AutoNation Extended Warranty Reviews

AutoNation’s extended warranties can be a solid option if you buy a car from one of its dealerships. However, some of its competitors, like the bigger nationwide warranty companies, may be able to offer better, more convenient service experiences.

AutoNation, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is one of the largest car dealership groups in the country, with hundreds of locations nationwide. The company has been in business since 1991, and it has sold and serviced millions of vehicles in that time.

AutoNation’s size allows it to offer several benefits to its customers, including an extended warranty program with several tiers of coverage and add-on options.

» LEARN: What is a vehicle service contract?

There are no limits to where you can live or drive with an AutoNation extended warranty on your car.

That said, the only way to purchase one is to talk to an AutoNation dealership during the car-buying process. (In comparison, it’s usually easier to get on the phone with one of the more well-known national warranty providers, especially if you don’t live near an AutoNation location.)

AutoNation extended warranty customers can choose from five plans:

• Engine
• Powertrain
• Silver
• Gold
• Platinum

These five coverage levels range from basic powertrain protection to the most comprehensive coverage in the Platinum plan.

» LEARN: What does a car warranty cover?

AutoNation also offers several supplemental coverage options with its warranty plans to help keep your vehicle running and looking great for the duration of your ownership.

• Tire and wheel protection: AutoNation’s tire and wheel protection package covers flat tires and wheel damage due to road hazards, which can include debris, glass, metal and more. This add-on plan has no deductible and includes up to $100 of towing expenses.
• Guaranteed asset protection (GAP): This plan provides coverage for the difference between the market value of your vehicle and what you still owe on any loan you used to purchase it in case of an accident, theft or natural disaster. In many cases, buyers purchasing a vehicle with a loan can end up owing more than the vehicle is worth, making GAP a vital add-on.
• Excess wear and tear: If you lease your vehicle, the condition when you turn it in must meet certain standards. AutoNation’s excess wear and tear coverage protects you from paying for things like dents and damage to upholstery, covering up to $5,000. It has zero deductible and is available on leases of up to 72 months.
• Windshield protection: Windshield chips, cracks and other damage can add up to costly repairs. Windshield Protection provides coverage for glass damage, and AutoNation’s plan comes with zero out-of-pocket expenses.
• Theft protection: AutoNation’s Theft Protection plan adds traceable codes to some frequently stolen vehicle components that law enforcement can use. Beyond theft protection, the plan covers identity theft for the duration of the warranty plan.
• Appearance protection: Appearance protection comes with paint, fabric and leather protection to preserve the look of your car’s exterior and interior. There is zero deductible for repairs or replacement of covered items.

AutoNation extended warranty coverage limits

AutoNation’s vehicle protection plans do not cover routine maintenance services (like oil changes and tire rotations), and they do not cover wear items, like brake pads, tires, windshield wipers, filters, fluids and other parts designed to wear over time.

AutoNation limits rental car reimbursements to $35 per day for a maximum of 10 days, and trip interruption coverage tops out at $200 per day for up to five days.

AutoNation’s warranty plans all come with roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and trip interruption/travel expense coverage at no extra charge.

AutoNation provides information on some excluded components, noting that normal maintenance parts like spark plugs, ignition wires, filters, batteries, coolant and other fluids are not covered. The company also does not cover tires, wheels, wheel covers, exterior body panels and other components.