National Auto Care Warranty [Full Review]
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.
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When you buy a car, the dealership salesperson will most likely try to sell you an extended car warranty as well. If you’re offered a National Auto Care warranty, should you purchase the coverage?
Because you must buy a National Auto Care warranty from a dealership at the time you buy your automotive, the company does not share many details about coverage and cost on its website. However, our research team was able to gather information on National Auto Care coverage, costs, and customer reviews from a number of third-party sources.
In this review, we’ll explain the basics of a National Auto Care warranty and introduce you to some of the best extended car warranty companies on the market so you can make an informed decision about your vehicle protection.
To start getting free, personalized quotes from our top recommended providers, use the buttons above.
Table of contents
National Auto Care Review: 3.1 Stars
National Auto Care warranty offers standard coverage, benefits, and perks. Although the information we found from third-party sources was favorable, there isn’t much information available on the company’s website, and without being able to get in touch with a customer service representative, it is hard for us to confidently recommend a National Auto Care warranty.
We recommend getting quotes and purchasing coverage from more reputable extended car warranty companies, such as the ones mentioned below.
National Auto Care Warranty Highlights
Overall Rating |
3.1 |
|---|---|
Reputation |
3.3 |
Coverage |
3.0 |
Price |
3.0 |
Transparency |
3.9 |
Customer Service |
2.4 |
National Auto Care has been in the insurance and finance business since 1984. Today, the company offers insurance products, vehicle service agreements, limited warranties, asset protection, and more.
What Does a National Auto Care Warranty Cover?
Because National Auto Care sells vehicle service contracts exclusively through dealerships and financial institutions—not directly to consumers—there’s not much information about coverage on the company’s website. This is typical for a provider that only sells through dealerships.
To get more insight into National Auto Care warranty coverage, we tried to call the company. However, we ended up being transferred to a vehicle service contract line that went straight to voicemail.
Ultimately, we were only able to find a National Auto Care brochure with the following plan information:
National Auto Care Warranty Plan |
Plan Details |
Vehicle Eligibility |
Longest Term Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
Pinnacle |
Exclusionary bumper-to-bumper coverage |
Vehicles as old as 10 years/156,000 miles |
7 years/100,000 miles |
PowerWrap |
Exclusionary wrap coverage for cars still protected under factory powertrain warranties |
Vehicles as old as 5 years/60,000 miles |
10 years/100,000 miles |
Preferred |
Comprehensive stated-component coverage |
Vehicles as old as 15 years/156,000 miles |
7 years/100,000 miles |
Medallion |
Mid-tier stated-component coverage |
Vehicles as old as 15 years/156,000 miles |
7 years/100,000 miles |
Powertrain |
Basic powertrain coverage that covers only the engine, transmission, and drivetrain |
Vehicles as old as 15 years/156,000 miles |
7 years/100,000 miles |
DieselWrap |
Exclusionary wrap coverage for diesel vehicles protected under factory powertrain warranties |
Vehicles as old as 5 years/60,000 miles |
6 years/100,000 miles |
Benefits that may come with these plans include:
- Roadside assistance
- Transportation reimbursement
- Trip interruption coverage
National Auto Care also offers programs to cover normal wear and tear, consequential damage, and items like tires, wheels, keys, and windshields. There are no mileage or vehicle age restrictions on most of these plans, which makes a National Auto Care warranty stand out from its competitors.
Canceling a National Auto Care Warranty
Not all National Auto Care warranties can be canceled. If your contract can be canceled, you may incur a cancellation fee, which will be deducted from your prorated refund. Refunds will be based on the terms and conditions of your policy.
How Much Does a National Auto Care Warranty Cost?
National Auto Care does not share cost information on its website and did respond to our voicemail when we tried to get more information about coverage and costs. We were able to find one customer who reported being offered a National Auto Care Pinnacle plan for a 2015 Chrysler Town & Country with 28,000 miles for $2,500. This is a fair price for an exclusionary bumper-to-bumper plan.
Some factors that go into the cost of a car warranty include:
- Your location
- The type of car you drive (make and model)
- Your car’s age
- How reliable your vehicle is
- Where you buy your extended warranty
- The coverage options you choose
A general rule of thumb is that the older or more expensive a vehicle is, the more expensive it will be to protect.
Quotes and Claims Processes
When it comes time to file a claim, you can have vehicle repairs completed at any licensed repair shop. National Auto Care recommends customers bring their cars to the dealership for repairs, but it is not required for most claims.
Be sure that the repair facility you choose calls National Auto Care for pre-authorization before beginning any work on your vehicle. Without pre-approval, your claim will most likely be denied. Once repairs are made, National Auto Care will pay the shop directly for covered repairs, and you’ll only be responsible for covering your deductible.
National Auto Care Warranty Reviews
However, National Auto Care only has about 20 customer reviews on the BBB website, which give the provider a 1.5 out of 5.0-star rating. Positive reviews praise National Auto Care for the company’s guaranteed asset protection (GAP) coverage and other extended car warranty services. Negative reviews of National Auto Care warranty services tend to focus on people not understanding the coverage they bought and poor customer service.
Positive National Auto Care warranty review:
“This Monday, my car broke again. Diagnostic, alternator, batteries for a total of almost $900, the insurance paid nearly 70 percent. I am satisfied because when I hear other people crying [about] being scammed by their extended warranty, I can just say thank you to National Auto Care.”— Cedric D. via BBB
Negative National Auto Care warranty review:
“The people that answer the phone on the main line act like I'm inconveniencing them when I call. It's five months after my accident and I'm still begging them to do what they were paid to do. Very bad company.”— Jerron L. via BBB
Top Recommendations for Extended Car Warranties
Endurance: Most Awards Won
Endurance is our top-rated extended car warranty company. Coverage is available in every state nationwide, and the company offers six plan levels:
- Supreme: Exclusionary bumper-to-bumper coverage
- Superior: Comprehensive stated-component coverage
- Secure Plus: Enhanced powertrain coverage
- Secure: Affordable powertrain coverage
- Select Premier: Specialty coverage for high mileage vehicles
- EnduranceAdvantage™: Covers mechanical breakdowns as well as maintenance
Endurance warranties come with one year free of Elite Benefits, including:
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Key fob replacement
- Total loss protection
- Up to two tire repairs or replacements per year
- Collision discount
- Endurance mobile app
Although Endurance extended warranties are on the more expensive side of the industry average, many drivers agree the benefits and comprehensive coverage make up for the extra cost.
You can learn more in our complete Endurance warranty review and get a free Endurance quote below.
CARCHEX: Best Industry Reputation
CARCHEX is one of the most popular extended car warranty companies in the US. CARCHEX coverage can protect your vehicle for up to 10 years or 250,000 miles, which is one of the longest warranty terms on the market.
CARCHEX offers five levels of coverage:
- Titanium: Exclusionary coverage, similar to a bumper-to-bumper warranty.
- Platinum: Comprehensive stated-component coverage
- Gold: Mid-tier coverage for high-mileage vehicles
- Silver: Enhanced powertrain coverage
- Bronze: Basic powertrain coverage
Benefits that come with each extended warranty include:
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Towing
- Rental car reimbursement
- Gas delivery
- Trip interruption services
Read more in our full CARCHEX review. To see what a CARCHEX warranty would cost for your vehicle, click below.
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.
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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