Crash Course:
- Endurance, CARCHEX, CarShield, Omega Auto Care, and Toco are the best used car warranty companies overall in 2025, according to our industry-wide study.
- The average cost of used car coverage in 2025 is between $1,054 per year, based on results from our most recent warranty survey.
- When shopping for used car warranties, consider the parts they cover, mileage limits, and coverage length.
A used car warranty can help protect owners of older vehicles from surprise bills and expensive repairs. But purchasing one isn’t the right decision for everyone, and some providers are more reputable than others.
Our research experts put together this guide to help you make an informed decision about buying an extended warranty for your used vehicle. We’ll go over the ins and outs of vehicle service plans and take a look at the best extended auto warranty companies from our December 2024 industry-wide study.
Top Used Car Warranty Companies
After conducting thorough research, our team picked the providers listed below as the best used car warranty companies for 2025.
Top Rated Used Car Warranty Companies
|
Best Used
Car Warranty Companies |
Overall
Rating |
Award
|
Coverage
Levels |
Highest
Mileage Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endurance | 4.8 | Best Overall | 6 | Unlimited |
| CARCHEX | 4.6 | Best Reputation | 5 | 250,000 |
| CarShield | 4.2 | High Mileage Limit | 8 | 300,000 |
| Omega Auto Care | 4.3 | Longest Coverage Term | 3 | 250,000 |
| Toco | 4.5 | Beginner-Friendly Plans | 4 | 250,000 |
Let’s go into further detail about each of these providers. Expand the sections below to learn more about each company, the plans it offers, and its pros and cons.
#1 Endurance: Best Used Car Warranty Provider Overall
-
Monthly Cost $87 to $141 -
Number of Plans 6 -
Highest Mileage Limit Unlimited
Year founded: 2006
Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating: A-
Affordability: $1,257 per year across all plan types (Industry average: $1,054 per year)
Featured plan: Endurance Advantage covers cars up to an unlimited amount of miles and is best for used cars and high-mileage vehicles.
Endurance earned the top spot in our general auto warranty study, but it also makes a great option for used car warranties. As one of the only direct providers in the industry, Endurance offers high-quality coverage at affordable rates with a simple, straightforward claims process.
See More| Endurance Pros | Endurance Cons |
|---|---|
| Direct administrator | Lack of customizable plan options |
| Most plans provide coverage for unlimited miles | Endurance Elite Benefits are only free for one year |
| Maintenance services covered by Endurance Advantage |
Endurance has six coverage levels to choose from:
- Supreme: This exclusionary bumper-to-bumper warranty provides maximum protection for your vehicle with only a short list of exclusions. Protection most similar to the manufacturer warranty that accompanies a new car.
- Superior: This vehicle protection plan offers the highest level of stated-component coverage.
- Secure Plus: This plan offers drivers premium powertrain-plus protection and a short waiting period.
- Select Premier: This option is designed specifically for high-mileage vehicles and protects the most essential components of your car, such as your engine and transmission.
- Secure: The most affordable vehicle service contract offers basic powertrain coverage.
- Advantage: This plan offers extensive component and maintenance coverage.
Every Endurance auto warranty comes with roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage. Drivers also receive one free year of Endurance Elite Benefits. Some of this program’s perks include:
- Tire repair or replacement
- Key fob repair or replacement
- Collision discount
#2 CARCHEX: Best Reputation for Used Car Warranties
-
Monthly Cost $110 to $170
-
Number of Plans 5
-
Highest Mileage Limit 250,000
Year founded: 1999
Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating: A+
Affordability: $1,720 per year across all plan types (Industry average: $1,054 per year)
Featured plan: Platinum and Powertrain Plus
CARCHEX is one of the oldest and most respected warranty providers in the industry. And when it comes to used car warranties, it’s also one of the best, according to our December 2024 auto warranty study. CARCHEX offers multiple coverage options for vehicles up to 250,000 miles at affordable prices and includes benefits like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement.
See More| CARCHEX Pros | CARCHEX Cons |
|---|---|
| Coverage available for up to 10 years | Multiple supplier contracts can be confusing |
| Affordability with small or no down payments and $0 deductible option | Coverage for hybrid vehicles costs extra |
| Strong customer reputation |
Here’s an overview of the plans CARCHEX offers:
- Titanium: This exclusionary plan is similar to a manufacturer’s warranty and covers all systems and components of your vehicle except for a few parts.
- Platinum: This vehicle service contract offers the highest level of stated-component coverage.
- Powertrain Plus: This vehicle protection plan offers essential coverage to major systems of your car.
- Powertrain: This vehicle service contract provides basic powertrain coverage for your car’s engine and transmission.
- Extra Care: This plan takes care of items like your car’s electrical system, steering, suspension, and brakes that aren’t part of the powertrain.
All CARCHEX plans come with 24/7 roadside assistance, towing services, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage.
See More#3 CarShield: High Mileage Limits for Used Cars
-
Monthly Cost $150 to $170
-
Number of Plans 8
-
Highest Mileage Limit 300,000
Year founded: 2005
Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating: A+
Affordability: $1,491 per year across all plan types (Industry average: $1,054 per year)
Featured plan: Diamond
CarShield is one of the few providers to offer coverage specifically designed for electronic components like GPS navigation systems, sensors, and entertainment systems. This makes the provider a strong option for owners of used luxury vehicles especially. With options for vehicles with up to 300,000 miles, CarShield is also worth considering for high-mileage used cars.
See More| CarShield Pros | CarShield Cons |
|---|---|
| Competitive monthly rates | Not all plans come with rental car reimbursement |
| Offers specific coverage for high-tech and electrical components | Doesn’t cover catalytic converters |
| Sells specialized for EVs, motorcycles, and ATVs |
CarShield offers eight coverage plans that can be paid in month-to-month installments. Here’s an overview of each plan:
- Diamond: This vehicle service contract covers everything from engine and transmission failure to starter and fuel pump breakdowns.
- Platinum: This plan is designed for high-mileage vehicles and protects your car’s engine, transmission, air conditioning, electrical system, starter, water pump, and fuel pump.
- Gold: This vehicle protection plan covers major and minor vehicle parts, including your engine, transmission, water pump, alternator, and starter.
- Gold Select: This plan covers everything in the Gold plan except for the fuel pump and fuel injector.
- Silver: An affordable warranty option that provides powertrain coverage to your vehicle.
- Aluminum: This vehicle service contract is geared toward covering most electrical and computer-related problems.
- Motorcycle & ATV: This plan is designed to provide protection for specialty vehicles.
- Electric Vehicle: This warranty covers EV-specific parts, like the battery pack, electrical drive unit, and more.
CarShield plans come with 24-hour roadside assistance, courtesy towing after mechanical breakdowns, and rental car reimbursement.
See More#4 Omega Auto Care: Best Added Benefits
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Monthly Cost N/A
-
Number of Plans 3
-
Highest Mileage Limit 250,000
Year founded: 1968
Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating: A+
Affordability: N/A
Featured plan: Powertrain Protection, Powertrain Plus, and Powertrain Enhanced
Omega Auto Care stands out as another reliable option for used car coverage because it offers both maintenance coverage and tire hazard protection on all plans. These benefits can help you keep your car in good shape. Aside from that, Omega Auto Care offers three plans (with three powertrain-specific plans) that run the gamut from factory coverage to basic powertrain protection.
See More|
Omega Auto Care Pros |
Omega Auto Care Cons |
| Plans include maintenance and tire protection | Not transparent about pricing |
| Covers high-mileage vehicles | Only one deductible choice |
| Generally positive customer reviews |
Omega Auto Care offers three coverage plans, though its powertrain plan offers three levels. The powertrain plans can cover up to 250,000 miles, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy your used vehicle without worrying about repairs. The Used Stated plan covers up to 150,000 miles, and the Exclusionary plan covers up to 100,000 miles. Here’s a breakdown of the plans:
- New Exclusionary: This plan is for cars 7 model years old or newer and covers almost any breakdown except for a list of exclusions.
- Used Stated: This plan is for cars up to 10 model years old and covers hundreds of components on many major systems like high tech, brakes, and suspension.
- Powertrain Enhanced: Powertrain coverage is for cars up to 15 model years old with under 250,000 miles. This plan is good for high-mileage vehicles and covers the powertrain along with many other important parts like the A/C, fuel, and electrical systems.
- Powertrain Plus: This mid-level powertrain plan covers the electrical system and some A/C components in addition to the engine, transmission, and drivetrain.
- Powertrain Protection: This affordable plan covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain.
All Omega Auto Care plans come with 24/7 roadside assistance, trip interruption, rental car coverage, maintenance coverage, and road hazard tire protection. This is more than what many companies offer.
See More#5 Toco: Beginner-Friendly Plans for Used Cars
-
Monthly Cost $97
-
Number of Plans 4
-
Highest Mileage Limit 250,000
Year founded: 2012
Affordability: $1,158 per year across all plan types (Industry average: $1,054 per year)
Featured plan: Blue and Green
Toco is the newest extended warranty company on this list, bringing with it a fresh approach to its plan offerings. Its plans are divided into mileage ranges, making it easy for drivers unaccustomed to extended warranties to choose the best plan for their needs. Toco is also a direct administrator, which means the company is responsible for managing its plans itself.
See More| Toco Pros | Toco Cons |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly coverage plans | Plans aren’t available in all states |
| Administers its own plans | Plan availability depends on car mileage |
| Month-to-month coverage options |
Toco sells four extended warranty plans, each divided into a specific mileage range. This makes it easy to determine which plan is available for your used car. The Blue and Green plans are best-suited for older or high-mileage vehicles, with the plans providing protection for cars between 150,000 and 250,000 miles. You can learn more about Toco’s coverage plans below:
- Orange: This plan provides comprehensive protection for vehicles up to 100,000 miles.
- Yellow: This mid-level plan protects most of your vehicle’s parts and systems, including the powertrain, electrical, cooling system, air conditioning, fuel system, technology, and modern features. The Yellow plan is available for cars with mileage between 100,000 and 150,000 miles.
- Blue: The Blue plan is a stated-component warranty that expands powertrain coverage to include electrical, the cooling system, air conditioning, fuel system, and more. Coverage is available for vehicles between 150,000 and 200,000 miles.
- Green: Toco’s Green plan is a powertrain warranty that protects your vehicle’s most vital components. Green coverage protects vehicles between 200,000 and 250,000 miles.
Toco warranties include the following perks and benefits:
- 24-hour roadside assistance, including towing, battery jumpstarts, flat tire changes, locksmith services, and fuel delivery
- Trip interruption coverage
- Rental car reimbursement
Used Car Warranty Costs
The cost of a used car warranty varies greatly based on your vehicle, the type of coverage you choose, and other factors. Based on rates we received from multiple providers during our secret shopping, the average total cost of an extended car warranty across all plan types is $3,556.
In the following sections, we’ll go over the main factors that affect the cost of used car coverage. We also provide sample quotes from our secret shopper study to compare.
Used Vehicle Warranty Cost Factors
Some of the key variables that affect the cost of a used vehicle service contract include:
- Type of used car: Generally speaking, pricier and larger cars will cost more to protect.
- Coverage deductible: When you choose your deductible, setting it lower will increase the price of your plan.
- Coverage plan: Coverage for more components will typically cost more than plans that only offer limited protection.
- Warranty company: Coverage costs vary between providers, even for similar plans on the same vehicle.
- Used car mileage: Higher-mileage vehicles are more likely to have mechanical issues. As a result, it usually costs more to cover them.
- Vehicle age: Older cars are more likely to suffer from mechanical breakdowns than new ones, making warranties for aging models more expensive.
Used Vehicle Warranty Cost Estimates
Our research team got quotes for exclusionary bumper-to-bumper coverage from each warranty company for a 2021 Nissan Altima with 42,000 miles. Here are the prices we received from the top used car warranty companies:
|
Car Warranty
Provider |
Plan Name
|
Term Length
|
Extended Car
Warranty Cost |
Deductible
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endurance | Supreme |
2.5 years/ 40,000 miles |
$2,663 | $100 |
| CARCHEX | Titanium | Unlimited | $150 per month | $200 |
| CarShield | Diamond | Unlimited | $150 per month | $200 |
What Is a Used Car Warranty?
A car warranty covers the cost of repairing mechanical failures that happen within a certain coverage period. New cars come with factory warranties that average three years or 36,000 miles of coverage, though some last longer. An extended car warranty – also known as a vehicle protection plan or a vehicle service contract – is a plan you can purchase to maintain coverage after your factory warranty expires.
Do Used Cars Have Warranties?
Some used cars come with warranties from the dealership. In many cases, these are packaged with certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles. These cars have been inspected by the dealership and are typically only a few years removed from their original warranty coverage.
In addition, some extended coverage plans transfer over to the new owner when a vehicle is sold. That means you may find used cars other than CPO vehicles that come with warranty coverage.
Can You Get a Warranty for a Used Car?
You can get a warranty for most used cars. Manufacturer extended warranties often have relatively tight mileage and model year restrictions. However, many aftermarket warranty providers offer plans for much older vehicles with hundreds of thousands of miles.
How Does a Used Car Warranty Work?
An extended warranty works by covering car repair costs for items that fall under the coverage terms listed in the contract. Which components are covered depends on the type of warranty plan you purchase. These contracts also come with exclusions that dictate parts and sources of damage that the warranty won’t cover.
Types of Used Car Warranties
Extended car warranty companies offer a variety of coverage plans. However, the majority of these plans fall into three main categories.
Powertrain Warranty
Powertrain Plus Warranty
This common type of plan includes powertrain coverage and additional components such as air conditioning, electrical components, and the fuel delivery system. These stated-component plans offer broad protection for many listed parts but don’t have the same level of coverage as exclusionary warranties.
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty
Sometimes called exclusionary plans, a bumper-to-bumper warranty comes with a short list of components that are not covered, rather than a list of items that are. Bumper-to-bumper coverage is closest to the factory warranty plans offered by many manufacturers. Though more expensive, this vehicle protection plan can save you money on costly repairs.
Used Car Warranty Exclusions
Used car service contracts can cover a lot, but there are some things they almost never protect. Some of the most common used vehicle warranty exclusions include:
- Wear-and-tear components such as windshield wiper blades, brake pads, and tires
- Routine maintenance services like oil changes and wheel alignments
- Damage from misuse
- Damage caused by aftermarket parts and modifications
- Pre-existing damages
- Damage caused by a collision
Some providers do include coverage for many of these items, but that’s an exception to the rule. Providing coverage for things like maintenance services and wear-and-tear parts is uncommon, but a major benefit when offered.
Where To Buy a Used Car Warranty
A vehicle service plan is a big financial decision. Like with any other major purchase, it pays to be a smart shopper. Learning how to shop strategically for a used car warranty can help you find the best car coverage at a reasonable price.
If you want to purchase coverage for your pre-owned vehicle, you have a few choices. Which option is best for you depends on both your vehicle and personal preferences.
Used Car Dealership
Many used car dealerships offer warranty plans through partner providers. You may be offered one when you buy your vehicle.
In general, these plans are often marked up to make room for the dealer to make a profit. That doesn’t mean you should always ignore them, however. Many used vehicle dealerships will still sell you a plan at a later time, so you can compare their offers with those from other options before deciding.
Vehicle Manufacturers
Some used vehicles are eligible for an extended warranty from their manufacturer. Depending on the automaker, they can sometimes provide a strong value for the cost.
However, these plans also often come with key limitations. Most automakers require you to purchase a manufacturer’s extended warranty within a certain time frame – typically within the new vehicle factory warranty period. In addition, many of these coverage plans require you to have your car serviced at dealership shops, limiting your options for repair facilities.
Third-Party Used Car Warranty Providers
You can also purchase an extended warranty for a used vehicle from one of many independent coverage providers. These companies offer a few distinct advantages over your other options.
Advantages of Third-Party Used Car Warranties
Some of the biggest advantages of extended car warranties from independent providers include:
- More choices: Most independent warranty providers offer greater plan options than automakers.
- Purchase flexibility: While you typically have to buy an extended warranty from an automaker before your factory warranty expires, most third-party providers allow you to purchase coverage at almost any time. You can also purchase your coverage online or over the phone.
- Free quotes: You can request free car warranty quotes from independent providers to compare rates and coverage options.
What To Look for in a Used Vehicle Warranty
Not all warranty providers and plans offer the same quality of service and value as one another. Many of the coverage plans you find online may look similar, but the differences are in the details.
There are a few things you should expect from an extended warranty provider and contract. These include:
- Direct pay policy: Find a service contract that pays for auto repair bills upfront rather than reimbursing you later. Reimbursement could take months in the worst cases.
- Large repair shop network: Some extended car warranty companies don’t allow you to choose your own repair facility. A good third-party warranty will let you have your covered repairs done by any ASE-certified mechanic.
- Reasonable deductibles: If a deductible is required, your car repairs should always cost more than the deductible.
- Strong industry reviews: Search a company’s BBB rating to gauge trustworthiness and find common customer reviews and complaints.
- Few and reasonable limitations: Is there a mileage limit or waiting period on the contract? Some companies don’t actually provide coverage for high-mileage vehicles.
- Reliable underwriters: Service contracts underwritten by car insurance companies are more reliable, so stick to these. Insurance regulations require companies to maintain enough financial reserves to pay for claims.
These are all important factors to consider during your research. Don’t allow price to be your only driving factor as you buy an extended auto warranty.
Used Car Warranty Companies: FAQ
Here are a few frequently asked questions about buying used car warranties.
What are the top-rated extended auto warranty companies?
Our research team named Endurance, CARCHEX, CarShield, Omega Auto Care, and Toco as some of the best auto warranty providers. These companies earned that distinction based on their services, reputations, and cost.
Is it worth getting an extended warranty on a used car?
Cars become more prone to mechanical breakdowns as they age, which means more time spent in the repair shop. An extended warranty on an older vehicle can help offset these out-of-pocket costs, but there’s no guarantee that a protection plan will cover every repair. It may be less worth it to buy an extended warranty for used vehicles with a strong reputation for reliability, such as models made by Honda and Toyota.
How much is an extended warranty on a used car?
Extended car warranties cost an average of $1,054 per year across all plan types, based on our industry study. An extended warranty on a used car can cost as little as a few hundred dollars to as much as several thousand. It depends on the car, plan provider, length and amount of coverage, and deductible.
Will my extended warranty coverage start right away?
Typically, no. Most extended warranties don’t start until after 30 days or a certain number of miles, usually either 1,000 or 3,000.
What is an aftermarket warranty?
An aftermarket warranty is coverage from a third-party company – not the manufacturer. These warranties don’t always use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. This shouldn’t have serious effects, but it’s often better to have parts that are specifically made for your car model.
Can you buy an extended warranty on a used car?
You can buy an extended warranty on a used car from a wide variety of sources. Some car manufacturers offer their own extended warranties, but you can also purchase coverage from one of many reputable used car warranty companies on almost any vehicle.
Is there a 30-day warranty on used cars?
Some states, such as California, have laws that require a certain category of car dealerships to have a 30-day warranty on used cars that they sell. However, the vast majority of states and used car dealers don’t fall under these laws.
Can you take a car under warranty to any dealership for repairs?
If you have a manufacturer’s warranty, you’ll most likely need to take your car to the dealership for repairs. However, with most third-party used car warranty companies, you can take your vehicle to the certified repair facility of your choice.
Do car warranties transfer?
In most cases, car warranties transfer when the vehicle changes ownership. A used car warranty is attached to the vehicle identification number (VIN) and it will cover repairs for the duration of the warranty period, as long as its premiums are paid for.
Is a used car warranty the same as mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI)?
Used car warranties and mechanical breakdown insurance policies serve the same purpose in that they cover the cost of unexpected car repairs due to mechanical failure. However, MBI policies are typically add-ons sold by car insurance companies, whereas used car warranties are sold by auto manufacturers and independent providers.
Who has the cheapest used car warranty?
Concord Auto Protect was the cheapest option overall for used car coverage in our December 2024 warranty study. You’ll also likely find affordable rates from autopom!, Olive, and American Dream Auto Protect. Remember that because prices are individualized, these providers may not be the cheapest for you and your vehicle.
What are some used car warranty red flags?
If you notice any of the following signs, you can probably find a better plan or provider:
• Pressure to buy coverage immediately over the phone
• Contracts that don’t explicitly explain the claim process
• Nontransferable warranties
• Lack of roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, trip interruption service, or towing services
• Contracts that don’t allow cancellations or have a 30-day money-back guarantee
• No choice of repair facility or extreme limits when away from home
• Sample contracts that aren’t readily available
• Providers that seem like a scam and don’t have online reviews
• Deceitful coverage
Before you agree to any contract, make sure to read it in its entirety – including the fine print. You may find details that make a used car warranty less useful or comprehensive than it seems at first glance.
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.
