Best Used Car Warranty Companies
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 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.
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Can You Buy a Warranty on a Used Car?
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.
5 Best Used Car Warranty Companies
These are the five best used car warranty companies:
- autopom!: Best Customer Service
- Endurance: Most Awards Won
- CarShield: Best Plan Selection
- CARCHEX: Best Industry Reputation
- Omega Auto Care: Best Maintenance Benefits
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.
Transferable | Coverage Levels | Highest Mileage Covered | Cost | Our Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
autopom! | Yes | 3 | 150,000 miles | Low to average | 4.6 |
Endurance | Yes | 6 | Unlimited miles | Average | 4.6 |
CarShield | Yes | 8 | 300,000 miles | Low to average | 4.4 |
CARCHEX | Yes | 5 | 250,000 miles | Average | 4.4 |
Omega Auto Care | Yes | 3 | 250,000 miles | Average | 4.3 |
#1 autopom!: Best Customer Experience
Autopom! has an excellent industry reputation and earns high customer service marks. While younger than more established competitors, autopom! is quickly growing into one of the most well-known used-car warranty companies in the industry.
Autopom! vehicle warranty options include:
- Exclusionary: Includes nearly all mechanical and electrical vehicle components
- Mid-Level: Covers everything included in the lower-tier Powertrain Plus plan as well as select steering and braking system components
- Powertrain Plus: Protects your car’s major systems like the engine, transmission, transfer case, drive axle, differential assembly, air conditioning, and basic electrical components
#2 Endurance: Most Awards Won
We think Endurance offers the best coverage options out of the used car warranty companies we reviewed. The six levels of Endurance coverage include:
- Supreme: Exclusionary bumper-to-bumper protection
- Superior: High-level coverage that protects most major parts
- Secure Plus: Powertrain coverage with some added components
- Secure: Low-cost powertrain coverage
- Select Premier: Basic coverage for high-mileage vehicles
- EnduranceAdvantage™: Combines mechanical protection and routine maintenance coverage
Plans can cover vehicles until they reach over 200,000 miles. Our Endurance warranty review found that the company also offers some of the best perks in the industry. Along with standard roadside assistance, towing, trip interruption coverage, and rental car reimbursement, as part of the Endurance Elite Membership, drivers also get:
- One key fob replacement per year
- Identity theft protection
- Two tire repairs or replacements per year
- $5,000 in repair loans
- $250 gift certificate for select dining and travel partners
Along with these excellent coverage options, Endurance has also claimed more awards than any other warranty provider. These honors include USA Today’s Top Places to Work award and being recognized as one of Chicago’s 50 fastest-growing private companies.
#3 CarShield: Best Plan Selection
CarShield sells eight warranty plans and is a quality, low-budget option among used car warranty companies. Coverage options offered by CarShield include:
- Diamond: Exclusionary, bumper-to-bumper coverage
- Platinum: Comprehensive coverage for high-mileage vehicles
- Gold: Powertrain plus coverage that includes major components
- Gold Select: Similar to Gold plan, but designed for high-mileage vehicles
- Silver: Low-cost powertrain coverage
- Aluminum: Covers most electrical components
- Motorcycle & ATV: Designed for various types of specialty vehicles
- Electric Vehicle Coverage: Covers the battery pack, electric drive unit, and other key components of EVs
CarShield sells long-term warranty options for high-mileage vehicles that other companies will sometimes decline to cover.
#4 CARCHEX: Best Industry Reputation
CARCHEX extended warranties are available anywhere in the U.S. This used car warranty company has been selling warranties for over 20 years and partners with companies like CARFAX, RepairPal, Kelley Blue Book, and Edmunds.com. CARCHEX coverage plans include:
- Titanium: An exclusionary bumper-to-bumper warranty
- Platinum: Covers the same components as the lower-tier Gold plan as well as the fuel delivery system and audio center
- Gold: Covers a number of vital components
- Silver: Covers the powertrain components and other select systems
- Bronze: A basic powertrain warranty
CARCHEX earned fourth place in our industry review, and our in-depth review of CARCHEX found that the provider has the best overall reputation in the industry.
#5 Omega Auto Care: Best Maintenance Benefits
Omega Auto Care was originally founded in 1968 as an auto repair business. The company has also sold vehicle service contracts for nearly three decades. Omega offers three main levels of coverage, two of which feature upgrade options:
- New Exclusionary: Omega’s version of a bumper-to-bumper warranty, designed for cars up to seven years old and with up to 100,000 miles
- Used Stated: For vehicles up to 10 years/150,000 miles, covering vital engine components, along with the air conditioning, heating, cooling system, fuel system, steering, brakes, and electrical systems
- Powertrain: Coverage for the engine, transmission, transfer case, and drive axle
- Powertrain Plus: Adds air conditioning, heating, and electrical systems to powertrain protection
- Powertrain Enhanced: Expands Powertrain Plus to protect the cooling system, fuel system, and other components
Omega Auto Care plans feature maintenance benefits that include oil changes, brake pad replacements, battery replacements, lube maintenance, and a free safety inspection.
Used Car Warranty Cost
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.
Vehicle | Issue/Repair | Maintenance Cost |
|---|---|---|
Acura MDX | Ignition switch replacement | $151 to $177 |
Buick Century | Spark plug replacement | $183 to $194 |
Ford Explorer | Power steering hose replacement | $432 to $462 |
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | Water pump replacement | $890 to $1,197 |
Toyota 4Runner | Powertrain control module replacement | $1,209 to $1,298 |
Should You Buy a Used Car Warranty?
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:
Used Car Warranty Pros | Used Car Warranty Cons |
|---|---|
Peace of mind that you won’t suddenly get hit by a large repair bill for covered repairs | Cost of warranty may exceed the cost of repairs in the long run |
Ability to finance the cost of car repairs over a long period of time | No guarantee that every breakdown will be covered |
Extra benefits like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement | No guarantee that you’ll ever end up using the warranty |
Possibility of increasing the resale value of your vehicle |
To find out how much you would pay for a plan from one of the top used car warranty companies, get a few free quotes for your vehicle. Warranty prices vary depending on your vehicle make, model, age, and mileage, so the only way to know how much you would pay is to get a quote.
Used Car Warranty Companies: Conclusion
Autopom!, Endurance, CarShield, CARCHEX, and Omega Auto Care are our top picks for a used car extended warranty. We suggest comparing quotes from multiple companies to get the best possible deal on a vehicle service contract.
Used Car Warranty Companies: Q & A
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.
Methodology
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.
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