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.
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- CARCHEX and autopom! are two leading extended warranty providers.
- Both companies stand out for their variety of coverage types and competitive rates.
- While CARCHEX is popular for its long-lasting contracts that cover most vehicle types, autopom! is known for providing great customer service.
CARCHEX and autopom! are the two of the biggest names in the extended auto warranty industry, but which is the better option for you? The only way to know for sure is to compare CARCHEX vs. autopom! side by side.
Both of these companies can keep your vehicle covered after its factory warranty expires, and in this article, we’ll break down which has the better plan options, costs, customer reviews, and industry reputation. Read on to decide the best extended car warranty for you.
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.
Are Extended Warranties Worth It?
Before comparing CARCHEX vs. autopom!, you should figure out if you even need extended car warranty coverage. Extended car warranties, also called vehicle service contracts, cover the cost of certain car repairs, from air-condition condenser replacements to complete engine overhauls. In general, they’re recommended for drivers who plan to keep their cars past the expiration date of their factory warranty.
There are plenty of pros and cons of extended car warranties, but overall, one of the biggest benefits is that they give drivers peace of mind knowing their wallet is well protected should an unexpected breakdown occur. If car repairs are too much to pay out of pocket – and you’re able to find a good policy with reasonable rates – an extended warranty can save you in the long run.
Head-to-Head Comparison: CARCHEX vs. autopom!
CARCHEX and autopom! run a close race when it comes to extended car warranties. Both companies focus on providing affordable coverage plans and are equally rated an A+ by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). However, there are also key distinctions that set each provider apart.
CARCHEX Highlights
Operating for over 20 years, CARCHEX has become a notable name in extended car warranties. It partners with industry leaders, including Edmunds.com, Kelley Blue Book, CARFAX, and many others. CARCHEX is BBB accredited with an A+ rating and was on the Inc. 500/5000 list as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. from 2009 to 2012.
Carchex Pros and Cons
| CARCHEX Pros | CARCHEX Cons |
|---|---|
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Autopom! Highlights
Autopom! stands for “automotive peace of mind,” which is what the company has been providing to drivers for over 10 years. Like CARCHEX, it is BBB accredited with an A+ rating and does not administer its own contracts. However, autopom! makes a point to only work with contract administrators that are rated at least an A by both the BBB and AM Best, which rates companies’ financial strength.
Autopom! Pros and Cons
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CARCHEX Plans
Through its network of top-rated providers, CARCHEX rounds up quite a range of extended auto warranty plans. Coverage is available from five to 10 years and comes in five different levels:
| Coverage Level | Details |
|---|---|
| Titanium | This is the highest level of CARCHEX coverage available. Similar to “bumper-to-bumper” coverage, the Titanium plan has only a short list of excluded items. |
| Platinum | This is the highest level of stated-component coverage, which means your contract will list every covered component of all major vehicle systems. |
| Gold | This level offers comprehensive coverage at competitive prices. It covers select parts of all major systems and is a particularly good fit for vehicles with over 60,000 miles. |
| Silver | This provides essential coverage for all major systems, including the powertrain, engine, transmission, drive axles, and related parts. |
| Bronze | This level includes basic coverage for major vehicle systems and are designed to protect the most common components, such as the engine and transmission. |
CARCHEX also offers optional add-ons, including coverage for business vehicles, navigation systems (included in Titanium plans), high-tech components, and the option to reduce deductibles. There are sample contracts online, so you can get a better idea of what you’re looking for before talking to one of their specialists.
Carchex Benefits
CARCHEX offers a number of additional benefits, including:
- Rental car reimbursement while your car is in the shop for a covered repair
- 24/7 roadside assistance that includes services such as lockout help, battery jump-starts, fuel deliveries, towing, and wrecker services
- Trip interruption coverage if your car breaks down far from home and you need to stay the night while it’s repaired
Carchex Exclusions
While exclusions depend on the type of coverage, CARCHEX plans generally don’t cover any mechanical problems existing prior to the purchase of the warranty. In addition, any costs arising from abuse or neglect are also beyond the scope of coverage. Unless explicitly stated in the coverage plan, all damages resulting from collision, theft, or environmental factors are also excluded.
Check your contract for a full list of exclusions.
Autopom! Plans
Autopom! promises to help drivers find the best available plan, no matter what vehicle they want to cover. The company offers four plan levels, which can last up to seven years or 150,000 miles.
| Plan Level | Details |
|---|---|
| Exclusionary | This is the most comprehensive vehicle protection plan, comparable to the original manufacturer’s warranty. It covers most mechanical and electrical components, unless specifically listed as not covered. |
| High-Level | This plan covers an extensive list of named components, including the powertrain, air conditioning, electrical system, and most other major systems. |
| Mid-Level | This level covers many major systems, like the powertrain, steering, fuel delivery, and more. |
| Powertrain Plus | This covers named components for essential systems, including the engine, transmission, drive axle, and related parts. |
Autopom! Benefits
Every autopom! extended warranty comes with rental car coverage and 24-hour roadside assistance. However, the company does not offer trip interruption coverage like CARCHEX does.
Autopom! Exclusions
autopom! plans are not available for exotic or luxury brands, such as Lamborghini, Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, and the like. Many of its policies are also only available in specific states.
Policyholders are required to properly maintain their car and perform regular maintenance. Otherwise, the warranty may be voided. As with most car warranty providers, plans do not cover any damage resulting from pre-existing problems or normal wear and tear.
CARCHEX Extended Warranty Cost
No matter your provider, the cost of an extended warranty is hard to nail down, since each contract is customized. Although exact rates will vary, our research found CARCHEX bumper-to-bumper warranties to be well below the annual average. For most plans, you can expect monthly payments to be between $150 and $190.
Several factors determine the actual cost of your extended auto warranty. These include:
- Deductible
- Vehicle age
- Vehicle type
- Coverage type
- Vehicle condition
To see how much a CARCHEX Extended Vehicle Protection Plan would cost, get a free quote by filling out an easy online form or calling 866-254-0205.
Autopom! Extended Warranty Cost
Like CARCHEX, we found autopom! prices to be below the industry average for several coverage levels. The cost of autopom! coverage depends on several factors, including the following:
- Vehicle age
- Vehicle mileage
- Your state of residence
- Vehicle make and model
- Selected coverage level and plan
Autopom! promises to offer a choice of coverage at various price points. The company even invites anyone to bring them a competitor’s quote, and they will work to find the best deal.
To get a quote from autopom! and see what coverage is available for you, call 888-691-2354 or visit the company’s website.
CARCHEX Reviews
As one of the most recognized extended warranty providers, CARCHEX offers multiple plans and reasonable rates. Many customers have also expressed rave reviews about the friendly, accommodating customer service. Here are a few CARCHEX testimonials from the BBB and Trustpilot:
“Good friendly service. No sales nonsense. They offered the most affordable long-term option.”
– James A. via BBB
“Neil was very informative and courteous. He made the experience very pleasant. There was no pressure.”
– Horace S. via BBB
“Top-rated with an excellent price for extended warranty. Friendly, helpful staff.”
– Gerda via Trustpilot
Autopom! Reviews
Looking at autopom! customer reviews, the provider is popular for its friendly service and reasonable rates. Here’s what a few drivers have to say:
“After being denied initially with our claim, [a service representative] contacted me and has been with me every step of the way. He took the time to personally assist me with my claim … and ultimately, our claim is being processed. I can’t thank you enough for your personal attention during this matter.”
– Larry R. via BBB
“I was interested in an extended warranty but wasn’t happy with the one offered by the dealership. Contacted autopom! and found a better policy for a reasonable price. The effort was seamless and easy … excellent experience!”
– Michael G. via BBB
“I had a bad experience with an autopom! provider. The owner of autopom! jumped into action. He finally canceled the contract with that provider after all the problems that company had … The new one he offered is great. My hat is off to [him] and the very capable people working for him.”
– Sandra Rzewuski via Trustpilot
CARCHEX vs. autopom!: Which Is Better?
After doing in-depth research and reading reviews for both CARCHEX and autopom!, it’s easy to see why they are considered two of the best extended warranty providers available. CARCHEX is an established, trusted name in the industry, while autopom! is steadily rising thanks to its stellar customer service.
Between the two, CARCHEX is the best choice for used cars, as it protects many cars up to 250,000 miles. Plans are highly customizable, so you can find one that works for your car at any age. The provider also offers 24-hour support for contract holders, and a promise to provide no-haggle pricing.
In the end, it’s really a matter of what coverage is available in your area, what coverage is best for your vehicle, and what coverage will come at the right price. We recommend getting quotes from both providers and comparing your options.
| CARCHEX | autopom! | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Levels | 5 | 4 |
| 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee | Yes | Yes |
| Longest Terms | 10 years | 7 years/150,000 miles |
| Deductibles (average) | $0-$100 | $0-$500 |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| BBB Complaints | 112 | 1 |
| Years of Experience | 22 | 11 |
| Accepted Repair Facilities | 30,000+ | 30,000+ |
| Payment Options | Yes | Yes |
| Transferable Plans | Yes | Yes |
| Cancellable Plans | Yes | Yes |
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.
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.
