Best Used Car Warranty Companies

To learn more about our editorial integrity policy and how we make money through affiliate partnerships, read our full disclosure here.

When you purchase a used car from a private party or independent dealership, it can be difficult to determine the vehicle’s history and any potential mechanical problems you may encounter. This is why purchasing coverage from one of the best used car warranty companies may be a good idea.

This article will go over the basics of warranties for used cars and recommend used car warranty companies based on prices, coverage options, customer service reviews, reputations, and claims servicing quality.

One thing is common across all of the best extended car warranty companies: Prices are different for every customer. Your vehicle and location determine the cost of any warranty. The best way to get an understanding of how much an extended warranty will cost is to compare quotes for yourself. Use the buttons above to get personalized quotes from top providers.

Yes, you can buy a warranty on a used car. If you are buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle, chances are it already comes with a used car warranty. Depending on how old a used car is, it may still be covered under the original factory warranty as well, even if it’s not a CPO.

If the car you intend to purchase is not already covered by a warranty, most dealerships will offer to sell extended warranties. When you purchase a used car from a private party, you won’t have the option to get a manufacturer’s warranty, but you can still get coverage from a number of independent used car warranty companies.

All of our top recommended providers offer warranties for used cars that can be purchased at any time. You don’t have to buy them when you purchase your vehicle. Extended vehicle service contracts can be a good idea for a car you buy or for a car you’re planning to sell. Each of these used car warranty companies works only with repair shops certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®) to help customers when mechanical breakdowns occur.

Based on our team’s research, the average price for a powertrain warranty for a vehicle with around 40,000 miles is between $375 to $800 per year of coverage. Fees can be paid upfront or financed on a month-to-month basis. The average price for a bumper-to-bumper exclusionary warranty for the same mileage vehicle is between $480 to $1,200 per year of coverage.

As you can see, these ranges are quite wide. All used car warranty companies offer different pricing, financing, and service options. Contracts with a higher overall price may have longer financing terms. Prices will also be different depending on your vehicle. Some models are more expensive to cover than others. Vehicles with higher mileage and older cars are also more expensive to cover, and some companies will only offer limited coverage to vehicles over a certain mileage.

How Much Does Car Maintenance Cost? 

As vehicles age, they become more expensive to maintain. Nothing will last forever, and the longer you own your car, the more it will degrade. A mechanical problem is inevitable for even the most well-maintained vehicles.

The cost of maintaining your used car could well exceed the price of an extended warranty. The chart below details some common issues and repair costs for select vehicle models, according to RepairPal.

You should consider your own needs and budget before purchasing coverage from a used car warranty company. There is no definitive answer for everyone about the value of a used car warranty. Wear and tear is inevitable, and you should prepare your wallet for auto repairs one way or another.

When you purchase a used car from a lot, you may be offered an extended warranty by the dealership. If you buy a used car from an individual, you will need to seek out an extended warranty provider on your own. If you plan to sell your used car, extended warranty protection that transfers between owners could entice more buyers.

Here are a few pros and cons of extended car warranties:

Below are some frequently asked questions about used car warranty companies:

What is the best warranty on a used car?

We rank autopom! and Endurance as our top two vehicle service contract providers for used cars. Both companies feature quality vehicle protection plans at competitive prices with excellent customer service.

Is it worth buying an extended warranty on a used car?

The answer depends on many factors, but there are plenty of arguments in favor of buying a vehicle service contract for a used car. Doing so gives you peace of mind that you won’t have to pay for expensive repairs out of pocket. An extended warranty for a used car can also enhance the vehicle’s resale value.

How much should an extended car warranty cost?

Vehicle service contracts (often called extended warranties) usually cost between $1,700 and $3,500 depending on coverage terms. The type of vehicle, mileage, and where you live are other key factors in determining the cost of a plan.