorcycles and ATVs. This is a rarity in the industry, as most providers will only offer protection for standards cars and trucks.
5. autopom!: Best Claims Process
autopom! Warranty Pros |
autopom! Warranty Cons |
---|---|
Excellent customer reviews |
Shorter mileage limits |
Straightforward quotes process |
Doesn't cover luxury vehicles |
Easy to file a claim |
autopom! is another third-party extended warranty provider with a strong reputation. The company has an A+ rating from the BBB as well as a 4.6-star customer rating out of 5.0 on the BBB website. Your vehicle can have coverage for up to 7 years/150,000 miles when you pick an autopom! plan.
It's possible to get autopom! coverage in every state except for California, where the provider offers mechanical breakdown insurance. MBI coverage is extremely similar to a vehicle service contract, so drivers in the Golden State can still take advantage of the positives that come with autopom! protection.
What Is a Used Car Warranty?
A used car warranty, also known as an extended auto warranty, is a simple way to make sure that unexpected repair costs are covered down the road. They exist to offer peace of mind to drivers and to remove the hassle that comes with mechanical breakdowns when they occur.
When Should I Buy a Used Car Warranty?
Most new car limited warranties expire somewhere between three and five years after the car's original in-service date. After this time, most drivers have to pay out-of-pocket for damages resulting from parts defects or workmanship errors. This is where used car warranty plans come in.
With used car warranty coverage, certain vehicle components will gain extended protection against defective components or workmanship flaws. Extended warranties usually also come with added benefits such as roadside assistance, towing services, and rental car reimbursement. Combining all of these together, drivers gain peace of mind on the road, regardless of their vehicle's age and mileage.
Bottom Line on Used Car Warranty Plans
To see how much you could save on repairs with a vehicle protection plan, consider comparing free quotes on used car warranties from Endurance, CARCHEX, Protect My Car, CarShield, and autopom!
Any of these companies will protect older and higher-mileage vehicles with quality coverage at relatively reasonable rates. Expect to gain peace of mind when using these providers, as their extended warranty plans receive superb reviews from a large majority of drivers.
Methodology
- 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.
Q & A
Who has the best used car warranty?
The best used car warranty plans are from Endurance, CARCHEX, Protect My Car, CarShield, and autopom! All of these providers offer extensive and long-lasting coverage for older and high-mileage vehicles.
What is the normal warranty on a used car?
The length of a warranty varies by automaker, but a typical car warranty covers parts ranging from the engine to air conditioning. Many automakers offer a certified pre-owned warranty, which extends portions of the original warranty.
What is the best warranty for a used car?
Top warranties for used cars provide protection for everything from your drivetrain and drive axle to your electrical system. The best warranty for a used car is usually a plan that carefully protects your vehicle's powertrain against costly repairs.
What is covered under a used vehicle warranty?
The auto repairs handled under a used car warranty depend on the protection plan and what coverage the vehicle is eligible for. Some coverage plans only cover essential powertrain components. Higher-tier plans include options such as electrical components and GPS. Usually excluded from coverage is routine maintenance such as wiper blade replacement, oil changes, and brake pad replacement.
Can you buy an extended warranty on a used car?
Yes, you can buy an extended warranty on a used car unless your vehicle has reached certain mileage limits. Generally, third-party warranty companies can cover vehicles for 200,000 miles or more.
Do car warranties transfer?
Car warranties generally do transfer, but there’s usually a small transfer fee.
Can you take a car under warranty to any dealership?
Cars under a third-party warranty can normally be taken to any licensed dealership. On the other hand, manufacturer extended warranties usually require customers to have their vehicles serviced only at their own dealerships.
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.
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