Best Car Warranty Companies

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An extended auto warranty is a protection plan you can buy from an automaker or dealership to cover mechanical breakdowns. Third-party providers offer similar coverage in the form of vehicle service contracts. We use these terms interchangeably in this article for simplicity.

Affiliate Disclosure: Automoblog may be compensated by companies listed on this page. This compensation can influence the placement, visibility, and order of products in this article but does not affect the editorial team’s independent recommendations. We haven’t reviewed all companies or products. 

Crash Course:

  • After in-depth industry research, we found that Endurance is the best car warranty company, and we name it Best Overall for 2025.
  • Third-party car warranty companies each offer different coverage options and perks, which is why it’s best to shop around and compare coverage from the most reputable providers.
  • On average, car warranty plans will cost around $1,054 per year of coverage. Prices will vary based on provider, vehicle type, and deductible amount.
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Endurance
4.8
Industry Standing: 4.4/5.0
Coverage: 4.9/5.0
Affordability: 4.5/5.0
Transparency: 5.0/5.0
Customer Service: 4.4/5.0
idée We recommend Endurance as the best warranty provider
  • Best Overall
  • Coverage Plans: 6 options plus maintenance plan
  • Odometer Limit: Unlimited mileage
  • Free Cancellation: 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Longest Term: 8 years of coverage
  • Discounts: $300 same-day signup discount, $250 shopping voucher, and others
Plan coverage includes Endurance Elite perks™
Factory-level bumper-to-bumper plan Free membership for first year
Multiple powertrain/mid-level choices $500 collision discount
Scheduled maintenance coverage Tire repair or replacement
24/7 emergency roadside assistance Total loss protection up to $1,000
Trip interruption reimbursement Key fob replacement and repair
Rental vehicle coverage Endurance mobile app
Towing allowance $250 credit with shopping or dining partners

Unexpected car repairs can cost upwards of thousands of dollars, especially if your car’s no longer covered by its factory warranty. The best extended car warranty companies help protect you from having to pay for breakdowns and defects in exchange for monthly or upfront payments.

Our editorial team has spent dozens of hours combing through the research and comparing the best car warranty companies available. In this article, we’ll explain our top choices, providing an in-depth look at each company’s business practices and industry reputation. We’ll also discuss what factors are worth considering when deciding which car warranty company is right for you.

What Are the Best Car Warranty Companies of 2025?

Based on reputation, cost, and coverage, Endurance, autopom!, CARCHEX, Toco, and Everything Breaks are the best car warranty companies of 2025. To find the best and most reputable companies, we considered each provider’s cost and coverage options and placed a heavy emphasis on industry reputation and customer experience.

You can compare each company that made our list of best auto warranty companies below:

Reputable Extended Car Warranty CompanyOverall ScoreIndustry Standing ScoreAwardYear Founded
Endurance4.84.6Best Overall2006
autopom!4.74.7Most Affordable2009
CARCHEX4.64.8Best Reputation1999
Toco4.34.7Beginner-Friendly Plans2012
Everything Breaks4.44.4Best Claims Process2014

In the sections below, we’ll discuss each top car warranty company in detail.

1. Endurance: Best Overall

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Best Overall
Endurance
Endurance Logo
4.8
Endurance Review
  • Monthly Cost Range Icon
    Monthly Cost Range $87 to $141
  • Number of Plans Icon
    Number of Plans 6
  • Highest Milage Limit Icon
    Highest Milage Limit Unlimited
Why We Picked Endurance

Year Established: 2006
Corporate Headquarters: Northbrook, Illinois
Availability: All (mechanical breakdown insurance in California)

We chose Endurance as the best car warranty company in the industry for 2025. The company stands out from the competition as a direct administrator, meaning it manages its warranty contracts directly with no middleman involved. Most other third-party warranty providers are brokers and outsource their contracts to other service teams or underwriting companies.

Endurance sells a full scope of extended warranties, including Endurance Advantage, which covers some maintenance services and wear and tear items. Its plans don’t have mileage limits, which means your vehicle’s protected for the duration of your contract’s term.

Endurance Pros Endurance Cons
Direct provider Endurance Elite Benefits are only free for one year
No mileage caps Not the cheapest provider
Repairs can be completed at shops nationwide
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Endurance received an overall score of 4.8 out of 5.0 from our editorial team. The company scores highly across the categories we use to rate extended warranty providers, as shown in the table below:

Review Category Rating (Out of 5.0)
Industry Standing 4.6
Coverage 5.0
Affordability 5.0
Customer Service 4.5
Overall 4.8
See More

Endurance has an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a 3.7 out of 5.0-star customer rating on the platform. Similarly, the company currently boasts an “Great” rating on Trustpilot receiving 4.0 out of 5.0 stars from customers. That puts it among the most reputable extended car warranty companies in the industry.

We found that positive Endurance warranty reviews across Trustpilot and the BBB highlight the company’s customer service, easy buying experience, and affordability. In contrast, negative reviews shine issues on lengthy wait times and a slow claims approval process.

In addition to its strong ratings, Endurance was also named one of the fastest-growing privately held companies by Inc. 5000 in 2024. The provider has also received multiple Stevie Awards for Great Employers, which recognizes a company’s efforts toward employee well-being.

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Endurance has six coverage levels to choose from:

Endurance Warranty Plan What It Covers
Supreme Protection most similar to the manufacturer warranty that accompanies a new car.
Superior This is the highest level of stated-component coverage offered by Endurance.
Secure Plus This offers powertrain plus coverage with the shortest waiting period.
Select Premier This plan is specifically-designed powertrain plus coverage for older cars with lots of miles on them.
Secure This is the most affordable powertrain coverage plan, covering only the engine, transmission, and water pump.
Advantage This is the highest level of stated component coverage offered and includes regularly scheduled maintenance services like oil changes.
Endurance Benefits

Endurance includes the following perks with each of its extended warranty plans:

  • 24/7 roadside assistance
  • Rental car coverage ($30 daily maximum, up to $150 maximum per breakdown)
  • Trip interruption reimbursement (up to $150 per day for three days)

Drivers also get access to Endurance Elite Benefits, which come free for one year and include:

  • Key fob repair or replacement
  • Tire repairs or replacements
  • Up to $500 per covered collision ($1,000 limit)
  • Up to $500 to repair a chipped or cracked windshield
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At an average annual cost of $1,257 across all plan types, Endurance warranties cost slightly more than the industry average of $1,054 per year of coverage. During our secret shopping, we received quotes from Endurance ranging from $87 to $141 for a variety of plan types and vehicles.

The down payment for an Endurance plan is the first month’s rate plus $29. Deductible options include $0, $50, $100, and $200.

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2. autopom!: Most Affordable

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Most Affordable
autopom!
autopom! Logo
4.7
autopom! Review
  • Monthly Cost Range Icon
    Monthly Cost Range $126
  • Number of Plans Icon
    Number of Plans 3
  • Highest Milage Limit Icon
    Highest Milage Limit 150,000
Why We Picked autopom!

Year Established: 2009
Corporate Headquarters: Lake Forest, California
Availability: Varies by plan

If you’re looking for an extended car warranty company with an excellent customer service reputation, a solid claims process, and a range of affordable coverage options, autopom! is worth considering. The company is known for its amazing customer service representatives who advocate for customers who feel their car repair claims were unjustly rejected.

Though autopom! only offers three coverage options and a low mileage limit, it consistently scores well for affordability, earning our award for Most Affordable extended warranty provider.

autopom! Pros autopom! Cons
Excellent customer reviews High down payments
Low cost of coverage Contract availability varies by location
Strong industry reputation
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With its low cost of coverage, autopom! earned a perfect score of 5.0 out of 5.0 in the affordability category, making it the Most Affordable provider we’ve reviewed. The company ranked highly across the rest of our rating categories as well, securing its place as the No. 2 provider on our list of best extended warranty companies.

Refer to the table below for a breakdown of autopom!’s scores:

Review Category Rating (Out of 5.0)
Industry Standing 4.7
Coverage 4.5
Affordability 5.0
Customer Service 4.5
Overall 4.7
See More

Along with our ratings, autopom! has solid reviews on the BBB and Trustpilot. Customers on the BBB website give autopom! an average score of 3.9 out of 5.0 stars. The company is similarly well-received on Trustpilot, where it holds an average customer review rating of 4.7 out of 5.0 stars.

The majority of positive reviews praise autopom!’s customer service and sales representatives. Others report having helpful interactions and conversations with the company’s president directly. Negative reviews often complain about denied claims, though many are due to a misunderstanding with what autopom! plans cover – a common issue in the extended warranty industry.

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With autopom!, there are three levels of coverage:

autopom! Warranty Plan What It Covers
Exclusionary This bumper-to-bumper coverage comes with only a few exclusions and is geared towards newer cars.
Mid-Level This provides protection for many of your vehicle’s systems, including fuel delivery.
Powertrain Plus This plan is best for people looking for minimal coverage, as it protects your car’s transmission and drivetrain.

On top of its vehicle protection plans, autopom! includes the following perks:

  • 24-hour roadside assistance
  • Rental vehicle assistance
  • Tire protection
  • Trip interruption reimbursement
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autopom! plans cost an annual average of $794 across all plan types. This is significantly lower than the industry average of $1,054 per year, making it one of the most budget-friendly providers we’ve reviewed.

During our secret shopping, we received a quote of $126 per month for an Exclusionary plan for a 2021 Nissan Altima with 42,000 miles. This included an initial down payment of $159.

In our experience, you’ll typically need to make an initial down payment that’s higher than your monthly rate.

Autopom! offers $0, $50, $100, and $200 deductible options.

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3. CARCHEX: Best Reputation

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Best Reputation
Carchex
Carchex Logo
4.4
CARCHEX Review
  • Monthly Cost Range Icon
    Monthly Cost Range $110 to $170
  • Number of Plans Icon
    Number of Plans 5
  • Highest Milage Limit Icon
    Highest Milage Limit 250,000
Why We Picked CARCHEX

Year Established: 1999
Corporate Headquarters: Hunt Valley, Maryland
Availability: All (mechanical breakdown insurance in California)

Many extended warranty companies require a long-term commitment that can result in paying upwards of thousands of dollars in total. CARCHEX offers an alternative in the form of month-to-month contracts, which means you only pay for coverage as long as you want it to remain in force.

We gave CARCHEX our Best Reputation award due to the company’s established network of partners – including CARFAX, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), and RepairPal – and history of earning industry awards. If you’re looking for effective coverage from a reputable provider, CARCHEX is a solid contender.

CARCHEX Pros CARCHEX Cons
Offers month-to-month contracts Not a direct administrator of its plans
Solid industry reputation and partnerships No specialized coverage
More than 25 years in business
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CARCHEX scored well across our rating categories, securing a score of 4.8 out of 5.0 in the industry standing category and earning our award for Best Reputation. The company scored lowest in the affordability category with a score of 4.2 out of 5.0 due, primarily, to its higher-than-average price per year, though the flexibility provided by its month-to-month plans makes for a solid trade-off.

The table below shows how CARCHEX scored in each of our review categories:

Review Category Rating (Out of 5.0)
Industry Standing 4.8
Coverage 4.9
Affordability 4.2
Customer Service 4.4
Overall 4.6
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With more than 25 years of experience and a variety of industry partnerships and awards, CARCHEX excels in the reputation category. The company has had multiple appearances on the Inc. 5000 list, been consistently named a top workplace by the Baltimore Sun, and is partnered with Kelley Blue Book.

On BBB, CARCHEX has an A+ rating and accreditation, though it only has a customer review score of 1.9 out of 5.0 stars. The story is similar on Trustpilot, where CARCHEX has a score of 2.5 out of 5.0. Negative reviews complain about a difficult sales process and denied or partial coverage, though these types of complaints are common in the extended warranty industry, and particularly for larger providers like CARCHEX.

Positive reviews praise the company’s customer service and the helpfulness of its representatives. Others cite their satisfaction with the company’s range of coverage options.

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CARCHEX sells five levels of coverage, detailed in the table below:

CARCHEX Warranty Plan What It Covers
Titanium An exclusionary plan that covers most of the parts and systems in your vehicle.
Platinum This is CARCHEX’s highest mid-level plan, covering all of your car’s major parts and systems.
Powertrain Plus This stated-component powertrain plan covers your vehicle’s powertrain, fuel system, alternator, electrical system, air conditioning, and seals.
Powertrain This plan covers your vehicle’s powertrain and any affected seals and gaskets within the engine and drive axle.
Extra Care This plan covers components outside of your powertrain, such as the electrical system, steering, suspension, and braking system.

On top of component protection, CARCHEX offers the following perks:

  • 24/7 roadside assistance
  • Towing services
  • Rental car reimbursement
  • Gas delivery
  • Trip interruption reimbursement
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CARCHEX costs an average of $1,720 per year, which is quite a bit higher than the industry average of $1,054 per year. However, your experience may vary based on how long you keep coverage in force. Because CARCHEX offers month-to-month contracts, what you pay in a given year or over a plan’s lifetime will change depending on how long you want your vehicle to be protected.

During our secret shopping, we received initial quotes ranging from $150 to $190 per month. After applying discounts, the range of quotes fell to $110 to $170 per month, depending on the plan, the vehicle, and the vehicle’s age and mileage.

CARCHEX offers $0, $50, and $100 deductible options.

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4. Toco: Beginner-Friendly Plans

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Beginner-Friendly Plans
Toco
Toco Logo
4.5
Toco Review
  • Monthly Cost Range Icon
    Monthly Cost Range $97
  • Number of Plans Icon
    Number of Plans 4
  • Highest Milage Limit Icon
    Highest Milage Limit 250,000
Why We Picked Toco

Year Established: 2012
Corporate Headquarters: West Hills, California
Availability: 45 states

Toco is one of the few warranty providers that administers all its vehicle protection plans. The company features high mileage limits, which makes it an ideal option if you want to keep your used car on the road for many years to come.

What sets Toco apart from other providers – and the reason we gave the company our Beginner-Friendly Plans award – is the way it structures its coverage options. Each plan is divided into a range of mileage limits, which makes it easy for drivers to determine the exact plan best-suited for their needs and vehicles.

Toco Pros Toco Cons
Beginner-friendly coverage options Plan availability depends on vehicle mileage
Generous mileage limits Not available in all states
Month-to-month contracts
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We gave Toco an overall score of 4.5 out of 5.0. Though the provider scored lowest in the coverage category compared to the other four top car warranty providers we’ve reviewed, it still maintains a respectable 4.0 rating and makes up for it in our other review categories, as shown in the table below:

Review Category Rating (Out of 5.0)
Industry Standing 4.7
Coverage 4.0
Affordability 4.9
Customer Service 4.4
Overall 4.5
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Toco receives largely positive feedback from customers and industry authorities. The provider holds an A+ rating from the BBB, with an average customer review of 4.6 out of 5.0 on the site. Trustpilot reviews tell a similar story, with just over 550 reviews giving Toco a 4.5 out of 5.0-star rating.

Excellent customer service and a smooth claims process are frequently mentioned in positive Toco reviews.

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Coverage options with Toco include four plans. Unlike most warranty companies, each of Toco’s plans is only available for vehicles with a certain mileage. You can review each plan’s coverage as well as its mileage requirements below:

Toco Warranty Plan Plan Availability What It Covers
Orange Vehicles up to 100,000 miles The Orange plan offers comprehensive protection with only a few exclusions.
Yellow Vehicles between 100,000 and 150,000 miles This plan features mid-level protection that includes the engine, transmission, cooling system, air conditioning, fuel system, and high-tech features.
Blue Vehicles between 150,000 and 200,000 miles The Toco Blue plan is an expanded powertrain warranty that adds air conditioning and various electrical components to the engine and transmission.
Green Vehicles between 200,000 and 250,000 miles The Green covers key powertrain components like the engine, transmission, drive axle, and turbo/supercharger.

Toco Warranty plans come with the following perks:

  • 24-hour roadside assistance
  • Towing benefits
  • Trip interruption coverage
  • Rental car reimbursement
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According to our research, Toco Warranty plans typically cost $1,158 per year across all plan types – just slightly more than the industry average of $1,058 per year. We received a quote for Toco’s mid-level plan at $97 per month with a $97 down payment. Your cost may vary based on your coverage level and vehicle.

Toco offers a $100 deductible option.

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5. Everything Breaks: Best Claims Process

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Best Claims Process
Everything Breaks
Everything Breaks Logo
4.4
  • Monthly Cost Range Icon
    Monthly Cost Range $70 to $110
  • Number of Plans Icon
    Number of Plans 5
  • Highest Milage Limit Icon
    Highest Milage Limit 250,000
Why We Picked Everything Breaks

Year Established: 2014
Corporate Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
Availability: All

Everything Breaks is one of the few extended warranty providers that provides maintenance benefits, putting it in the same ballpark as Endurance in that regard. In addition to its vehicle protection plans, Everything Breaks sets itself apart with a convenient claims submission process, earning it our award for Best Claims Process.

With four coverage plans (and an additional maintenance option) and month-to-month plans, Everything Breaks is a good choice for drivers looking for coverage without getting locked into long-term contracts.

Everything Breaks Pros Everything Breaks Cons
Offers maintenance benefits through its Road Club program Relatively low mileage limits for exclusionary and mid-level coverage options
Flexible month-to-month contracts Must purchase an annual plan for maintenance benefits
Convenient claims process
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Everything Breaks scored well in our industry study, earning an overall score of 4.4 out of 5.0. We gave the company 4.5 out of 5.0 in the customer service category, with the company earning our Best Claims Process award due to its convenient and accessible claims submission options.

A breakdown of the company’s ratings are in the table below:

Review Category Rating (Out of 5.0)
Industry Standing 4.4
Coverage 4.8
Affordability 4.0
Customer Service 4.5
Overall 4.4
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Everything Breaks is the newest company in our list of best car warranty companies, originally launching in 2014. The company has an A+ and accreditation on BBB, with a customer review rating of 2.7 out of 5.0 stars. Its rating is similar on Trustpilot, where Everything Breaks has a 2.9 out of 5.0 score.

Notably, the company sells extended warranties for a variety of products, which may impact their customer review scores.

Many complaints revolve around the company’s marketing tactics, with claims that Everything Breaks ignores do not contact requests. Other customers complain about the length of time it takes to process a claim, which can require a visit from an inspector to visually assess a vehicle. Positive reviews cite satisfaction with the company’s claims and customer service departments and the speed in which Everything Breaks pays for covered repairs.

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Everything Breaks sells four vehicle protection plans and membership to a “road club” that entitles customers to roadside assistance services and maintenance benefits:

Everything Breaks Warranty Plan What It Covers
Topline This is an exclusionary plan for vehicles with up to 125,000 miles, covering more than 180 components and systems.
Deluxe This is a mid-level plan that covers more than 125 parts and systems for vehicles with up to 150,000 miles.
Enhanced Powertrain This plan covers more than 60 major and minor components for vehicles with up to 240,000 miles.
Standard Powertrain This plan provides basic powertrain protection for vehicles with up to 240,000 miles.
Critical Coverage This is the company’s road club, which pays for 50% of covered repairs and provides roadside assistance. Annual membership entitles customers to some maintenance benefits as well, including three oil changes, brake pad replacement, battery replacement, alignment, and more.

In addition to the above vehicle protection plans, Everything Breaks provides:

  • 24/7 emergency roadside assistance, including towing; fuel, oil, and fluid delivery; flat tire assistance; winching assistance; lockout assistance; and battery jumpstarts
  • $1,000 theft reward
  • Emergency money
  • Exclusive deals
  • Expert assistance and unbiased advice
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Everything Breaks cost an annual average of $1,319, which is slightly more than the industry average of $1,054 per year.

During our secret shopping, we received quotes that ranged between $70 to $110 per month for Everything Breaks vehicle protection plans. We also received a quote of $30 per month for a Critical Coverage plan.

Everything Breaks doesn’t publicly advertise its deductible options, and we were unable to choose one during our secret shopping.

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What To Know About Extended Car Warranty Companies

When shopping for extended car warranty coverage, it’s best to look for reputable companies with a strong customer service reputation, affordable rates, and an array of coverage options. The sections below will touch on how consumers and our editorial team determine the best car warranty companies.

What Is a Car Warranty Company?

While a “car warranty company” could technically mean any company (like automakers or insurance providers) that offer extended car warranties, the term is most commonly used to refer to third-party companies that specialize in brokering and/or administrating aftermarket vehicle service contracts.

Types of Extended Auto Warranty Providers

Though extended car warranties can be purchased from various types of companies, the two most common extended auto warranty providers are the automakers, which are usually the companies that manufacture the covered vehicle, and independent car warranty companies, which specialize in brokering and/or administering aftermarket vehicle protection plans.

There are pros and cons to buying coverage from each of these types, which we’ll explain in detail below.

Manufacturer Extended Warranties

Buying a manufacturer extended warranty ensures your vehicle receives genuine parts for auto repairs and factory-trained technicians for repair work. Despite this, these warranties have some disadvantages:

  • Limited repair shop choices: Most automakers require drivers to have their vehicle repaired at a dealership or branded repair centers. For most drivers, this can be difficult, as some manufacturers only have a few dealerships nationwide.
  • Expensive vehicle service contracts: You may find that the price of a vehicle service contract for an automaker is more expensive.
  • Fewer coverage options: Generally, automakers only offer one to three vehicle protection plans. Depending on your needs, you may not have enough coverage or pay extra for unnecessary coverage.
  • Purchasing periods: Some dealerships allow you to purchase an extended warranty before your factory warranty expires, while others require you to get it at the time you purchase your new vehicle.

Aftermarket Car Warranty Companies

Aftermarket (or third-party) car warranty companies are providers that offer extended car warranties for certain repairs. Most operate as brokers, while another company backs the vehicle service plans.

While these companies may not always offer guaranteed manufacturer parts, there are some advantages to buying a plan from them, including:

  • More affordable coverage: You’re more likely to find affordable rates with reputable extended car warranty companies than an automaker, especially if it’s a luxury brand. That said, while the costs are lower overall, if you choose a third-party company, you will likely need to pay a deductible for repair costs.
  • More repair shop choices: Most third-party warranty companies will allow you to take your car to any certified repair shop after a mechanical breakdown.
  • More coverage options: You can typically find third-party warranty providers with five to six different coverage levels, which can often fit different drivers’ needs.
  • Purchasing periods: Almost all aftermarket warranty companies sell plans for used vehicles outside of the new vehicle limited warranty period.

Car Warranty Company Cost

On average, a plan providing extended coverage from a car warranty company costs between $1,675 to $8,368. Below are quoted prices our researchers received from the best car warranty companies:

Car Warranty ProviderVehicle Type and MileagePlan NameTerm LengthExtended Car Warranty Cost
Endurance2021 Nissan Altima with 42,000 milesSupreme2.5 years/40,000 miles$88 per month for 30 months
autopom!2021 Nissan Altima with 42,000 milesExclusionary4 years/unlimited miles$126 per month for 24 months
CARCHEX2021 Nissan Altima with 42,000 milesTitaniumUnlimited/month-to-month$110 per month
Toco2015 Nissan Altima with 120,000 milesYellowUnlimited/month-to-month$97 per month
Everything BreaksN/AToplineUnlimited/month-to-month$110 per month

Common factors that affect extended car warranty costs include:

a graphic displaying six car warranty cost factors represented by red icons. cost factors are type of vehicle, deductible, coverage, warranty provider, age of vehicle, and mileage

Reputable Extended Car Warranty Companies: What To Look For

While price is an important factor for customers when choosing a car warranty company, one of the most common causes of dissatisfaction for existing customers are issues with claims denials.

While many claims denials result from customers not thoroughly understanding the contract they purchased, unscrupulous car warranty companies with a history of misleading customers do exist. For this reason, to help ensure you get what you pay for and are happy with the purchase, finding a trustworthy provider is crucial when choosing a car warranty company.

There are a few criteria you can use to judge whether or not a warranty provider is one you can depend on, which we highlight in below:

Car Warranty Company Customer Reviews

You can find customer review scores for warranty companies on Trustpilot, Google, and the BBB website, just to name a few. But no one website will give you the full picture, so it’s best to read reviews across multiple sites. For example, we noticed that customer review scores tend to be lower on the BBB because customers typically only go to this site looking to resolve an issue.

A reputable warranty provider will have lots of favorable reviews. Look for mentions of an easy claims process and supportive representatives as signs that the company will be there for you when you need them.

And while a few bad reviews are expected for any company, watch out for complaint patterns. If you see more than a few negative reviews that consistently mention bad business practices, such as scam calling after requesting a quote, it could be a legitimate problem.

Positive Industry Reputation

Industry rating organizations can give you insight into how other professionals see a company. We look closely at how the BBB and financial analyst AM Best rate warranty companies.

A company’s BBB rating reflects how well it handles customer complaints. A high rating indicates that a company is responsive and effective in resolving issues. Companies with low ratings haven’t done a good job of dealing with complaints. The BBB offers an explanation of a company’s rating if you click the text “reasons for rating” under the grade.

AM Best assesses companies’ financial strength in the form of a letter grade. We take a look at the underwriters that warranty companies use to service claims on their contracts. Their AM Best grade tells us whether the underwriter is in good enough financial shape to guarantee claims payouts.

Car Warranty Claims Process

You want to be able to easily use your extended warranty when you need it. That is, after all, why you bought it. But not every company makes it simple to use your coverage. Customer reviews can give you an idea of how easy a company is to work with and how quickly they settle claims.

Whether or not a company pays vehicle repair shops directly is also an important consideration. Some providers will cut a check to the facility, meaning you’ll only be responsible for the deductible if you have one. But others reimburse you after you’ve paid the bill yourself.

Transparency Regarding Coverage and Exclusions

Claims denials are one of the most common issues in the warranty industry. While reputable extended car warranty companies make it clear what is and isn’t covered, others hide key details in the fine print of your contract, such as part specifications and the length of your waiting period.

So while you should always read every contract in its entirety before signing, look for companies that make their business practices and their coverage clear and easy to understand.

Long-Standing Company History

As the market for vehicle service contracts grows, so does the number of providers. While there are certainly some excellent car warranty companies that have jumped in in the last few years, there are also plenty just looking to make a quick buck.

If a company has been around for a while, it’s a good sign that it has served customers well and isn’t a rip-off. Newer companies might be a great option but may require a little more scrutiny in other areas.


Red Flags: How To Avoid Extended Warranty Scams

While the best auto warranty companies offer quality and dependable coverage, not all warranty providers live up to their promises. Some companies provide coverage that’s difficult to use, and others are basically just scams looking to make a quick buck.

  • Look at industry ratings: Ratings from professional organizations are a good place to start investigating a company. The BBB rates companies based on  how they handle complaints from customers. Their rating of a warranty company can give you a clue as to how easy a company is to work with. A poor rating from the BBB and especially any alerts are a clear sign you might want to look for another provider.
  • Read customer reviews: Other customers can be a great source of information about a company and the experience of working with them. It’s normal for companies to have a few bad reviews here and there. But a high proportion of negative reviews compared to positive ones is a red flag, as are any consistent patterns noted in negative reviews.
  • Avoid scam calls: If you are interested in purchasing a car warranty, reach out to the car warranty companies you are interested in directly for a quote. Never trust a cold caller with your personal information.
Advertisement Disclosure
The listings on this site may be from companies that compensate us, which could influence their placement and order. Not every company, product, or offer has been reviewed.
Endurance
4.8
Industry Standing: 4.4/5.0
Coverage: 4.9/5.0
Affordability: 4.5/5.0
Transparency: 5.0/5.0
Customer Service: 4.4/5.0
idée We recommend Endurance as the best warranty provider
  • Best Overall
  • Coverage Plans: 6 options plus maintenance plan
  • Odometer Limit: Unlimited mileage
  • Free Cancellation: 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Longest Term: 8 years of coverage
  • Discounts: $300 same-day signup discount, $250 shopping voucher, and others
Plan coverage includes Endurance Elite perks™
Factory-level bumper-to-bumper plan Free membership for first year
Multiple powertrain/mid-level choices $500 collision discount
Scheduled maintenance coverage Tire repair or replacement
24/7 emergency roadside assistance Total loss protection up to $1,000
Trip interruption reimbursement Key fob replacement and repair
Rental vehicle coverage Endurance mobile app
Towing allowance $250 credit with shopping or dining partners

Car Warranty Companies: FAQ

Below are frequently asked questions about car warranty companies:

What is the most reliable car warranty company?

In our research, we found that Endurance was the most reliable car warranty company overall. The direct warranty provider offers six coverage levels, with unlimited mileage for many plans. It also offers several plan benefits, such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage.

Who has the highest-rated extended auto warranties?

During our research, we found that Endurance offered the highest-rated extended auto warranties. The company offers six plans ranging from bumper-to-bumper coverage to powertrain coverage. It even has a plan that combines an extended warranty with scheduled maintenance, known as EnduranceAdvantage.

What is the best way to buy an extended warranty for a car?

The best way to buy an extended warranty for a vehicle will come down to your personal preferences. You can purchase an extended warranty through the automaker or dealership where you bought your car or a third-party extended car warranty company. Automaker plans offer genuine parts for covered repairs and factory-trained technicians, while third-party plans are more flexible and tend to have more coverage options.

When should you not buy an extended warranty?

It’s best to wait instead of buying an extended warranty when you purchase your car, since you likely won’t need it for several years. You should consider waiting until your manufacturer’s warranty is nearing expiration or the deadline to purchase coverage is approaching.

What are the top 5 manufacturer extended car warranties?

Based on our research, we found that the best factory extended car warranties are offered by Hyundai, Genesis, Mitsubishi, Kia, and Jaguar.


Our Methodology

Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. We identified the following rating categories based on consumer survey data and conducted extensive research to formulate rankings of the best extended auto warranty providers.

  • Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, availability, and years in business when giving this score.
  • Coverage: Because each consumer has unique needs, it’s essential that a car warranty company offers an array of coverage options. We take into account the number of plans offered by each provider, term limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
  • Affordability: A variety of factors influence cost, so it can be difficult to compare quotes between providers. Our team performs ongoing secret shopper analyses for different vehicles, mileages, warranty plans, and locations to give this rating.
  • Customer Service: Reputable extended car warranty companies operate with a certain degree of care for consumers. We take into account customer reviews, BBB complaints, and the responsiveness of the customer service team.

*Data accurate at time of publication.