10 Best Extended Car Warranties of April 2024
Updated April 9, 2024 at 12:47 pm
Extended car warranty companies have gotten a bad rap, thanks to all the robocalling. But a legitimate car warranty company can bring value, particularly if you’re driving a high-mileage vehicle. Once your car’s warranty expires, an extended warranty can not only pay for major repairs, but in some cases, you’ll get 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing.
As you’re researching warranty providers, you’ll likely notice that most have plan tiers. The basic plans typically cover the powertrain, which includes all the mechanical parts essential for it to move forward. But you can pay a little more each month and have coverage for features like air conditioning and power windows. The best extended car warranty offers include coverage tailored to your vehicle’s needs at a reasonable price.
Methodology Our research is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of personal finance services and products that best suit your needs. To help you in the decision-making process, our expert contributors compare common preferences and potential pain points, such as affordability, accessibility, and credibility.
Our Picks - Best Overall: Endurance
- Best for Powertrain Coverage: Carchex
- Best for California Residents: Autopom!
- Best for Electric Vehicles: CarShield
- Best for Maintenance: Omega Auto Care
- Best for No-Hassle Claims: Concord Auto Protect
- Best for Unexpected Breakdowns: Olive
- Best for Maintenance Savings: Toco Warranty
- Best for Vintage Vehicles: Nova Warranty
- Best for New Member Discounts: American Dream Autoprotect
Best Extended Car Warranty of 2024
Best Overall
Endurance
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
If you’re looking for one-stop shopping from a car warranty service, Endurance should be able to help. You’ll be covered for most major repairs, and for the first year, you’ll get Elite Benefits free. That includes tire coverage, key fob replacement and up to $1,000 in total loss coverage.
Key Features
- Free no-obligation quote
- Plans are customizable
- Choose your own mechanic
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Network of 3,500+ repair shops nationwide
- Easy claim-filing process
- Plans available for cars up to 20 years old and no mileage restrictions
Cons
- Rental car reimbursement only free for first year
- Shorter coverage length than some competitors
- Limited benefits included in basic plan
Additional Info
Exclusions
- Pre-existing conditions, misuse or neglect, gradual deterioration, towing and rental costs and more
Extras
- 24/7 roadside assistance, tire coverage and key fob replacement
Best for Powertrain Coverage
Carchex
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Carchex offers four plan tiers, including its most basic plan that covers only the major systems. You can upgrade to a higher tier for more comprehensive coverage or add on an Extra Care package that covers your electrical system, steering, suspension and brakes.
Key Features
- Free no-obligation quote
- Use at any licensed repair facility
- Four plan tiers plus one “Extra Care” plan
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Roadside assistance plans available
Pros
- Claims paid directly to repair shop
- BBB accredited
- Prorated refunds issued with most cancellations
Cons
- Phone call required for quote
- No live chat support
- Contracts come from third-party service providers
Additional Info
Exclusions
- Pre-existing conditions, misuse or neglect, abusive driving practices, modified parts and more
Extras
- Roadside assistance, rental car, towing and trip interruption
Best for California Residents
Autopom!
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Finding car warranty coverage in California can be challenging thanks to state regulations. Autopom! partners with Olive.com, which offers mechanical breakdown coverage based on California requirements.
Key Features
- Basic plan includes basic electrical
- Choose your own repair shop
- Rental vehicle assistance
- Three plan tiers
- Phone and email customer support
Pros
- BBB accredited
- Offers coverage in California
- Cancel at any time
Cons
- Offerings vary by state
- Claims must go through repair shop
- Lack of pricing transparency
Additional Info
Exclusions
- Maintenance, battery, tires and more
Extras
- 24-hour roadside assistance, trip interruption reimbursement
Best for Electric Vehicles
CarShield
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
If you drive an electric vehicle, take a look at CarShield’s specialized plan for EVs. Your warranty can be set up to protect your vehicle’s electric drive unit, electrical system and battery pack. Since EVs can be expensive to repair, it’s important to look for a warranty geared toward them.
Key Features
- Choose your own mechanic
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Rental car and towing coverage
- Motorcycle and RV coverage
- Phone-based support
Pros
- Plans for specialty vehicles available
- Long coverage period
- Shorter than average waiting period
Cons
- Quotes only available by phone
- Limited customer support hours
- Policies provided by third party
Additional Info
Exclusions
- Not publicly disclosed
Extras
- Rental car and towing coverage
Best for Maintenance
Omega Auto Care
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Car warranties typically make it clear that maintenance isn’t covered. Omega Auto Care extends to cover routine maintenance, setting it apart from the competition. You’ll get coverage for oil changes, brake pad and battery replacement and cooling system replacement.
Key Features
- Special program offers discounts on maintenance
- Roadside assistance
- Support for routine maintenance
- Three levels of powertrain coverage
- Phone-based customer support
Pros
- No deductible when using RepairPal shops
- Five plan tiers
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Reports of difficulty canceling
- Complaints about persistent robocalling
- Pricing isn’t transparent
Additional Info
Exclusions
- Pre-existing conditions, negligence, parts not covered by the plan
Extras
- Roadside assistance, rental car and towing
Best for No-Hassle Claims
Concord Auto Protect
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Concord Auto Protect makes claims as simple as possible. You’ll choose a local ASE certified repair shop, drop off your car, hand over your Concord Auto Protect paperwork and let the service technicians handle the rest. Payments will be made directly to the repair shop.
Key Features
- Free quotes
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Nationwide access to repair shops
- Towing and locksmith service included
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Payment directly to repair shops
- No third-party companies handling claims
- Custom extended protection available
Cons
- No online quotes
- High number of BBB complaints
- Pricing isn’t transparent
Additional Info
Exclusions
- Pre-existing conditions, wear and tear, unauthorized commercial use, neglect and more
Extras
- Roadside assistance, rental car and towing
Best for Unexpected Breakdowns
Olive
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Olive provides coverage solely for mechanical breakdowns, taking care of any issues with your vehicle not related to regular maintenance. One of the best things about Olive is that you can schedule all your maintenance and repair appointments through them, even if your plan doesn’t cover the work.
Key Features
- Online repair scheduler
- Up to $100 in towing costs covered
- No contracts or price increases
- Online signup and account management
- Coverage while traveling in the U.S. and Canada
Pros
- No waiting period for coverage
- Online application process
- Plans can transfer from vehicle to vehicle
Cons
- Rideshare use isn’t covered
- No roadside assistance
- All plans come with deductibles
Additional Info
Exclusions
- Pre-existing conditions, routine maintenance, neglect
Extras
- Towing, online maintenance and repair scheduler
Best for Maintenance Savings
Toco Warranty
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Toco Warranty stands out for its partnership with Openbay+, a membership organization that offers up to 25 percent off all repair and maintenance services. Your Toco Warranty plan includes a free Openbay+ membership.
Key Features
- Choose your mechanic
- Includes towing and rental car
- All plans include Openbay+ membership
- Coverage options based on vehicle mileage
- Business plans available
Pros
- All plans administered by Toco
- Consumer and corporate plans available
- BBB accredited
Cons
- Plan assigned based on mileage
- Limited to $15,000 in total claims
- Long list of exclusions
Additional Info
Exclusions
- Pre-existing conditions, neglect, storm damage, vandalism, wear and tear and more
Extras
- Towing, hotel and rental car
Best for Vintage Vehicles
Nova Warranty
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Nova Warranty specializes in luxury, exotic and vintage vehicles, making it the best choice for those who can’t find the coverage they need with other plans. You’ll get 24/7 roadside assistance and courtesy towing to give you peace of mind while you’re traveling to car shows.
Key Features
- Breakdown and mechanical coverage
- 24/7 courtesy towing
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Bundling discounts
- 30-day guarantee
Pros
- Coverage for wide vehicle variety
- 24/7 towing and roadside assistance
- Discounts for multiple cars
Cons
- No online quotes or claims
- Limited to dealerships and ASE-certified mechanics
- Lack of transparency on contract terms
Additional Info
Exclusions
- Not publicly disclosed
Extras
- 24/7 towing and roadside assistance
Best for New Member Discounts
American Dream Autoprotect
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
American Dream Autoprotect rolls out the red carpet to new members, offering the first month free, along with additional months for new members who qualify. You’ll also get $350 off when you sign up for a new policy.
Key Features
- Discounts for new customers
- First month (or more) free
- Transferable contracts
- Quick claim approvals
- Rideshare and delivery service coverage available
Pros
- 24-hour customer service
- New member discounts
- Fast claims approval
Cons
- Limited to ASE-certified mechanics
- Few perks
- Not BBB accredited
Additional Info
Exclusions
- Misuse, neglect or unqualifying modifications to the vehicle
Extras
- Roadside assistance
Vault’s Viewpoint: Compare the Best Extended Car Warranties of 2024
| Product | Price | Claims-filing process | Exclusions | Roadside Assistance |
| Endurance | Plans start at $79 per month | Handled by the auto repair shop | Pre-existing conditions, misuse or neglect, gradual deterioration, towing and rental costs | 24/7 roadside assistance included with all plans |
| Carchex | Most drivers pay between $100 and $200 per month | Phone call to Carchex required | Pre-existing conditions, misuse or neglect, abusive driving practices, modified parts and more | Roadside assistance included in plan |
| Autopom! | Not publicly disclosed | Handled by the auto repair shop | Maintenance, battery, tires | 24/7 roadside assistance included in plan |
| CarShield | Plans start at $99 per month | File online or by phone | Not publicly disclosed | 24/7 roadside assistance included in plan |
| Omega Auto Care | Not publicly disclosed | Phone call to Omega Auto Care required | Pre-existing conditions, negligence, parts not included in the plan | Roadside assistance included in plan |
| Concord Auto Protect | Not publicly disclosed | Handled by the auto repair shop | Pre-existing conditions, wear and tear, unauthorized commercial use, neglect | Roadside assistance included in plan |
| Olive | Not publicly disclosed | Handled online through RepairPal | Pre-existing conditions, routine maintenance, neglect | Not provided |
| Toco Warranty | Not publicly disclosed | Handled by the auto repair shop | Pre-existing conditions, neglect, storm damage, vandalism, wear and tear | Roadside assistance included in plan |
| Nova Warranty | Not publicly disclosed | Phone call to Nova Warranty required | Not publicly disclosed | Roadside assistance included in plan |
| American Dream Autoprotect | Not publicly disclosed | Handled by the auto repair shop | Misuse, neglect or unqualifying modifications to the vehicle | Roadside assistance included in plan |
Learn More About Extended Car Warranties
An extended car warranty helps offset the cost of repairs when your vehicle malfunctions. Here are some commonly asked questions about extended car warranties.
What Is an Extended Car Warranty?
When you buy a new car, often it comes with a limited warranty. A typical dealer warranty covers a vehicle for the first three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you have a comprehensive, or bumper-to-bumper, warranty, your entire vehicle will be covered, while a powertrain warranty only covers the mechanical parts responsible for putting the vehicle in motion. The initial warranty is included in the price of the vehicle.
Once a vehicle’s initial warranty expires, drivers have two options. They can go without a warranty and pay for all vehicle repairs out of pocket, or they can purchase an extended warranty. If you buy a used car, the warranty may have already expired, and an extended warranty can kick in to protect it. Extended warranties can be purchased at the dealership when you buy the car or from a third-party extended car warranty provider.
How Do Extended Car Warranties Work?
An extended car warranty acts similarly to an insurance policy. You’ll sign up for coverage and pay a monthly premium. If you have a claim, you’ll go through the warranty provider’s filing process—which either involves taking it to a repair shop and presenting your warranty paperwork or contacting the warranty provider to expedite the repair process.
Who Are Extended Car Warranties Best For?
The value of an extended car warranty comes from its cost savings. If you have a vehicle with high repair costs, an extended car warranty can be worth the monthly premiums. Cars that fall into that category include older vehicles, high-mileage vehicles and expensive-to-repair vehicles like vintage and luxury automobiles.
Types of Extended Car Warranties
- Powertrain warranties: A powertrain warranty is designed to only cover the essential features of an automobile. This will include any mechanical part that powers it on and propels it forward.
- Bumper-to-bumper warranties: In theory, a bumper-to-bumper warranty covers every part that was originally installed in the vehicle. However, warranty providers often include a list of excluded items that may limit your coverage.
- Stated component warranties: Some warranty providers give the ability to add on the extra features you need, listing the exact features that are covered. You might choose a powertrain warranty, for instance, but add on coverage for your vehicle’s air conditioning system.
How To Choose an Extended Car Warranty
While there are many extended car warranty companies, only a select few have solid reputations in the business. Using the list above, you can narrow down your options to those that fit your unique needs.
Price
Most warranty companies price on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis, making it tough to get an idea of pricing beforehand. You’ll likely need to get a few preliminary quotes to find the best deal. Your cost will be based on the age and condition of your vehicle, in addition to the level of coverage you’re seeking.
Exclusions
With many extended warranty providers, the list of exclusions is a mile long. Make sure you review that list and ask questions before signing. Many warranty providers require that you maintain the vehicle within their parameters. Failure to perform routine maintenance could result in a claim being denied.
Cover Limitations
Most extended car warranties will stop coverage once the vehicle reaches a certain age and/or mileage. Usually, this will be 200,000 to 250,000 miles, but you’ll also need to pay attention to any vehicle age cutoffs. Often this isn’t disclosed publicly, so make sure it’s spelled out in any contracts you sign.
Other Extended Car Warranty Alternatives
Emergency Fund
The best alternative to a car warranty is to fund the cost yourself. If you put the money you’d spend on monthly premiums in a high-yield savings account, you’ll earn interest on it instead of paying premiums to a company.
Emergency funds can take time to build, though. In the meantime, you’ll face setbacks when you do need repairs. If possible, put extra money into your fund for a while until you have enough to cover any sudden repairs you might need.
Manufacturer Extended Warranty
When you buy your car, it will likely come with a warranty. This may be a powertrain warranty, which means it won’t cover all the features on your car. This warranty comes from the manufacturer and is designed to encourage you to buy a new car. If you buy a used car, any warranty period remaining on that vehicle will transfer to you.
But you aren’t limited to the original manufacturer warranty. Car manufacturers also offer extended warranties, which you can only purchase when you buy your car. You’ll need to pay extra for this warranty, and it might cost more than a third-party extended warranty. For that reason, it could help to get a few quotes before you buy your car to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Auto Repair Financing
Auto repair financing is essentially a personal loan that lets you borrow funds to pay for your repairs. You’ll have to repay the money with interest as specified in the terms of the loan. Many repair shops and auto dealership service departments now offer “buy now, pay later” financing through third-party companies or apps. You don’t have to go through a dealership or repair shop to get vehicle repair financing. You can search around and find the best rate, then line up the financing on your own.
While you’re considering auto repair financing, don’t rule out personal loans. You’ll find plenty of options that make it easy to secure a loan quickly. Compare interest rates and terms and find the best one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Worth Paying for an Extended Warranty on a Car?
An extended warranty can be worth it if you drive an aging vehicle that’s likely to spend some time in the shop in the coming years. Even those with newer vehicles may like the ease of a warranty company that provides 24/7 roadside assistance, towing the vehicle to a repair shop and paying for all repairs. In many cases, though, the cost of requesting a tow truck and paying for repairs out of pocket is less than what you’ll spend on monthly premiums throughout the year.
What Is a Downside to Purchasing an Extended Warranty?
The biggest downside to extended warranties is the long list of exclusions that typically come with them. You’ll need to make sure you perform all recommended maintenance and avoid modifying the vehicle while it’s covered. You may also be limited to using a repair shop that’s approved by the warranty service provider, which might not be optimal if you have a local shop you prefer.
How Much Does the Average Extended Warranty Cost?
The average bumper-to-bumper extended warranty, according to Consumer Affairs, is about $1,000 per year. The age of your vehicle will factor into what you pay each month. You can lower the cost of coverage by choosing a lower-tier plan that only covers the powertrain. Opting for a higher deductible can also drive down the cost.
Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. We may earn a commission from partner links on Newsweek, but commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.
