Nova Warranty

- Levels of coverage
- 2
- Maximum mileage
- 130,000 miles
- Waiting period
- 30 days
- Availability
- Nationwide



In California, extended car warranties are regulated as mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI), not vehicle service contracts like in most other states. That means only agents licensed by the California Department of Insurance can sell them, and they must meet stricter consumer protection rules under the state’s insurance laws.
Based on recent reviews from local car owners, coverage options and overall value, Nova Warranty is the best extended car warranty company in California. Zurich Vehicle Service Contract is a good choice if you want easy claims, and Endurance Auto Warranty stands out for high-mileage vehicles.
Our research team reviewed dozens of extended car warranty companies in California. We compared coverage options, vehicle eligibility, extra benefits, costs and real customer feedback on claims handling. See our full methodology for details on how we picked the best companies. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us, but this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations.
| Company | Customer rating | Our pick for | Levels of coverage | Maximum mileage | Waiting period | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Nova Warranty | Learn More | 5.0
132 reviews
132 reviews
| Best overall | 2 | 130,000 | 30 days | Nationwide |
![]() Zurich Vehicle Service Contract | Learn More | 4.4
976 reviews
976 reviews
| Easy claims | 3 | 150,000 | 10 to 30 days (varies) | Most states (not FL) |
![]() Endurance Warranty | Get Pricing | 4.6
17,473 reviews
17,473 reviews
| High-mileage vehicles | 12 | Unlimited | 30 to 60 days and 1,000 miles | Nationwide (not MA) |



Jump into our guides and start learning
The right mechanical breakdown insurance policy can help California drivers avoid expensive surprises at the mechanic. Picking the wrong plan, on the other hand, often leads to frustration and out-of-pocket costs. If you're still weighing your options, it pays to look at costs, possible scams and how likely you are to benefit from coverage based on your driving habits.
Average extended car warranty plans cost about $1,000 per year. Your price will change depending on your car, the level of coverage you want and which company you pick.
Jump to insightYou’ll often encounter unclear contracts and aggressive sales tactics in the extended auto warranty industry. Always check customer reviews and carefully compare what each plan covers before you commit.
Jump to insightExtended warranties are not always a good investment for everyone. If you don’t plan to keep your car for long or the contract lists too many exclusions, reconsider before purchasing.
Jump to insightExtended auto warranties, often called vehicle service contracts, help cover certain repairs after your original manufacturer’s warranty ends. They protect you from unexpected repair bills, but each plan has its own coverage limits and exclusions, so it is important to read the fine print.
In California, extended warranties are considered a form of insurance. Instead of traditional vehicle service contracts, you’ll typically purchase mechanical breakdown insurance from a licensed provider.
There are two main types of auto warranty coverage. Stated-component warranties protect only the parts specifically listed in your contract. This could include essentials like the transmission or drive axle, or broader protection like a powertrain warranty that includes your engine. Exclusionary warranties, sometimes called bumper-to-bumper, cover everything except the items specifically excluded in your contract. Both options pay for repairs due to normal use, not accidents or intentional damage.
The price of an extended warranty ranges from $1,400 to $4,000 per year for full bumper-to-bumper coverage. Some providers require you to pay up front while others allow monthly payments. When you buy a warranty through a dealership, you may end up paying interest, making the plan more expensive than buying directly from a provider.
Extended car warranties can be worthwhile if your car is older, out of warranty and not especially reliable. If you plan to keep your car for several more years, coverage can save you from costly repairs. In California, warranty plans can be more expensive than in other states due to long commutes and hot weather, which can both contribute to wear and tear.
The main value of a car warranty is peace of mind and potential long-term savings.
If you get a plan that is easy to use and covers what you need, it can keep your budget on track during a repair emergency. Always review the terms of your contract and ask questions before you sign.
To choose the right car warranty in California, decide on what coverage you need, compare well-reviewed providers, read feedback from real customers, collect multiple quotes and read the contract closely. When comparing the top car warranty providers, look for clear coverage options, a strong reputation and a simple claims process. Here’s what to focus on as a Californian:
California’s unique driving conditions and vehicle market make MBIs especially relevant. Here are a few local factors to keep in mind:
To steer clear of scams, never trust calls or messages from unknown sources offering warranties. Always work directly with reputable providers and check their credentials. To help reduce fraud for everyone, you can report suspicious activity to the FCC.
You don’t need to purchase an extended warranty when buying a new car in California. The state’s Lemon Law and the manufacturer’s warranty already protect you from major defects. The right time to consider extra coverage is when your original warranty is about to expire.
» COMPARE: Best new car warranties
Most companies allow you to cancel an extended warranty, often with a cancellation fee. Your refund depends on how long you’ve had coverage and whether you’ve filed any claims.
In California, service contracts are regulated under the California Civil Code 1794.4–1794.41 and must comply with the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Extended warranties sold as mechanical breakdown insurance are governed by the California Insurance Code 116.1 and regulated by the California Department of Insurance (CDI). Only licensed insurers may offer MBI, and all plans must be filed with and approved by the CDI.
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach informed by our expert editors to choose the best extended car warranty companies. We looked at thousands of verified reviews, levels of coverage, maximum mileage, maximum vehicle age and additional benefits.
Companies were given a score out of 10 for each metric, with 10 going to the company with the highest value and other companies receiving relative scores. We then weighted each metric and added together the nine metric scores to get a final score.
Companies were evaluated not only on national coverage but also on their compliance with California MBI regulations.
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| Company | Customer rating | About | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
Nova Warranty
| 5.0
132 reviews
| Accepts luxury, vintage and exotic vehicles. Cancel within 30 days for a full refund. Live customer support offered daily. Can go to any dealership or repair facility. Roadside assistance included. Offers locksmith policy. | Read reviews |
Zurich Vehicle Service Contract
| 4.4
976 reviews
| Provides coverage for cars, trucks, motorcycles and powersport vehicles. Perks include 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car coverage and trip interruption reimbursement. | Read reviews |
Endurance Warranty
| 4.6
17,473 reviews
| Direct administrator and obligor for most types of plans. Covers vehicles up to 20 years old for unlimited miles. Waiting period is 30 days and 1,000 miles. Offers 30-day refund guarantee. MBI products available in California. | Get Pricing |
1800Warranty.com
| 5.0
37 reviews
| Offers month-to-month vehicle service contracts. Four plan levels with optional tire and wheel protection. Covers vehicles of model year 2000 and newer with mileage up to 200,000. Costs start at $39/month. | Read reviews |
NobleQuote
| 4.7
13 reviews
| Four coverage plans. Nationwide availability. Personalized pricing with varying deductibles and contract lengths. Starts at $79 per month. Towing, roadside assistance and car rental coverage benefits. | Read reviews |
Toco Warranty
| 4.5
763 reviews
| Offers vehicle service contracts for cars up to 20 years old and up to 250,000 miles in most states. Plans available with no down payment and three-year terms. Waiting period is 90 days and 1,000 miles. | Read reviews |
Premier Auto Protect
| 4.4
241 reviews
| Offers vehicle service contracts with 30-day money-back guarantee. Includes 24-hour roadside assistance. Choose your own repair shop. 10% back for referrals. Preferred pricing for members of some organizations. | Read reviews |
olive
| 4.1
570 reviews
| Accepts cars up to 10 years old with up to 140,000 miles. Offers three plans with flexible deductibles and fixed monthly pricing. No waiting period or yearly mileage restrictions up to 185,000 miles. Available nationwide. | Read reviews |
Omega Auto Care
| 4.1
1,507 reviews
| Offers exclusionary, used stated and powertrain protection for cars with up to 250,000 miles and 15 years old. Waives deductible if you go to a RepairPal-certified shop. Member of the Vehicle Protection Association. | Read reviews |
CoverageX
| 3.9
35 reviews
| Offers three auto warranty plans with varying levels of coverage. $100 deductible per service. 24/7 roadside assistance and rental cars included in each plan. Pays mechanic directly for service. | Read reviews |
SOS Auto Protect
| 3.9
11 reviews
| Provides extended auto warranties to drivers in all 50 states. Three plans to choose from. Customizable deductibles. No limits on payouts. Roadside assistance included. Use any ASE-licensed mechanic or dealership nationwide. | Read reviews |
Assurant Vehicle Service Contracts
| 3.5
832 reviews
| Offers a tier of four plans, with deductibles ranging from $50 to $100. Plans are only offered through select dealerships across the country instead of sold directly to consumers. | Read reviews |
Empire Auto Protect
| 2.1
170 reviews
| Vehicle service plans and contracts. Accepted nationwide. Components, part and labor included in service plans. No inspection for coverage. No mileage or odometer restrictions. Transferrable. 24/7 roadside assistance included. | Read reviews |
American Auto Shield
| 2.0
489 reviews
| Does not sell vehicle service contracts directly. Partners with third-party providers to offer eight programs for cars up to 250,000 miles, plus coverage for motorcycles, ATVs and dirt bikes. Available nationwide. | Read reviews |
Ally Extended Warranty
| 2.0
8 reviews
| Sells several extended warranty plans. Technology, EV and maintenance plans available. Deductible amounts from $0 to $200. Can visit any licensed mechanic. Must purchase through dealership. No pricing information online. | Read reviews |
EasyCare Warranty
| 2.0
View profile
| Warranties are available primarily through car dealers. Offers four levels of coverage, including EV components. Warranties come with a range of benefits and available add-on coverage. | Read reviews |
Select Auto Protect
| 2.0
34 reviews
| No limits to number of claims. No transfer fees, claims paperwork or waiting for reimbursements. Can use any ASE-certified mechanic. Accepts all makes and models. Must call for quote. | Read reviews |
Gold Standard Automotive Warranty
| 1.9
10 reviews
| Provides extended warranties for many types of vehicles. Plans range from powertrain to exclusionary coverage. All contracts include maintenance benefits. Only sold through dealerships at the time of vehicle purchase. | Read reviews |
My Dealer's Choice
| 1.8
10 reviews
| Offers multiple vehicle service protection plans. Coverage for EVs available. Open 24/7 by phone. 30+ years experience. Sells used vehicles. Available in all 50 states. | Read reviews |
MaxCare Auto Warranty
| 1.8
183 reviews
| Extended service contract through CarMax. Optional for vehicles of any year, make, model or mileage. Only available at the time you purchase a vehicle. Choose from different plans and deductibles. Cancel anytime. | Read reviews |
NVP Warranty
| 1.7
7 reviews
| Plans available for cars up to 20 model years of age. Covers vehicles with up to 225,000 miles. Multiple plans available. Optional coverage to choose from. No waiting period. Same-day processing for most claims. | Read reviews |
Fidelity Warranty Services
| 1.7
262 reviews
| Offers vehicle service contracts with coverage for road hazards, tires and wheels. Affiliate plans include total loss waiver and lease excess with wear and tear. Accepts high-mileage cars. Available in all states. | Read reviews |
CARCHEX
| 1.5
4,294 reviews
| Plans available for cars with up to 250,000 miles. Multiple plan options from different providers. Terms up to 10 years. Finance over six, 12, 18 or 24 months. Comes with a 30-day return policy. | Read reviews |
CNA National Warranty Corporation
| 1.5
19 reviews
| Wide range of plans for new and used cars, plus EVs. Exclusionary coverage available. Different deductible options, including a disappearing deductible. Towing and rental benefits. Only sold through dealerships. | Read reviews |
CornerStone United
| 1.4
9 reviews
| Offers extended warranty coverage for a variety of vehicles, including exotic cars. Customizable plans with add-on options available. Price quotes only available from partnering dealerships. | Read reviews |
MPP Warranty
| 1.4
View profile
| Offers extended auto warranties for new and used vehicles with multiple add-on plans. Also offers coverage for recreational and commercial vehicles. Only sells plans through select dealerships in 10 states. | Read reviews |
Portfolio Protection Vehicles & Services
| 1.3
258 reviews
| Provides coverage for cars, motorcycles, powersport vehicles and RVs. Offerings include vehicle service contracts, warranties, asset protection, maintenance plans and theft deterrent products. | Read reviews |
DriveSmart Warranty
| 1.3
View profile
| Three levels of extended auto warranty coverage. 30-day review period. All plans come with roadside and car rental assistance. Services can be performed by any licensed repair shop. DriveSmart pays the repair shop directly. | Read reviews |
Mopar Vehicle Protection
| 1.3
View profile
| Extended warranty company offering comprehensive plans for new, used and leased vehicles. Customers can also add on additional coverage for wear-and-tear parts. Only available for Stellantis family makes. | Read reviews |
National Auto Care Warranty
| 1.3
16 reviews
| Offers a disappearing deductible option. Service agreements for leased vehicles. Options for recreational and power sports vehicles and tire and wheel add-ons. Theft prevention device and geofencing. | Read reviews |
AUL Corp
| 1.2
371 reviews
| Accepts cars of any year or mileage. Select from 14 service contracts with a range of terms and protections. Gap and ancillary coverage also available. No waiting period. Available nationwide through certified AUL dealerships. | Read reviews |
1.2
136 reviews
| Offers auto warranty coverage. Highlights include interest-free payment plans, roadside assistance and guaranteed part replacement. Over 90% of claims paid in an average of three hours or less. | Read reviews | |
GWC Warranty
| 1.2
376 reviews
| Exclusionary coverage on cars with up to 150,000 miles and stated component coverage up to 200,000 miles. All plans are transferable. No waiting period. Available nationwide through dealerships. | Read reviews |
Route 66 Extended Warranty
| 1.2
39 reviews
| Offers vehicle service contracts. Three plan options: drivetrain, intermediate and exclusionary. No deductible. Available nationwide. Total loss refund. Transferable to a new owner. Only available through partner institutions. | Read reviews |
Everything Breaks Auto Warranties
| 1.1
16 reviews
| Transparent pricing. Monthly and annual plans available. Annual plans come with maintenance benefits. 24/7 roadside assistance included on all plans. Operates in every state. 30-day money-back guarantee. | Read reviews |
Ox Car Care
| 1.1
59 reviews
| Extended auto warranty. Covers cost of breakdowns and repairs. Three plan and coverage tiers. Customizable coverage. Free quotes. $100 deductible. Plan pays the mechanic directly for covered repairs. Money-back guarantee. | Read reviews |
Preferred Warranties Inc.
| 1.1
129 reviews
| Offers extended warranties for cars, motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles and RVs. Terms and conditions vary by state. Doesn’t sell directly to consumers. Contact an authorized dealership for pricing. | Read reviews |
Phoenix Extended Care
| 1.0
110 reviews
| Partners with Nationwide to offer coverage for cars and RVs. Products and program options include gap, private label and theft protection. | Read reviews |
GM Warranty
| 1.0
69 reviews
| Provides powertrain and bumper-to-bumper limited warranties, tire and wheel protection, GAP coverage and more. New vehicles are automatically enrolled in the manufacturers' protection program. Additional coverages available. | Read reviews |
Diamond Warranty Corp
| 1.0
68 reviews
| Offers four tiers of extended warranty coverage. Powertrain Plus is available for up to five years and 100,000 miles. Coverage begins 30 days or 1,000 miles after the purchase date. Available in more than 30 states. | Read reviews |
Penn Warranty Corporation
| 1.0
59 reviews
| Serves dealerships and car-buying customers. Partners with more than 15,000 dealers across the country to offer vehicle service contracts. Contact a company representative or your dealership for more information. | Read reviews |
Smart AutoCare Warranty
| 1.0
47 reviews
| Offers three customizable warranty plans. Available in 50 states. Includes roadside assistance. Gap and ancillary coverage can be purchased separately. Claims can be submitted via app and are typically paid the same day. | Read reviews |
1.0
38 reviews
| Select from three tiers of coverage. Some vehicles qualify for up to 120,000 miles of additional protection. Coverage for rental car, fluids and towing included. More than 6,000 authorized service centers. | Read reviews | |
Protection Direct
| 1.0
30 reviews
| Offers home and auto protection plans, including coverage for commercial vehicles, in most states. Accepts most vehicles up to 20 model years and up to 500,000 miles. Features flexible payment plans and a 30-day refund period. | Read reviews |
CarvanaCare Extended Warranty
| 1.0
9 reviews
| $0 deductibles at preferred repair facilities. $200 deductibles at other shops. Roadside assistance for all plans. Cancel your plan at any time. Three levels of coverage available. | Read reviews |
Warranty Solutions
| 1.0
9 reviews
| Wide range of extended warranties for new and used vehicles. Customizable plans with optional coverages. Benefits include towing and rental reimbursement. Only sold through dealerships. Some coverage exceptions. | Read reviews |
AutoNation Extended Warranty
| 1.0
View profile
| Offers five vehicle protection plans with multiple deductible options available. Covers most vehicle repairs at any licensed repair facility. Provides roadside assistance and rental car and travel expense reimbursements. | Read reviews |
Fenix Protect
| 1.0
View profile
| Offers plans backed by Black Diamond Administrative Company. All plans include roadside assistance. Seven plans available for new and used vehicles. Accepts cars with up to 500,000 miles. | Read reviews |
Safeguard My Car
| 1.0
View profile
| Sells auto warranties. Three warranty options to choose from. $100 deductible required for service. Free cancellation in 30 days. Plans start at $99 per month. 24/7 roadside assistance comes with all plans. | Read reviews |
ASC Warranty
| 1.0
View profile
| Offers four warranty plans with contracts up to 96 months. Can only purchase through a dealership. $0 deductible on all covered services. 24/7 roadside assistance included in all warranty plans. | Read reviews |
autopom!
| 1.0
View profile
| Offers extended auto warranties. Works with licensed mechanics in the U.S. and Canada. Has plans for most cars up to 14 model-years old. 24-hour roadside assistance and trip interruption included. Must contact for a quote. | Read reviews |
MasterTech Warranty
| 1.0
View profile
| Offers vehicle, debt and ancillary protection programs. Five customizable auto protection plans available. Waives GAP amounts up to $50,000. Fully transferable coverage. Money-back guarantee within 60 days of purchase. | Read reviews |
Warranty Direct Protect
| 1.0
View profile
| Extended warranty company offering plans for vehicles, boats, RVs and ATVs. Plans range from $700-$5,000 per year depending on make, model and other factors. Deductible options range from $0-$1,000. No waiting periods for plans. | Read reviews |
AA Auto Protection
| No reviews | Partners with United Car Care, Matrix Warranty Solutions, Royal Administration Service, DOWC and National Warranty Administration to offer coverage nationwide. Provides a "best price guarantee” and a money-back guarantee. | |
America Auto Care
| No reviews | Offers basic, enhanced, exclusionary and stated coverage maintenance plans. New customers are entitled to a full refund within the first 30 days. | |
InterContinental Warranty Company
| No reviews | Specializes in providing credit union members warranty products, including vehicle service agreements and mechanical breakdown insurance. Features include emergency roadside assistance and rental coverage. | |
Complete Car Warranty
| No reviews | Select from warranty options with custom coverage, no network limits and no limits on repairs and roadside assistance. Provides free rapid-response quotes to estimate pricing. Available nationwide. | |
Carefree Auto
| No reviews | Offers a range of benefits and reimbursement options for vehicle repairs. Provides up to 25% off car rentals. Covers every car in your household for $19.95 per month regardless of mileage or age (as of publishing). | |
Cornerstone Auto Protection
| No reviews | Offers several plans for powertrain and exclusionary coverage. Plans include roadside assistance, rental reimbursement and maintenance benefits. No rate increase after filing a claim. Down payment required. | |
Integrity Warranty
| No reviews | Vehicle service contracts for a wide range of vehicles, including luxury cars and EVs. High mileage limits for older cars. Exclusionary coverage available. Plans include towing and rental assistance. Only sold through dealerships. | |
National Vehicle Protection Services
| No reviews | Offers exclusionary, comprehensive, enhanced powertrain and powertrain protection. Choose your own ASE-certified repair shop. Includes towing and roadside assistance. $100 deductible for covered claims. No-fee payment plans. | |
Old Republic Insured Automotive Services
| No reviews | Extended auto warranty provider. Three available plans. Range of coverage options with each plan. Only available through dealerships. Partners with over 5,000 dealers to offer warranties nationwide. Can use any repair shop. | |
Vehicle Assurance
| No reviews | Offers vehicle service contracts through two established providers. Exclusionary coverage available. Some plans come with roadside assistance and rental car benefits. Payment plans available. | |
American First Auto Protect
| 1.0
132 reviews
| Offers three coverage plans with customization options. Covers parts, services and roadside assistance. 14+ years of experience. Available across the U.S. 30-day money-back guarantee. | Read reviews |


