6 Best Used Car Warranty Companies of April 2024
Updated April 9, 2024 at 1:02 pm
As our cars age, so do the many parts that keep them running. It is only natural to need repairs over time, but these can come at a steep cost. You could easily face a bill of several thousand dollars, depending on the repair your vehicle needs.
A used car warranty can help. Used car warranties can cover the cost of those repairs and, in many cases, can also provide additional services that can prove critical in a time of emergency—such as roadside assistance, towing and rental car reimbursement.
When you’re searching for the best warranty company for used cars, keep in mind that your specific vehicle’s make, model, age, mileage and other factors will determine the coverage and pricing available to you. If you’re interested in protecting your vehicle and avoiding surprise expenses, consider getting quotes from the best used car warranty companies below.
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 - The Best Warranty Company for Used Cars Overall: Endurance
- Best Used Car Warranty Company for Discounts: American Dream Auto Protect
- Best Used Car Warranty Company for Travelers: Autopom!
- Best Long-Term Used Car Warranty Company: CARCHEX
- Best Used Car Warranty Company for Multiple Vehicles: CarShield
- The Best Warranty Company for Used Cars With No Waiting Period: Olive
Best Used Car Warranty Companies of 2024
The Best Warranty Company for Used Cars Overall
Endurance
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
As the best used car warranty company overall, Endurance delivers some of the best protection with an added Elite Benefits package (included free for the first year, $29/month thereafter). Enjoy 24/7 roadside assistance, Total Loss Protection and $3,500 in annual maintenance.
Key Features
- Secure, Secure Plus, Superior, Supreme, Select Premier and Advantage plans
- Total Loss Protection gives you up to $1,000 for a replacement car
- Covers up to $3,500 in annual maintenance
- 24/7 roadside assistance with up to 4 tire repairs or replacements per year
- Rental car benefits for covered breakdowns
- Collision discount covering up to $500 in repairs per accident
Pros
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Key fob replacement coverage up to $500
- Convenient mobile app
Cons
- Free Elite Benefits for one year only
- Limited hours for general customer service
- Can have a long waiting period (at least 30 days) before coverage is activated
Best Used Car Warranty Company for Discounts
American Dream Auto Protect
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
American Dream Auto Protect offers easy monthly billing for its Elite Benefits package that includes exclusive collision discounts and multi-car savings, plus a money-back guarantee and cancellation option.
Key Features
- Silver, Gold and Platinum plans, plus customizable plans so you only get the coverage you want
- 24/7 roadside assistance with tire replacement/repair
- 50,000+ ASE mechanics in network
- Total Loss Replacement
- Trip Interruption Coverage
Pros
- 24/7 customer service
- Key fob replacement
- Multi-car discounts
Cons
- Not many extra perks
- 30-day waiting period
- No online quotes
Best Used Car Warranty Company for Travelers
Autopom!
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
With nationwide roadside assistance, Autopom! expands its coverage by adding breakdown coverage. No matter where you wander, it can help with coverage throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Key Features
- Exclusionary, Mid-Level and Powertrain Plus plans
- 24/7 roadside assistance with tire protection
- U.S. and Canada breakdown coverage
- Rental car assistance
- Trip interruption reimbursement
Pros
- Can choose your repair shop
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- High customer service ratings
Cons
- No online quotes
- 30-day waiting period
- Limited hours for general customer service
Best Long-Term Used Car Warranty Company
Carchex
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Carchex offers long-term coverage that exceeds most of the best used car warranty companies. Drivers can receive coverage for vehicles with up to ten years or 250,000 miles with added Peace of Mind benefits like roadside assistance and emergency gas delivery service.
Key Features
- Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium plans
- Coverage for up to 10 years/250,000 miles
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Substitute transportation reimbursement
- Trip interruption reimbursement
Pros
- Accepts very high mileage
- Clear upfront terms
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- No online quotes
- Vehicle restrictions
- Mediocre customer service
Best Used Car Warranty Company for Multiple Vehicles
CarShield
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
CarShield is the best used car warranty company when you have multiple vehicles to insure. With several plans, it can accommodate everything from high-mileage and electric vehicles to RVs and motorcycles.
Key Features
- Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Gold Select, Silver, Aluminum, Motorcycle & ATV and Electric Vehicle plans
- Coverage for electric vehicles, ATVs and motorcycles
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Towing and rental car benefits
- Service in the U.S. and Canada
Pros
- Multi-car discounts
- Choice of repair facility
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- No online quotes
- Some vehicle restrictions
- Limited coverage levels for specialty vehicles
The Best Warranty Company for Used Cars With No Waiting Period
Olive
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Olive allows you to begin enjoying your used car warranty coverage right after purchase. It is one of the rare best used car warranty companies that offer online quotes to speed up the process so you get covered faster. There are two parts to their maximum mileage: they’ll accept cars with up to 140,000 miles on them, and cover them up to 185,000 miles.
Key Features
- Complete Care, Powertrain Plus and Powertrain plans
- RepairPal network
- $175 rental car credit
- $100 towing reimbursement
- Transferable policies
Pros
- Online quotes
- Can choose deductible
- Price lock guarantee
Cons
- Limited benefits
- No coverage for vehicles 11+ years old
- Low maximum mileage
Vault’s Viewpoint: Compare the Best Used Car Warranty Companies of 2024
| Starting Price | Number Of Plans | Maximum Mileage | Roadside Assistance | Online Quotes | |
| Endurance | $79+/month | 6 | 200,000 | ✔ | ✔ |
| American Dream Auto | $2,000+ (total) | 3 | 100,000 | ✔ | |
| Autopom! | $2,500+ (total) | 3 | Not disclosed | ✔ | |
| CARCHEX | $65+/month | 5 | 250,000 | ✔ | |
| CarShield | $99+/month | 8 | 300,000 | ✔ | |
| Olive | $10+/month | 3 | 185,000 | ✔ | ✔ |
Learn More About Used Car Warranty Companies
To help you find the best warranty company for used cars, let’s look at a brief overview of how used car warranties work and how they help with vehicle repairs.
What Is a Used Car Warranty Company?
A used car warranty company specializes in extended car warranties for used cars. Many of the best used car warranty companies featured here are also top picks for the best car warranty companies for all vehicles. These companies provide ongoing coverage for your vehicle, allowing you the opportunity to extend many of the protections afforded by your original factory or dealership warranty.
A used car warranty company typically focuses on the major mechanical parts of your vehicle, such as the engine or transmission. When something goes wrong, your used car warranty company will pay for the repairs covered under your policy.
How Do Used Car Warranty Companies Work?
When you buy a used vehicle, you may receive short-term coverage in the form of a warranty. This is offered by the factory or dealership and often has an expiration date of three years or 36,000 miles. If you’re looking for continued coverage after that expires, this is when used car warranty companies can take over and provide an extended warranty.
Used car warranty companies work much like insurance companies. When you experience an issue with your vehicle, you can take it to the dealership or to an approved auto repair shop for diagnosis. Once you know what is wrong, you can check your used car warranty to ensure that repairs are covered. Keep in mind that there may be a deductible that you will have to pay before coverage kicks in. If the repair is covered, you simply pay your deductible and then your used car warranty company will either pay the rest of the bill directly or reimburse you after you file a claim.
Who Are Used Car Warranty Companies Best For?
Used car warranty companies can be helpful in a number of cases. If your current dealership or factory warranty is expiring, a used car warranty company can help you find the right kind of extended coverage to protect your vehicle if you deem it necessary.
So, what kind of car owner might benefit most from a used car warranty? Vehicles with higher mileage are more likely to need repair, especially if your vehicle has a poor track record of overall reliability. If you have a luxury or custom car, it could be especially costly to repair, so a used car warranty can be an invaluable help with those high repair costs. On the other hand, if you have a fairly reliable car with cheaper mechanical costs, you might prefer to skip the warranty. You will simply pay more to repair a Range Rover than you will a Toyota Corolla.
A used car warranty can also help when you like to have a predictable budget. You incur an extra fixed monthly cost in exchange for protection from big surprise auto repair bills, like costly transmission or electrical system issues. If you decide not to get a warranty, you should think about saving for future car repairs as part of your rainy day fund.
Many of the best used car warranty companies also offer additional benefits like towing, rental car coverage and trip interruption coverage. It delivers extra peace of mind, so you have one less thing to worry about should something go wrong.
Types of Used Car Warranty Companies
Used car warranty companies can specialize in all different types of used car coverage. These are some of the most popular types of used car warranty companies based on the coverage they offer.
- Bumper-to-bumper used car warranty: These used car warranty companies specialize in full coverage for your vehicle, covering almost all parts and components with few exceptions. A bumper-to-bumper car warranty may also be referred to as an exclusionary warranty or Maximum Care Warranty.
- Powertrain used car warranty: This type of used car warranty company covers select parts of your vehicle, including the engine and transmission. Essentially, it covers the most expensive parts of your vehicle to repair.
- Drivetrain used car warranty: A drivetrain warranty is similar to a powertrain warranty but doesn’t include coverage for your engine. Instead, it focuses on components like the transmission, wheels and drive axles while excluding engine coverage.
- Used car corrosion coverage: These used car warranty plans focus on damages that occur from corrosion. This protects against everyday hazards like salt and water that can create rust and corrosion.
- Used car anti-perforation warranty: Some used car warranty companies offer protection to the vehicle body, repairing holes that develop due to material or manufacturing defects. However, it is important to note that anti-perforation warranty policies do not typically include damages from rust on exterior surfaces.
- Used car wrap warranty: A wrap warranty company allows you to expand your existing powertrain coverage into a bumper-to-bumper or similar warranty.
There are some general exclusions to the typical used car warranty. Most used car warranty companies will not cover normal wear and tear. You are responsible for regular maintenance, as well as any damage that comes from a lack of maintenance.
How to Choose a Used Car Warranty Company
When you’re trying to find the best warranty company for used cars based on your personal needs and priorities, consider these factors as you weigh your options.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Be sure to carefully review each plan and read the fine print, especially regarding what is covered and what is not. This will help you determine if a particular used car warranty company is truly the best for your vehicle’s make and model.
Coverage Limits
Each policy has a limit on what it will cover, and it is common for car warranty companies to cut off coverage after a certain mileage or number of years. Most warranty companies have coverage limits of 100,000 miles, but many of the best used car warranty companies, like Endurance and CARCHEX, offer coverage for vehicles over 150,000 miles. Before you commit to a policy, check the coverage limits to ensure that they are sufficient for your used car.
Benefits
There are extra benefits that often come included with the best used car warranties. These can include roadside assistance, towing services, rental car coverage and travel interruption coverage. Some plans may also include coverage for oil changes and other maintenance. Usually, these will come at an additional cost, but some companies will offer free benefits for a certain amount of time as a sign-up incentive.
Customer Support
It is critical that help is available when your car is broken down on the side of the road. Before you commit to a policy, find out what types of customer service are available and whether 24/7 support is available. We also recommend browsing customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot and Yelp to see feedback from real users.
Cost
Our research above can give you an idea of the minimum starting prices for plans at each company, but you won’t actually be able to compare costs until you’ve plugged in your own vehicle information. Be sure to get multiple quotes from the best used car warranty companies so you can see what kind of pricing and coverage each of them offers you. Ask if there is a money-back guarantee to help secure your purchase.
Other Used Car Warranty Company Alternatives
Want to look for options beyond the six used car warranty companies above? Here are a few more alternatives to consider.
Omega Auto Care
Omega offers a single plan, the Used Stated Policy, for your used car. Coverage is comprehensive, matching what many of the best used car warranty companies offer. There is an Enhanced Electronics Package you can add on to cover original factory-installed components like your CD player, audio/video equipment and navigation system, as well as touch screen and voice-activated accessories. You can also add the Omega Maintenance Program, which adds coverage for necessary routine maintenance like oil changes, brakes, batteries and cooling systems. It even covers your wiper blades.
With your policy also comes towing, emergency roadside assistance, tire replacement service, trip interruption coverage and rental car reimbursement up to $30 per day. When you use its established network of RepairPal-certified shops, Omega waives the deductible.
Premier Auto Protect
With Premier Auto Protect, you have your choice of 4 plans: Premier Basic, Premier Value, Premier Complete and Exclusionary. You can even cover your RV along with your car. Plans include multi-faceted protection that can include coverage for high-tech electronics and even your key fob. Also featured is 24/7 roadside assistance with towing, gas delivery, locksmith services and rental car reimbursement. Premier uses the ASE-certified network of repair shops, so it is easy to find a shop when your car needs fixing.
A 30-day money-back guarantee gives you extra peace of mind with your purchase. Plus, there are special discounts available with Preferred Pricing for those who are active members of AAA, AARP, PenFed Credit Union, USAA, TriCare or the VA system for veterans.
Chaiz
Chaiz is a bit different from the best used car warranty companies. It is not a provider but rather an online marketplace where you can compare quotes and coverage to find the best warranty company for used cars in your household. It boasts that you can save up to 60% when using its marketplace, but there is also something to be said for the convenience of it all. You receive immediate quotes that you can buy online without the hassle of long, drawn-out phone calls.
Many of the best used car warranty companies, like Olive and Omega, are featured on the Chaiz platform. The site takes the work out of comparing providers by offering pricing based on three different tiers: Basic, Basic Plus and Best. From there, you can choose the provider you want and sign up right through the Chaiz website. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Used Car Warranty Cost?
Endurance, one of the best used car warranty companies, says pricing ranges from $350 to $700 per year on average. However, your final costs can vary significantly based on factors like your vehicle’s make, model and year. Other factors include mileage, coverage level and your plan’s deductible.
How Long Does a Dealership Warranty Last?
Most dealership warranties last up to three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, this can vary among even the best used car warranty companies, so be sure to review coverage terms. Used car warranty plans can offer extended coverage for cars with over 100,000 miles—and in some cases, even up to 300,000.
Is a Used Car Warranty My Only Option?
A used car warranty is not a necessity—it all depends on your personal goals and preferences. You could decide to skip the warranty coverage altogether and instead stash cash for later use. Starting a savings account can give you somewhere to safely save money for future repairs. Or, instead of purchasing a car, you could decide to lease a vehicle and enjoy the benefits of a warranty that way. If the roadside assistance benefits appeal to you, you can get that separately through a company like AAA or a credit card with benefits.
Does My Used Vehicle Have Lemon Law Protection?
Usually, lemon laws only apply to new cars purchased from dealerships. Only certain states have any type of used car lemon law protections. These include California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico and New York. Each of these states has different rules and restrictions for when lemon laws may apply to used vehicles.
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.
