Best Extended Car Warranty Companies of 2021

The right extended warranty for you depends on what kind of coverage you want and how long you need it. Some providers, like CARCHEX, offer coverage up to 10 years. Others, like olive and Toco Warranty, have pay-as-you-go plans without a long-term commitment.

California residents have the fewest options for repair protection. American First Auto Protect is one of our picks that offer plans in the Golden State. Keep reading to find the best car warranty plan for you — keep in mind, though, that not all vehicles will qualify for all plans.

• Endurance Auto Warranty: Good for high-mileage cars
• olive: Good for no waiting period
• CARCHEX: Wide selection of coverage
• CarShield: Good for high-mileage vehicles
• Toco Warranty: No down payment required
• Concord Auto Protect: Good value
• Uproar.car: Same-day coverage available
• American First Auto Protect: Fast claims process

Endurance offers six auto warranty plans, and most are directly administered by the company. It’s a good option for used cars with higher mileage, which can sometimes be challenging to find coverage for from other warranty providers.

All Endurance warranty plans come with a year of Elite Benefits, including roadside assistance, key fob replacement, coverage for repair or replacement of up to two tires and a collision discount. Check out the Select Premier plan for high-mileage vehicles, the Superior plan for comprehensive stated-component coverage and the Supreme plan for exclusionary coverage.

Highlights

• Direct provider
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Online learning center
• Multiple types of discounts
• Free year of Endurance Elite Benefits

What reviewers say: Five-star reviews frequently highlight helpful reps, good value and comprehensive coverage. Some negative reviews indicate misunderstandings about what was covered under a specific warranty plan.

“The plan was extremely reasonable and affordable. It's less than $125 per month. I have a BMW so my premiums typically range way more than that. The military discount made things even sweeter and took my decision over the top,” a reviewer in South Carolina said.

“I canceled my other policy because Endurance covered more, and it was the most affordable,” a reviewer in Ohio said. Another reviewer said their coverage “came to about $1,000 a year.”

Unlike many companies, olive does not have a waiting period for coverage. It’s a good pick for car owners who want to manage their policy entirely online. You can file claims online or over the phone, and you can schedule repairs though RepairPal.

Most plans cost $30 to $80 per month, with various deductible options. Complete Care, olive's exclusionary plan, is its most popular. olive also has Powertrain Plus and Powertrain plans.

Highlights

• No waiting period
• Price-lock guarantee
• Transferable plans
• MBI available in California
• Online policy management

What reviewers say: olive’s warranty information is straightforward and simple to understand. “I like the idea that I can stop the coverage at any time,” a reviewer in Missouri said.

“With Olive, I'd make monthly payments of $126 for a $250 deductible, which works out better,” a reviewer in Minnesota said. On the other hand, a few say that the claims department can take a little while to call back.

“What I really liked about it is it wasn't one of those warranties that's like, ‘Well, you got to go six years, 185,000 miles. It's going to cost you $4,800.’ And with this particular one, it was like, ‘Look, we will warranty your truck up to 185,000 miles, but it'll only be three years,’” an olive customer told us via phone survey.

CARCHEX offers more coverage plans than our other top picks because it works with multiple warranty providers. It’s a good pick for anyone who wants instant quotes online for up to 10 years of coverage.

Each plan — whether it’s Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum or Titanium — offers term options that range from monthly to at least five years. If you’re looking for comprehensive, exclusionary coverage, check out Titanium plans.

In addition to repair costs, plans cover 24/7 roadside assistance, gas delivery, towing, rental car coverage and trip interruption service. They also come with CARCHEX’s “No-Haggle, Low Price, Everyday Guarantee.” CARCHEX requires small down payments and lets you spread the remaining cost out over six to 24 months.

Highlights

• Multiple plans at each level of coverage
• Roadside assistance included
• Transferable plans
• $0 deductible option
• Additional optional coverages

What reviewers say: Reviewers like that CARCHEX has helpful reps and reasonable rates. "The rep explained everything that he was supposed to and the questions that I had, so I went into CARCHEX with a clear understanding. It’s supposed to be the best warranty, so that's what I got. If you get three repairs with the average being about $1,200, the policy is paid,” a reviewer in Maryland said.

“I have a super expensive vehicle and if it breaks, that would be very expensive,” a reviewer in Nevada told us. “Once I got the policy set up, CARCHEX's website to pay was user-friendly and it allowed me to set up extra options for those going through the process.”

A reviewer in Arizona renewed for another four-year term: “I know the priceyness of some of these repairs, especially if you got a valve cover gasket that is leaking. … If I could get that covered under this warranty, it's peace of mind more than anything else.”

CarShield has comprehensive coverage options, wide availability and great reviews. It also has flexible monthly payment plans, and you can transfer most contracts. CarShield covers cars with up to 300,000 miles, one of the highest limits among extended auto warranty companies.

CarShield’s best coverage includes everything from engine and transmission to the factory audio system and GPS. You can choose from Diamond exclusionary coverage, Platinum comprehensive coverage, Gold powertrain-plus coverage, Silver powertrain coverage and Aluminum specialty coverage. There is also a plan for motorcycles and ATVs.

CarShield’s plans are administered by American Auto Shield. Most contracts come with 24/7 roadside assistance, and some include rental car reimbursement.

Highlights

• Low or no deductible
• Choose your mechanic
• Roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• CarShield app

What reviewers say: Happy customers recommend CarShield for the helpful service and great customer support. A reviewer in Oklahoma said their plan saved them “at least $300” when a water pump gave out. “I recommend CarShield for anyone with an older car. It sure helps save money.”

As with most car warranty companies, CarShield has received a few complaints from people who had claims denied after a breakdown. This is why it’s so important to understand your coverage before you sign up.

“They covered my air conditioning compressor in full on my 2010 Cadillac, which could have ran me $1,500 to $2,000,” a reviewer in Illinois said, adding that “it was very seamless after my mechanic called their office. I would definitely recommend to all people out there, especially if you don’t have a lot in [your] savings account.”

Toco offers pay-as-you-go plans with no down payment. Your cost for a vehicle service contract (or in California, mechanical breakdown insurance policy) depends on your car’s make, model, year, mileage and how many miles you drive each month.

Toco coverage works a little bit differently — Orange plans are for cars with less than 100,000 miles, yellow is for cars between 100,000 and 150,000 miles, and the Blue plan is for vehicles with 150,000 to 200,000. If your car has 200,000 to 250,000 miles on it, you have Green-level coverage. The Orange plan is an exclusionary plan, while the others are stated-component plans. Unless stated otherwise in your terms, the standard deductible is $100.

Highlights

• No down payment
• Pay as you go
• 24/7 roadside assistance
• Hotel and motel discounts
• $50 deductible waiver for repairs made at select facilities

What reviewers say: Toco comes highly recommended by existing customers. Positive reviewers say that prices are good and the reps are “honest” and “respectful.”

“My customer representative Matthew was AWESOME. He was very patient and explained everything. He answered all my questions that I had. The price I was given was great for a bumper-to-bumper warranty,” a reviewer in Maryland said.

“The perks are great too! $40 credit towards oil changes and the first month free is hard to resist,” according to a reviewer in North Carolina.

Concord Auto Protect offers three plans that come with direct support and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Plans include roadside assistance. One potential downside is that the company doesn’t offer an exclusionary (sometimes called “bumper-to-bumper”) plan.

You can take your car into any repair facility, and Concord will pay for covered repairs directly over the phone — all you have to pay is the deductible (if applicable). There’s no paperwork required to file a claim, and you can make as many claims as you want.

Highlights

• $0 deductible option
• Zero-interest payment programs
• Direct support
• Roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement
• 30-day money-back guarantee

What reviewers say: Concord is highly recommended by existing customers for its prices and customer support.

According to a reviewer in Idaho, Concord is “anywhere from $1,400 to $3,600 less expensive than others. … For the difference in price, with what appears near-identical terms, 30-day wait, $100 deductible, etc., I'll gamble.”

“The price for the coverage I selected was very good. I was able to get bumper-to-bumper coverage for up to 150,000 miles. Could not get a better deal elsewhere,” a reviewer in Nevada said.

Uproar.car plans are available for low- and high-mileage vehicles, with coverage for up to 1,975 components. Costs start between $15 and $30 per month, depending on the level of coverage you want.

All plans come with an Uproar.car membership, which includes roadside assistance, a concierge service for finding and scheduling repairs, app access, road trip protection and rental car reimbursement. It also includes discounts on dining, shopping, travel and car maintenance.

Uproar.car also offers two tire and wheel coverage plans. Starting at $10 a month, these plans cover tire and wheel repair and replacement and road hazard damage.

Highlights

• Same-day coverage
• No down payment or long-term contract required
• Includes membership benefits
• Online claims
• 90-day money-back guarantee

What reviewers say: Uproar.car makes it simple to sign up, and reps help new customers pick the right plan. Plans are also reasonably priced. “I got the tire and wheel protection for my BMW, and I would recommend it to everyone who is looking for a reasonable tire warranty,” a reviewer in Texas said.

“On the other hand, some of the companies offered a much longer term or a term as long as you own the car. … Uproar.car's term is only for three years or 36,000 miles,” according to a reviewer in Illinois.

“I went with Uproar.car because of everything they cover and the price, and it was easy,” another reviewer in Texas said. “My sense of security is lot higher because now I don't have to worry about if I break down or have to pay out of pocket for a tow.”

American First Auto Protect offers vehicle service contracts for cars made after the year 2000. All plans cover the engine, transmission, brake system and other major components. Each also comes with roadside assistance, out-of-gas service and towing.

Check out the Platinum plan for the most comprehensive coverage — it includes your steering system, suspension, seals, gaskets, GPS navigation and high-tech electronics. Silver plans are the most affordable, and Gold is for middle-of-the-road coverage.

Highlights

• 24/7 roadside assistance
• Trip interruption benefits
• Customizable plans
• 30-day money-back guarantee

What reviewers say: Reps are friendly and knowledgeable during the sign-up process. “I spoke with 11 different companies before American First. They were the most professional; they let me take my time with the decision and was the only company that offered me a veterans discount,” a reviewer in New York said.

A reviewer in California went with American First Auto Protect for their 2015 Jeep Renegade: “It's very easy. I just go to the dealer if there's something wrong with my car that needs fixing and they let me know how much it is. I don't have to do anything else and my deductible is only $100.”

“Once the claim was submitted, it was approved by American First Auto Protect within 20 minutes,” another reviewer said.

A reviewer in North Carolina purchased a five-year Platinum warranty for a 14-year-old Chrysler Crossfire and “was pleasantly surprised by the friendliness, response, and professionalism of the staff involved. … I requested a couple of items not specifically mentioned to be added to the policy, and it was done immediately with an addendum and without argument. I can tell you I sleep very well now knowing these guys have my back.”

Having your car break down can be expensive and inconvenient. If you rely on your vehicle to drive to work or get your children to school, it’s essential to take care of a breakdown quickly — even if you don’t have a rainy day fund set aside to pay for it. Extended auto warranties help cover the cost of expensive repairs in these situations.

It’s sometimes a good idea to purchase an extended car warranty that provides coverage for repairs and replacements beyond the initial manufacturer’s warranty. If you plan to keep the car for a while and don’t want to budget for repairs, it might make sense for you.

• Extended auto warranties make sense for some used vehicles
• They're often not worth it on a new car
• They're also not worth it if you plan to sell soon and the plan isn't transferable

Extended auto warranty companies offer plans that can vary quite a bit in terms of coverage and other factors. It’s important to know what to look for when choosing an extended warranty for your car.

• Compare reviews: Look for patterns of rejected claims. Many 5-star reviews about vehicle service contract companies refer to the initial customer service. Friendly reps are a plus, but what you really care about is whether the plan is worth your money — look for positive reviews about easy payouts for repairs. As of publishing, Toco Warranty is the best-rated provider on our site.
• Consider the waiting period: Many plans require you to wait up to 30 days and 1,000 miles before you can request service. This is intended to prevent car owners from getting repairs on preexisting conditions. However, for some drivers, it could take several months to put another thousand miles on the odometer. Check out Uproar.car or olive for same-day coverage.
• Look for perks: Some companies offer extra bonuses alongside their extended warranty coverage, so ask about any additional benefits. These might include roadside assistance, trip interruption service, key fob replacement or discounts from retailers. If you’re hesitant to make a big commitment, look for a company that lets you buy month-to-month coverage.
• Read the fine print: Be sure you understand what is and isn’t covered. Ask about any restrictions or conditions that might void your coverage. If you prefer having more control over the specifics of your coverage, look for a company that offers multiple plans or lets you customize your contract.

  If you think you might want to sell your car before the warranty expires, make sure the company will let you transfer the coverage to the next owner — and ask if there’s a fee. This could be a selling point to potential buyers. For more, here are the right questions to ask and tips to help you avoid car warranty scams.

A car warranty is a contract between you and the warranty provider, often your dealership or manufacturer, to cover repairs within a specific period of time or mileage, typically three years or 60,000 miles. Eventually, the dealer's or manufacturer's car warranty expires.

Coverage for an extended auto warranty, also known as a vehicle service contract, usually begins when the manufacturer’s warranty expires. If you’re beyond the coverage period of your original warranty, extended auto warranty coverage can pay for repairs down the road — which can ease your mind significantly, especially if money is tight and you’re not sure you could afford out-of-pocket payments for these fixes.

It’s standard across the industry that extended auto warranties purchased separately from the factory warranty cannot be used until 30 days after purchase and until the vehicle has been driven 1,000 miles. This policy prevents people from buying a vehicle service contract only after a problem develops.

Basic car warranties cover the most essential parts and systems that keep the car running. For example, if you have an engine, alternator or transmission failure, there’s a high likelihood a full-coverage extended warranty covers the needed repairs. Many car warranties cover fuel pump replacement and airbag replacement as well. The most comprehensive car warranties cover all parts of the car except for wear-and-tear items that require regular replacement, like windshield wipers or tires.

Not all extended auto warranties cover the vehicle from bumper to bumper, so remember to choose a plan with the coverage you need — don’t forget to read the fine print.

Types of extended car warranties

The two main types are manufacturer’s warranties (also called “factory warranties” and original equipment manufacturer warranties, or OEMs) and after-market warranties sold by third-party vendors. The most common types of warranty plans fall into one of the following categories:

Ask your provider if there are any rules against performing maintenance work yourself. Keep track of all maintenance records and receipts.

• Powertrain: A powertrain warranty covers components like your car’s engine, transmission, axles, drive shafts, seals, gaskets and transfer case.
• Drivetrain: This is similar to powertrain coverage, except a drivetrain warranty doesn’t include your engine.
• Wrap warranty: A wrap warranty covers what the powertrain warranty leaves out. You can combine a wrap warranty with a powertrain to supplement coverage (similar to bumper-to-bumper plans).
• Bumper-to-bumper: A bumper-to-bumper warranty is also called an “exclusionary warranty,” because it covers everything except for specific components listed in the contract. These warranties tend to be the most comprehensive, but they’re also the most expensive.

Other than bumper-to-bumper warranties, most extended auto warranties are stated component warranties. In stated component warranties, the contract lists the components that are covered. Be sure you understand whether your agreement lists the covered or the excluded repairs.

What extended car warranties won’t cover

It’s important to keep in mind that extended auto warranties typically do not cover routine maintenance. Most plans also do not cover paint, your car’s interior or issues that result from normal wear and tear. Warranties may or may not cover cooling systems and electronic components.

• Damage from accidents
• Damage caused by extreme weather
• Cosmetic repairs
• Routine maintenance
• Liability and other insurance-related issues
• Preexisting conditions
• Manufacturer recalls
• Wear-and-tear items (like brakes and windshield wipers)
• Alterations or modifications
• Interior or body panel damage
• Regular maintenance

Total costs for an extended warranty are around $2,500. You can pay the entire cost upfront, but most people pay it off over a couple of years in monthly installments. Expect monthly payments to be around $100 until the plan is paid off.

For example, if you have a seven-year plan and you pay it in three years, you won’t have to make payments for the next four years. Plans often require you to pay a deductible (typically between $75 and $250) for repairs.

Factors that impact the cost of your extended auto warranty

The best extended car warranty companies look at multiple factors, including your vehicle’s make, model, condition and location, when quoting a price for coverage. Some of the most significant factors that affect the price of your extended auto warranty include:

• Level of coverage: Bumper-to-bumper plans with comprehensive coverage cost the most, while basic warranties covering only the vital systems, such as powertrain and drivetrain warranties, are more affordable.
• One-time and recurring fees: Ask about any recurring charges you may need to pay other than upfront fees and monthly premiums.
• Additional charges or deductibles: Most car warranties require a deductible, though some companies offer zero-deductible policies. A typical deductible is $100 for a repair or replacement.
• Maximum payout amount: Most extended auto warranties have a maximum payout, often around the total cash value of the car. Once you're quoted a price for your policy, consider if the cost is reasonable in relation to your liability limits.

To find the best extended car warranty companies, we primarily considered recent verified customer reviews, coverage options and availability.

The ConsumerAffairs research team started with a list of 37 aftermarket warranty providers. To narrow it down, we first eliminated companies rated below 3.5 stars.

For our next step, we required companies to have a minimum 2:1 ratio of 5-star to 1-star reviews over the last year (Oct. 13, 2020, through Oct. 13, 2021). In total, we analyzed 6,504 reviews.

When making our financial selections, we gave preference to companies that offer multiple or customizable coverage plans plus nationwide availability.

Once we decided on our final picks, we dug a little deeper. The team analyzed keyword density for each of our top pick’s 5-star reviews. We used this data to inform some of our recommendations.

For example, Concord Auto Protect is our pick for value because we noticed many of the happiest customers mention “price,” “rate” or “cost.” American First Auto Protect is our pick for fast claims because so many positive reviews mention “simple process,” “very easy” and “customer service.”