Our top picks for high-mileage extended warranties
- Our top pick overall: Endurance Warranty
- Our pick for older vehicles: CarShield
- Our pick for no waiting period: olive
- Our pick for coverage options: CARCHEX
Compare our top 4 high-mileage car warranty picks
Our four auto warranty picks for high-mileage cars are from Endurance, CarShield, olive and CARCHEX.
| Company | Customer rating | Maximum mileage | Vehicle age limit | Typical waiting period | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Endurance Warranty | Get Pricing | 4.5 | No maximum | 20 years | 30 to 60 days and 500 to 1,000 miles | Nationwide |
 CarShield | Get a Quote | 4.1 | 300,000 | Varies | 30 days and 1,000 miles | 49 states |
 olive | Learn More | 2.2 | 185,000 | 10 years | No waiting period | 49 states |
 CARCHEX | Learn More | 4.3 | 250,000 | 25 years | 90 days and 200 miles | Nationwide |
- Maximum mileage
- No maximum
- Waiting period
- 30 to 60 days and 500 to 1,000 miles
- Transferable
- Yes
- Availability
- Nationwide
- Maximum mileage
- 300,000
- Waiting period
- 30 days and 1,000 miles
- Transferable
- Yes
- Availability
- 49 states
olive
- Maximum mileage
- 185,000
- Waiting period
- No waiting period
- Transferable
- Yes
- Availability
- 49 states
- Maximum mileage
- 250,000
- Waiting period
- 90 days and 200 miles
- Transferable
- Yes
- Availability
- Nationwide
Methodology
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team started with a list of the 13 highest-rated auto warranty companies on our site at the time. Companies were scored based on their percentage of 5-star reviews and the difference between their number of 5-star and 1-star reviews.
To choose our top picks, we researched mileage minimums and maximums, included and excluded vehicles, and additional coverage options.
We then analyzed more than 4,600 recent verified customer reviews to find out what the happiest customers frequently highlight about each company.
High-mileage extended warranty buyers guide
Choosing an extended warranty for a car with over 100,000 miles starts with checking whether your vehicle qualifies. Compare coverage limits, exclusions and total costs, then review the maintenance requirements you’ll need to meet. The right plan should fit your budget and cover the repairs you’re most concerned about.
Key insights
High-mileage warranty costs vary by vehicle, coverage level and deductible, so compare total contract costs rather than monthly payments alone.
Jump to insightPowertrain plans cover fewer components than bumper-to-bumper plans, and neither typically covers routine maintenance or preexisting problems.
Jump to insightA high-mileage warranty may be worth considering if you plan to keep your car and would struggle to pay for a major covered repair.
Jump to insightHow to get an extended warranty for a car over 100K miles
To get an extended warranty for a car over 100,000 miles, take the following steps:
1. Research providers
You’ll typically need to research third-party warranty providers since many auto manufacturers don’t offer extended warranties for high-mileage vehicles. Pick at least three providers to compare based on mileage limits, coverage and costs.
2. Collect quotes
Collect quotes for the providers you’re interested in. Make sure that you compare each provider based on total contract costs, not just monthly payments. Also, review deductible options and their impact on claim costs, and look for cancellation policies and fees, transfer fees and any additional administrative charges.
3. Buy a plan
After comparing your options, choose the provider and plan that offers you the best coverage and terms for the best price.
Eligibility requirements for high-mileage cars
Even when coverage is available, providers typically set eligibility requirements that determine whether your car qualifies for a plan. These requirements usually relate to mileage, vehicle age, and the vehicle's condition before coverage begins.
- Mileage limits: Some providers only offer coverage up to a certain mileage threshold, such as 150,000 or 200,000 miles. Others specialize in high-mileage vehicles and may offer coverage up to 250,000 miles, 300,000 miles or more.
- Vehicle age limits: Many warranty companies limit coverage based on how old the vehicle is, often restricting plans to cars that are less than 10 to 25 years old.
- Inspection requirements: Providers may require a vehicle inspection or recent maintenance records before approving coverage. This can confirm whether a vehicle has any preexisting mechanical problems.
Review a provider’s requirements before applying for coverage since eligibility rules vary by company. Understanding these limits can help you determine whether your vehicle qualifies and what type of protection is available.
What to look for in a high-mileage extended warranty
When looking for a high-mileage extended warranty, aim to compare coverage and quotes from at least a few different providers before choosing a company. Here’s what you should look for when comparing providers:
Mileage and vehicle eligibility
Check providers’ mileage and age requirements to confirm that your vehicle is eligible for coverage. Some companies stop coverage at 150,000 miles, while others cover vehicles up to 250,000 miles, 300,000 miles or more. You should also verify whether providers exclude certain makes, models or vehicle types.
High-mileage coverage options
Review the different coverage levels that each company offers, looking closely at excluded components and systems. Check whether coverage includes high-cost repairs that are common for high-mileage vehicles, such as engines, transmissions, electrical systems and air conditioning.
Waiting period and inspection requirements
Extended warranty providers typically have a waiting period before coverage begins, which is usually around 30 days or 1,000 miles. Also, find out if any providers require a vehicle inspection or maintenance records before approving coverage, and learn how preexisting conditions are defined and handled. Confirm that the provider works with licensed repair facilities in your area as well.
A well-established reputation
It’s helpful to get an understanding of a provider’s reputation before purchasing a warranty, which you can do by checking out its website and reading customer reviews online. For example, if you go to a provider’s website and it doesn’t have enough information about its plans or how to contact it, that can be a red flag that it’s not a good provider to work with.
As for customer reviews, read both positive and negative reviews. Note if denied claims appear to be common, along with how long it takes to resolve claims or if claim payouts are lower than customers expected.
High-mileage extended auto warranty coverage
High-mileage extended auto warranties are designed to cover cars that have over 100,000 miles. Warranty coverage differs between providers but typically falls into a few recognized categories. For example:
- Bumper-to-bumper warranties: Bumper-to-bumper warranties offer the most comprehensive coverage. Also called exclusionary plans, these warranties cover most vehicle components except specifically excluded items listed in your contract.
- Powertrain warranties: Powertrain warranties cover fewer parts, typically only covering your engine, transmission and drive axle.
What extended warranties don’t cover on high-mileage vehicles
Extended warranties for high-mileage vehicles won’t cover every repair. You can find specific warranty coverage and exclusions in your contract terms. Common exclusions include:
- Routine maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations and filter replacements
- Wear-and-tear items like brake pads, windshield wiper blades, belts and hoses
- Preexisting conditions that occurred before the warranty was purchased
- Damage caused by accidents, environmental events, lack of maintenance, abuse or misuse
Many high-mileage warranties also place stricter limits on certain components since older vehicles tend to be more prone to failure. Always read the service contract carefully to understand what is excluded and what maintenance records you must keep for coverage to remain valid.
High-mileage extended warranty cost
Extended warranties cost around $1,000 per year on average for bumper-to-bumper coverage, though costs for high-mileage vehicles tend to be higher.
| Coverage | Typical monthly costs | Typical annual costs |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | $50 to $62.50 | $600 to $750 |
| Bumper to bumper | $83 to $417 | $1,000 to $5,000 |
Compare costs for our top picks
Here’s how our top picks for the best extended warranties for high-mileage vehicles compare in terms of cost.
| Company | Cost |
|---|---|
| Endurance Warranty | $1,914 per year* |
| CarShield | $1,796 per year* |
| olive | $20 to $80 per month** |
| CARCHEX | $1,500 per year* |
Cost factors for high-mileage vehicles
Some factors that affect the cost of an extended auto warranty for high-mileage vehicles include:
- Vehicle make, model and mileage
- Your vehicle’s reliability
- Current labor rates
- The deductible, coverage level and term length of the plan you choose
Pros and cons of extended warranties for high-mileage vehicles
Some of the pros and cons of extended warranties for high-mileage vehicles include:
Pros
- Coverage for up to 300,000 miles or more
- Peace of mind against expensive repairs
- Variety of coverage options to choose from
- Maintenance plans usually available
Cons
- Plans are expensive
- Coverage limitations and exclusions
- Won’t cover preexisting conditions
Manufacturer vs. third-party extended warranties for high-mileage cars
Third-party extended warranties are better for high-mileage cars than manufacturer extended warranties since third-party warranties are generally available for vehicles with over 100,000 miles. Manufacturer extended warranties are typically limited to newer vehicles, and they usually only cover vehicles for up to 100,000 or 150,000 miles.
| Manufacturer extended warranty | Third-party extended warranty | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Typically more expensive | Typically less expensive |
| Mileage eligibility | Usually limited to newer vehicles; lower maximum mileage | Often available for vehicles with over 100,000 miles, with some providers covering up to 300,000 miles |
| Repair network | Must be completed at authorized dealerships | Generally accepted at thousands of licensed repair facilities nationwide |
| Transferability | Usually transferable to a new owner, though a fee may apply | Usually transferable to a new owner, though a fee may apply |
| Claim process | Typically handled directly through the dealership | Varies by provider, but usually handled by the repair facility |
High-mileage vehicle maintenance requirements
High-mileage vehicle extended warranties, like all auto warranties, require you to perform regular maintenance as a condition of your agreement. This may include oil changes, tire rotations, filter replacements and keeping up with spark plug and engine coolant service.
Putting off maintenance or delaying repairs for short-term savings can make your long-term problems worse. Also, each provider has its own definition of regular maintenance, so read the fine print of your service contract carefully.
To give you a better idea of what maintenance costs for an older vehicle might look like, here are some typical costs for services for a 2019 Ford Escape. All cost estimates are for Tulsa, Oklahoma.
| Service | Cost estimate* |
|---|---|
| Tire rotation | $61 to $90 |
| Oil change | $156 to $196 |
| Transmission fluid change | $518 to $558 |
| Front and rear brake pad replacement | $503 to $617 |
| Spark plug replacement | $163 to $197 |
How long do extended warranties last for high-mileage cars?
Extended warranties for high-mileage cars usually last for a set term or until the vehicle reaches a specific mileage limit, whichever comes first. The exact length of coverage depends on the provider and the type of plan you choose.
Most providers structure coverage using two limits that work together:
- Term limits: Plans are typically sold in coverage terms ranging from one to five years. Some providers offer longer terms for vehicles that still meet their eligibility requirements.
- Mileage limits: Coverage also ends once the vehicle reaches a maximum mileage cap, which may range from 150,000 to 300,000 miles, depending on the provider and the vehicle.
In addition to term and mileage limits, coverage can expire under certain conditions. For example:
- Missed maintenance requirements: Failing to follow the maintenance schedule required in your contract may void the coverage.
- Selling or transferring the vehicle: Some warranties end when the car is sold, while others allow a transfer to the new owner for a fee.
- Total loss or severe damage: Coverage typically ends if the vehicle is declared a total loss after an accident or other major event.
Because every provider structures plans differently, always check the contract for the exact expiration conditions and limits before purchasing coverage.
Are high-mileage extended warranties worth it?
High-mileage extended warranties may be worth the cost if you plan to keep your vehicle for as long as possible and if you don't have money to cover unexpected and large repair bills. It’s similar to car insurance — you may not use it, but you'll probably be glad you have it if you need it.
Just make sure you understand what is and isn’t covered before buying a plan, and read the terms and conditions of your contract. That way, if your car needs repairs, you should know in advance whether your claim is likely to be approved or not.
FAQ
What is the best extended warranty for a car over 100k miles?
The best extended warranty for a car that’s over 100,000 miles is Endurance, according to our top picks, since it doesn’t have a maximum mileage limit. Our other top picks for extended warranties for cars over 100,000 miles include CarShield, olive and CARCHEX, which have maximum mileage limits ranging from 185,000 to 300,000.
What’s considered high mileage on a car?
What’s considered high mileage on a car depends on the provider, but a vehicle with 100,000 miles is usually considered to be high mileage.
Can you get a warranty on a car with 150,000 miles?
You can typically get a warranty on a car with 150,000 miles since high-mileage extended auto warranties are usually available for cars with up to 300,000 miles, though some providers don’t have any mileage limits.
How does a high-mileage warranty differ from a new car warranty?
A high-mileage warranty differs from a new-car warranty because it is designed for vehicles that have more miles, usually over 100,000 miles. High-mileage warranties may have higher deductibles, stricter maintenance requirements and a higher price tag. New car warranties typically have more coverage options, lower deductibles and more affordable overall costs.
Do warranties cover preexisting conditions on high-mileage cars?
Warranties don’t cover preexisting conditions on high-mileage cars, which is why it can be a good idea to get a prepurchase inspection before you buy a warranty to document the vehicle’s condition in case a provider tries to deny a claim later.
When should I purchase an extended warranty for a high-mileage car?
You should typically purchase an extended warranty for a high-mileage car before the factory warranty expires, if possible, since this will allow you to lock in lower rates and ensure continuous coverage. Waiting until after the factory warranty expires risks higher costs or denied coverage if issues arise before purchasing a plan.
How much does an extended warranty cost for a high-mileage car?
How much an extended warranty costs for a high-mileage car depends on the vehicle and mileage, though bumper-to-bumper warranties tend to cost around $1,000 per year of coverage on average. Extended warranties for high-mileage cars typically cost more than plans for newer vehicles because older cars are more likely to need repairs.
How does an extended warranty work?
An extended auto warranty works by covering the cost of repairs when a covered system or component fails due to normal use. When that happens, you’ll take your vehicle to a repair shop that works with your warranty provider. The shop will diagnose the issue, get approval for the repair and fix the problem. The extended warranty provider will typically pay the shop directly, though you’ll usually need to pay a deductible.
What is the difference between extended warranties and mechanical breakdown insurance?
The difference between extended warranties and mechanical breakdown insurance is that extended warranties are vehicle service contracts (VSCs) that are sold by dealers or third-party administrators, while mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is sold by licensed insurers.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- RepairPal, “Free Car Repair Estimate.” Accessed Oct. 2, 2026.
