A standard car manufacturer's warranty can assist you in managing any unexpected repairs for the first three to five years after your purchase. You're on your own after that.
After your manufacturer's warranty expires, an extended car warranty can give you peace of mind that future repairs will not empty your wallet. Understanding these warranties can be difficult, like any protection you pay for. Many have exclusions and limitations that are often hidden in the fine print. The last thing you want to discover when you need a repair is that you aren't covered.
We compared the best-extended car warranties on the market based on coverage, price, customer satisfaction, and other factors to help you find the best one. Here are a few of our favorites.
IN GENERAL, THE BEST-Endurance
What we like
- Pays claims to the repair facility in advance. You have 30 days to cancel it and receive a full refund.
- Coverage for older models is available.
What We Don't Care For
- In California, this product is not available.
- Its contracts include a consequential loss clause.
Endurance has been in operation. It handles most of its contracts and claims on its own, which helps streamline the process and gives it a strong customer service reputation.
Endurance policies include rental car benefits, 24-hour roadside assistance, and the option of using any licensed, authorized repair facility across the country. Endurance pays claims upfront to repair facilities, including parts, labor, and tax because it is a direct provider. Other advantages include selecting new or used parts and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The cost of your car is determined by its mileage, year, make, and model. Endurance provides vehicle coverage from as far back as 20 model years, with no mileage restrictions. Endurance can receive a free quote by submitting these details online.
Endurance does not provide coverage in California, unfortunately. Additionally, the company has a consequential loss clause, which means that your warranty will not cover insured parts damaged by uninsured parts. Suppose an uninsured battery, for example, leaks acid onto an insured part. In that case, the warranty will not cover the insured part's repair.
Despite these drawbacks, Endurance is our top pick due to its reasonable pricing and willingness to cover a wide range of vehicles.
BEST OVERALL RUNNER-UP-Carchex
What we like
- A five-year plan that is affordable. There is no requirement for a deposit.
- Within 30 days, policies can be canceled without penalty.
What We Don't Care For
- This isn't a direct supplier.
- At the time of enrollment, vehicles must be under 25 years old.
Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds.com recommend Carchex, which has been in business since 1999.
Carchex plans include 24-hour emergency roadside assistance, gas delivery, trip interruption, and lost key or lockout service, among other things. You can also take your vehicle to any licensed repair facility, such as a dealer, a repair shop, or a national chain. This means you are not obligated to use only new parts when making repairs. Carchex also pays claims directly to repair shops, eliminating the need to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement.
There is no mileage limit on pricing quotes, and coverage is not available for cars over 25 years old at the time of enrollment. There is no down payment required, and the plans have a maximum payment schedule of 24 months. Finally, each policy comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Carchex, unlike Endurance, is a broker rather than a direct provider. American Auto Shield (AAS) and Royal Administration Services guarantee and administer most of the company's plans. As a result, because each provider has its limitations and exclusions, you may have to pay more in out-of-pocket expenditures. Royal's contracts, for example, include a consequential loss clause. In addition to consequential clauses, all AAS contracts have betterment terms, which state that if repairing or replacing a damaged element improves the vehicle's overall worth, the repair will not be compensated.
CHEAPEST PRICE-autopom
What we like
- There is something for everyone's budget.
- The process of approval is quick.
- Roadside help and rental car assistance are available throughout the United States.
- There are no limitations as to which licensed repair facility you use.
What We Don't Care For
- Some policies are not available in all states.
- Depending on the company you choose, your coverage may be limited.
autopom—stylized as autopom!—has quickly established itself in the marketplace, even though it has only been in operation since 2010.
autopom is a broker with two warranty providers, Mercury Insurance Company and Standard Guaranty Insurance Company, to provide customers with various mileage limitations and coverage terms. Although most plans require cars to be in good mechanical and electrical condition, Autopom also offers optional mechanical breakdown insurance, which covers the cost of vehicle breakdowns caused by the engine, transmission, or electrical system problems.
The organization offers a variety of coverage choices to suit any budget, ranging from high-level coverage for individual elements inside large systems to extensive coverage that covers most of your vehicle's mechanical and electrical components. You also get nationwide roadside and rental car support and the freedom to fix your vehicle at any licensed repair facility.
The quick, painless quote procedure, on the other hand, is what most reviews like about Autopom. A typical policy costs between $1,400 and $2,500 and can be paid in whole or every month. Down payments are a possibility for lowering your monthly payment.
Because Autopom is a broker, coverage, exclusions, and limits vary by provider. Not every plan is accessible in every state, and some are only offered in certain states.
RECENT CUSTOMER REVIEWS-CarShield
What We Like About CarShield
- What We Like About CarShield Pays your claims directly to your repair provider.
- Roadside assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Any ASE-certified mechanic or dealer is covered.
- It's simple to qualify for a variety of insurance policies.
What We Don't Care For
- There are no alternatives for cars with more than 250,000 miles.
- Not a direct provider, but a broker.
Since 2005, CarShield has been in operation. It has covered over two million automobiles and has a reputation for exceptional customer service.
CarShield has six plans to cover practically any vehicle with less than 250,000 miles. Its extensive programs for new, used, and pre-owned vehicles make qualifying for a warranty simple. Most plans are paid monthly, and most warranties can be transferred.
CarShield, like Carchex, is a broker. CarShield, like Carchex, settles claims directly to auto repair shops and provides 24-hour roadside assistance. However, it allows you to take your vehicle to any dealer or ASE-certified mechanic for repairs.
While the cost of CarShield varies, it usually starts at less than
$100 each month. CarShield also has a variety of payment options.
OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE-Concord auto protection
What we like
- Concord Auto-Protect is known for providing exceptional customer service.
- Its insurance comes with a standard 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Payments for claims are made directly to auto repair shops.
What We Don't Care For
- You won't be able to acquire prices unless you request one.
- There are no bumper-to-bumper plans available.
Concord Auto-Protect is a company that has been around since 2013. It has the most satisfactory customer service of the organizations we looked at, with choices to interact via phone, web, email, and Meta Messenger 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Concord Auto Protect plans include numerous industry standards, like free 24-hour roadside assistance and plans that may be transferred. Concord Auto-Protect, as a direct provider of vehicle service contracts, pays claims directly to auto repair facilities and allows you to choose any ASE-certified mechanic.
Even though Concord Auto Protect won't provide the price of its plans without a quote request, most reviews found it to be comparable to, if not cheaper than, its competitors' pricing. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included with each package.
Unfortunately, Concord Auto Protect does not give bumper-to-bumper coverage, so many parts, including tires and routine maintenance items like filters and brake pads, are not covered. Furthermore, because Concord Auto Protect backs its extended warranty contracts, your investment is not protected by an insurance carrier if the firm goes out of business.
MOST MAKES OF VEHICLE ARE COVERED-Liberty Bell Automobile Insurance
What We Enjoy
- Transferring your warranty up to twice per purchase or household is free.
- Covers up to 46 different car brands.
- Three budget-friendly options are available.
What We Don't Like
- Repairs must be approved over the phone.
- In California, no plans are available.
- After a 30-day waiting period, all repairs are repaid.
- Coverage is not available for vehicles with more than 150,000 miles on them.
Since 2010, Liberty Bell Auto Protect has been in operation. It includes up to 46 automobiles, ranging from Acura to Volkswagen. Three plans are available from the company, each of which covers the essential components and breakdowns. Vehicles must have fewer than 150,000 miles and be built after 2000 to be eligible.
A 30-day money-back guarantee with all Liberty Bell Auto-Protect plans. Standard warranty advantages include:
- 24/7 roadside assistance.
- Transferable contracts.
- A price match guarantee.
Furthermore, the warranty can be transferred up to two times per purchaser or household without charge.
The business quoted us between $0.04 and $0.05 per mile for a vehicle with 140,000 miles and a 48-month guarantee. Down payments are at the industry standard of 5%, with deductible amounts ranging from $0 to $100.
You must first obtain authorization by calling the service line to file a claim. An ASE-certified technician or repair shop must perform all repairs.
Liberty Bell Auto-Protect does not provide coverage in California or Florida, which is a significant disadvantage.
Compare Service Providers
IN 2022, THE 6 BEST EXTENDED CAR WARRANTY COMPANIES
MILEAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPANY COST ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Endurance
It doesn't reveal anything
Yes
Yes, Unlimited Carchex does not reveal
Unlimited \sAutopom
$1,400
Yes, depending on the service.
Less than $100 per month for CarShield
Yes, less than 250,000
Concord Auto Protect doesn't reveal anything. Yes, It was not made public.
What Is an Extended Car Warranty, and How Does It Work
The companies we investigated used the term "extended car warranties" is used by the companies we investigated, but it's a little misleading. Genuine automobile warranties are only available from car manufacturers and are included when purchasing your vehicle. Bumper-to-bumper coverage, powertrain coverage, or a combination of the two is standard, and time and mileage limits apply.
Extended automobile warranties are service contracts provided by third parties that extend the original vehicle warranty's length. Many new automobiles come with a three-year or 36,000-mile manufacturer's warranty, so if you expect to keep your car for at least ten years, an extended warranty could provide peace of mind for the first few years after the manufacturer's warranty expires.
What Does a Typical Extended Car Warranty Include
Extended automobile warranty businesses offer a variety of plans that extend the manufacturer's warranty on the powertrain, which is the most expensive and most significant component of the vehicle to repair. Bumper-to-bumper coverage is available on more expensive plans. It covers the powertrain, electronics, suspension, major vehicle systems, and more.
Roadside help, trip-interruption coverage, which reimburses you for unused travel fees if you have to cut your trip short, gas delivery, lost key, or lockout service. Rental car reimbursement is some additional benefit offered by extended car warranty companies.
What Does a Typical Extended Car Warranty Exclude
Extended warranties, in general, do not cover maintenance charges such as oil changes, timing belt repairs, or tune-ups. Glass damage and rust are often not covered, as are components vulnerable to wear and tear, such as brake pads and windshield wipers.
What Are the Expected Costs of a Car Warranty Extension
Companies that sell extended car warranties are known for not mentioning fees upfront. However, according to our analysis, you should expect to pay between $300 and $4,000 for a plan upfront. Many plans also include deductibles, which can be as high as $100.
Several things influence the cost of insurance. Covering older automobiles with higher mileage is more expensive. Complex electronics coverage, such as power seat controls, voice activation, sensors, cruise control, LCD screens, and GPS, can be costly.
Is it Worth It to Buy an Extended Car Warranty
According to an ancient joke, something vast and expensive will break in your automobile the minute your car warranty ends. According to a Consumer Reports poll, 55% of individuals never use their extended car warranty plan during their coverage period. 1 Furthermore, car owners usually pay more for insurance than they receive in benefits.
The average car repair cost is roughly $850, so spending $1,500 to cover those repairs may not be a good investment. A transmission rebuild, which is larger and more intricate, can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000. 2 An extended car warranty might be a lifeline in these situations.
How Did We Pick the Best Extended Car Warranty Providers
We looked at organizations that received high marks in customer surveys in the areas of value for the price, customer service, plan types, claims satisfaction, and cancellation policies during our search for the best-extended vehicle warranty companies. We also considered businesses that had been operating for at least ten years.
Other considerations included coverage inclusions and exclusions, as well as extra benefits such as roadside assistance, emergency gas delivery, rental car reimbursement, towing, travel interruption coverage, and more.
