Best Extended Car Warranties in Illinois

We compared 78 companies and chose the top extended auto warranty providers

    • Best overall
      Endurance Warranty
      4.5(16,938)
    • Free car care
      Omega Auto Care
      4.0(1,489)
    • Easy claims
      Zurich Vehicle Service Contract
      4.3(958)
    +1 more

    Best Extended Car Warranties in Illinois

    Illinois drivers face a wide range of driving conditions, from pothole-ridden city streets in Chicago to icy rural highways in winter. These factors make vehicle protection a smart investment. With fluctuating temperatures and heavy salt use contributing to wear and tear, many Illinois car owners look to extended warranties to help cover repairs that go beyond the factory warranty.

    Based on recent reviews from Illinois drivers, the range of coverage options available and the practical value each plan offers, Endurance Auto Warranty is the best extended car warranty company in Illinois. Omega Auto Care is a great choice for those who value free car care, and Zurich offers the best claims experience.

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    Our top picks for extended car warranties in Illinois

    1. Best overall: Endurance Auto Warranty
    2. Best for free car care: Omega Auto Care
    3. Best for easy claims: Zurich Vehicle Service Contract

    Our research team reviewed dozens of extended car warranty companies in Illinois. 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.

    Learn more about extended car warranties
    Best overall

    Endurance Warranty

    Endurance Warranty
    Levels of coverage
    12
    Maximum mileage
    Unlimited miles
    Waiting period
    30 to 60 days and 1,000 miles
    Availability
    Nationwide (not MA)

    Endurance Auto Warranty is a strong pick for Illinois drivers with older or high-mileage vehicles due to its unlimited mileage cap. The company offers a user-friendly sign-up experience and a robust package of extras, including 24/7 roadside help and rental car coverage. Illinois reviewers consistently mention how clear and helpful representatives are, which gives drivers peace of mind when managing aging vehicles.

    Pros
    • Simple sign-up process
    • No mileage limits
    • 24/7 roadside assistance
    • Accepts older vehicles
    • Transferable plans
    Cons
    • Cancellation can be tricky
    • No corrosion coverage

    Endurance lists three plans on its website:

    • Secure Plus: Basic powertrain, brakes, steering and electrical
    • Superior: Adds fuel and cooling systems
    • Supreme: Exclusionary bumper-to-bumper coverage

    Endurance offers nine additional plans for specific vehicles, ages and mileages, but you’ll have to speak with a company representative to learn more.

    We were quoted the following annual costs from Endurance’s website:

    VehiclePlanAnnual cost
    2016 Toyota Camry (110,000 miles)Secure Plus$1,235
    2015 BMW 3 Series (125,000 miles)Premier Plus$2,573
    2014 Honda CR-V (135,000 miles)Secure Plus$1,834
    2013 Ford F-150 (150,000 miles)Premier$2,014
    3x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service, Best Coverage and Best Value
    Best for free car care

    Omega Auto Care

    Omega Auto Care
    Levels of coverage
    5
    Maximum mileage
    250,000 miles
    Waiting period
    30 days
    Availability
    Nationwide

    Omega Auto Care goes beyond typical contract coverage by including a maintenance program for your first year of coverage. This means your plan helps with regular things like oil changes and brake pads while also offering up to $500 in added benefits like roadside assistance and rental reimbursement.

    For Illinois residents, regular maintenance is not just important for vehicle health but also required to keep your warranty valid. With Omega Auto Care, you have extra support to ensure you never miss scheduled care, which helps protect you from denied claims down the line.

    Pros
    • Many coverage options
    • Accepts older vehicles
    • Low upfront costs
    • Maintenance assistance included
    Cons
    • No online quotes

    Omega offers five different plans, including three levels of powertrain-adjacent coverage:

    • Powertrain: The lowest-tier plan covers your engine, transmission and other drivetrain-related components.
    • Powertrain Plus: This adds coverage for a few miscellaneous parts to the Powertrain plan.
    • Powertrain Enhanced: Another step up from the Powertrain Plus plan, this adds a few more miscellaneous parts, including many pricey electrical components (e.g., window power regulators).
    • Used Stated: Similar to other providers’ Gold plans, this covers a large number of parts across all of your vehicle’s systems.
    • Exclusionary: This provides bumper-to-bumper coverage with only a handful of exceptions, as the name implies.

    We were quoted the following annual costs from a third-party site that offers Omega plans:

    VehiclePlanAnnual cost
    2016 Toyota Camry (110,000 miles)Powertrain Plus$804
    2015 BMW 3 Series (125,000 miles)Powertrain Plus$1,656
    2014 Honda CR-V (135,000 miles)Powertrain Plus$900
    2013 Ford F-150 (150,000 miles)Powertrain Plus$924
    Best for easy claims

    Zurich Vehicle Service Contract

    Zurich Vehicle Service Contract
    Levels of coverage
    3
    Maximum mileage
    150,000 miles
    Waiting period
    10 to 30 days (varies)
    Availability
    Most states (not FL)

    Zurich Vehicle Service Contract has the easiest claims process, with Illinois drivers reporting positive experiences regarding communication and claim approval. Zurich’s direct-to-consumer availability since 2023 also makes it more accessible for car owners who want to handle warranty details online or outside of a dealership. For those who prioritize a hassle-free claims process, Zurich is the best choice.

    Pros
    • Fast response on claims
    • Extensive coverage options
    • Plans can be transferred if you sell your car
    • Roadside assistance included
    • Coverage available for motorcycles
    Cons
    • Limited availability
    • Lower rental reimbursements

    Zurich offers three plan options:

    • Powertrain: Entry-level plans cover the usual suspects, including your engine, transmission, transfer case and transaxle.
    • Standard: Midtier plans cover everything above plus your suspension, steering, brakes, air conditioning and electrical systems.
    • Comprehensive: Exclusionary plans cover everything except specifically listed parts.

    Extended Car Warranties in Illinois Buyers Guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Endurance Warranty logo
    Omega Auto Care logo
    Zurich Vehicle Service Contract logo
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    Simplify your search

    Compare plans tailored to your car & budget.

      Choosing the best extended car warranty plan can protect Illinois drivers from costly surprise repairs, but the wrong choice can lead to stress and unexpected expenses. If you’re uncertain about which provider is right for you, focus on comparing actual plan benefits, reading verified reviews and making sure the plan fits your situation.

      Key insights

      The average extended car warranty plan costs around $1,000 each year, but actual pricing depends on your car, the level of protection you choose and the company.

      Jump to insight

      The industry often sees confusion caused by unclear contracts and aggressive sales, so always read fine print and look at customer experiences before deciding.

      Jump to insight

      Warranties are unlikely to be worth it if there are lots of coverage gaps or if you plan to trade in your car quickly.

      Jump to insight

      How do extended car warranties work?

      Extended car warranties, also called vehicle service contracts, step in after your original manufacturer’s warranty runs out. They help pay for specific repairs and parts failures, but they don’t cover everything. Before enrolling, be sure you know what is and isn’t included.

      Types of car warranties

      Warranty plans generally fall into two categories. You’ll find stated-component warranties, which only cover parts listed in your contract, like the engine or transmission, and exclusionary warranties, which protect all but a short list of excluded items.

      • Stated-component warranties list all covered parts. For example, a drivetrain warranty usually covers your car’s transmission, drive axle, drive shaft, differential and transfer case, while a powertrain warranty adds coverage for the engine.
      • Exclusionary warranties do the reverse, covering everything except a short list of parts. Bumper-to-bumper coverage is a common exclusionary option.
      An extended car warranty helps pay for replacements or repairs when parts fail, but it does not cover damage caused by accidents or misuse — that’s what car insurance is for.

      Extended car warranty costs

      For most Illinois drivers, a bumper-to-bumper extended car warranty costs between $1,400 and $4,000 for each year of coverage. Some companies expect you to pay the full amount upfront, while others let you use a payment plan. Buying from a dealership can add interest and make the total cost higher.

      Are extended car warranties worth it?

      An extended car warranty is often worth it if you have an older or unreliable vehicle, especially if you plan to keep the car after the original warranty expires. Illinois drivers may pay more for coverage, since cars here rack up more miles and harsh weather can wear out parts quickly.

      One of the biggest advantages of a car warranty is the peace of mind it provides and the potential for long-term savings.

      A warranty is genuinely worth it if you actually use it and the claims process is simple. Always review your contract, check customer feedback and don’t hesitate to ask the warranty provider key questions before you sign.

      How to choose a car warranty in Illinois

      To choose the right car warranty in Illinois, look for coverage that fits your needs, compare reputable providers, look for reviews from local drivers, gather several quotes and read the contract thoroughly. When looking for the best car warranty provider in Illinois, focus on companies with thorough coverage, good reviews from other customers and a reputation for easy claims. Here’s what to keep in mind:

      • Coverage details: Check what is and isn’t covered, and see if plans can be transferred or canceled in case your circumstances change.
      • Company reputation: Research how long the company has been in business and look for consistent patterns in customer reviews, especially about claim payouts and service.
      • Claims process: Ask about claim turnaround time and whether you can use your preferred mechanic or have to stick with a network.

      FAQ

      How can I avoid car warranty scams?

      To avoid scams, never buy from or share personal info with someone who contacts you unexpectedly. Only work directly with established providers. This ensures clearer pricing and fewer hidden fees. If you suspect a scam, use the FCC complaint process to help reduce unwanted calls for everyone.

      Should I get an extended warranty when I buy a new car in Illinois?

      It’s not necessary to buy an extended warranty right away if you’re buying a new car in Illinois. It’s more practical to wait until your original coverage is almost up before considering an extension.

      Can I cancel my extended car warranty?

      Most providers allow cancellations, but you might face a fee and your refund could be reduced if you’ve already made claims or had the plan for a while. Always check your contract for the specifics.

      What laws and regulations govern Illinois service contracts?

      Illinois service contracts are governed by the Service Contract Act, which requires providers to register with the Department of Insurance and comply with specific financial and disclosure requirements. The Act defines service contracts as agreements to perform repair, replacement, or maintenance services for a set period. Notably, service contracts are regulated separately from traditional insurance products, although they are overseen by the Department of Insurance.

      Methodology

      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.

      • Reviews: We analyzed consumer sentiment related to coverage satisfaction, customer service satisfaction, price satisfaction and claims handling satisfaction:
        • Coverage satisfaction: How well consumers felt the plan’s coverage met their needs.
        • Customer service satisfaction: The responsiveness, helpfulness and professionalism of support.
        • Price satisfaction: How consumers viewed the value of their warranty relative to the cost.
        • Claims handling satisfaction: The ease, speed and fairness of the claims process.
      • Levels of coverage: We evaluated how many plan tiers each company offered and whether those plans included comprehensive warranty options like bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage.
      • Maximum mileage: We assessed the highest mileage limit a provider allows for contract eligibility or coverage duration, giving higher scores to those with more generous high-mileage caps.
      • Maximum vehicle age: We considered how old a vehicle can be and still qualify for coverage, prioritizing providers with higher age limits to better serve owners of a used vehicle or older car.
      • Additional benefits: We examined the availability and quality of extra features like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and trip interruption coverage, rewarding companies that offer a more robust set of perks.

      Not sure how to choose?

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