In This Article
A used vehicle warranty protects your car by covering selected repair costs and can cost between $2,000 and $6,000 on average.
- Used car warranties cover specific repairs depending on the plan (from powertrain to bumper-to-bumper)
- Warranties for used vehicles cost $80 to $200 per month or $2,000 to $6,000 in total.
- Endurance is our pick for the best used car warranty provider, considering its coverage options and reputation.
Do you have an extra $1,000 or more to cover a surprise engine repair on a used car? If you’re like many drivers, you might not. But instead of worrying about the engine light coming on, you can get peace of mind with a used car warranty.
That said, not all plans are the same, and some companies are more reliable than others. In this article, we’ll go over what used vehicle warranties cover, how much they cost, and where you can get pre-owned car protection.
What Does a Used Vehicle Warranty Cost?
We compared sample quotes from multiple extended warranty companies and found that plans range from $80 to $200 per month or $2,000 to $6,000 in total. Multiple factors determine how much you’ll pay for extended coverage on a used car: make, model, mileage, condition, and the level of protection all matter. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Warranties for high-mileage cars usually cost more
- Costs vary widely by company, so shopping around helps
- Most companies offer monthly payment and pay-in-full options
- Plans can come with deductibles from $0 to $500, and choosing a higher deductible lowers the overall cost
As with all car warranties, it helps to get coverage sooner rather than later. You’ll lock in a lower price, since it’s based on mileage and parts/labor cost of today’s market.
Month-to-Month vs. Fixed Pricing
Manufacturer vs. Third-Party Used Vehicle Warranty Cost
Used vehicle warranties usually cost more when purchased from a manufacturer. Keep in mind that manufacturers typically only offer them when you buy the used car. After you drive off the lot, you won’t have access to factory plans. This is one selling point that helps dealers increase the price.
But the dealer isn’t your only option. You can find a huge range of prices from third-party companies for used vehicle service contracts. You can also buy a plan almost anytime. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve owned the vehicle (up to maximum limits).
Our Top Pick
After reviewing 20 companies, we’ve determined that Endurance is our preferred option for extended car warranties.
- Unlimited Miles for Cars Under 20 Years
- Maintenance Coverage Available
- Salvage or Rebuilt Cars Are Covered
- 24/7 Roadside Assistance
- Direct Administrator of Claims
Can You Negotiate the Cost of a Used Car Warranty?
You can usually negotiate the cost of a used car service contract if you’re buying it from a dealer. Different dealers set their own prices, so you can call around and find varying offers from other locations.
On the other hand, third-party companies don’t usually negotiate vehicle warranty prices. Rates are calculated based on your vehicle, and most third-party companies prefer to offer the lowest available price automatically instead of negotiating.
What Does a Used Car Warranty Cover?
Used car warranties cover specific mechanical breakdowns outlined in a contract for a set term of time and mileage. Plans vary widely from basic coverage for the powertrain to factory-level comprehensive coverage. Here are a few main categories of used car warranty plans:
- Bumper-to-bumper: These plans cover any mechanical failure except for exclusions. They’re the closest option to factory-level coverage.
- Mid-level: These plans can cover things like the engine, drive axle, transmission, air conditioning, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical system, and cooling system.
- Powertrain: This plan type covers the engine, transmission, and drive axle only.
Warranties for used vehicles can also come with benefits like roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and trip interruption. Some companies offer add-ons like road hazard tire repair and maintenance coverage.
Best Used Vehicle Warranty Companies
| Company | Our Rating | Our Award | Coverage Levels |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Endurance | 4.8 | Best Overall | 6 |
| 2. Toco | 4.6 | Low Monthly Payments | 4 |
| 3. Everything Breaks | 4.5 | Good for Older Vehicles | 5 |
| 4. autopom! | 4.5 | Best Value | 3 |
| 5. Olive | 4.3 | Easy Online Purchase | 3 |
Endurance offers six plans and can cover 200,000 or more miles, depending on the plan. The Superior and Secure Plus plans are great options for used vehicles. These cover a good mix of components, but they aren’t bumper-to-bumper plans, so you can get an affordable price.
Endurance offers sample contracts for each plan online, so you can see exactly what is and isn’t covered before you buy. The company also has a Trustpilot rating of 4.0 and a BBB customer rating of 3.8, which are high for the warranty industry. And since it’s a direct provider, you don’t have to deal with a third party when filing a claim.
Endurance includes rental car coverage, trip interruption, and roadside assistance. You also get Elite Benefits free for one year, which covers tire repair, key fobs, windshield repair, and collision repair up to $500.
How to Buy a Used Vehicle Warranty at a Good Price
To get a used vehicle warranty at a good price, write down your vehicle’s information and then shop around and get online quotes. Know that the cheapest price isn’t necessarily the best plan, though. You want to find a reliable company that pays legitimate claims, too.
1. Gather Vehicle Details
Write down information like:
- How old is your car?
- What’s the mileage?
- Do you have factory coverage remaining?
2. Find Reputable Warranty Companies
Then, look for companies that offer:
- Transparent contracts
- Positive BBB ratings
- Nationwide repair networks
- Transferable and cancellable contracts
- 24/7 claims service
3. Compare Quotes and Coverage
Finally, compare quotes and look at coverage differences. Keep in mind:
- Monthly vs annual pricing
- Coverage scope
- Exclusions
- Deductibles
Look for sample contracts so you can understand the fine print, like the claims process and waiting period.
Should You Get a Used Vehicle Warranty?
Used Vehicle Warranty: Recap
Used car warranties cost $80 to $200 per month, but having one could save you from paying for an expensive repair out of pocket. To find the best plan, compare quotes and look at terms in sample contracts. Having reviewed multiple car warranty companies, we recommend Endurance as the best option overall.
Warranty for Used Cars: FAQ
Our quote samples show used car warranties cost anywhere from $80 to $200 per month, with an average monthly rate of $132. Consider cost, coverage, and company reputation when you compare providers.
How We Rank Extended Warranty Providers
We take a methodical approach to rating warranty companies. Here’s what that includes:
- Coverage: We consider things like the number of plans, mileage limit, maintenance coverage options, and added benefits to score companies in this area.
- Cost and buying experience: We get quotes from providers and pay attention to the experience with customer service. We also consider a company’s transparency during the buying process through sample contracts and clear coverage descriptions.
- Reputation: This category includes a company’s longevity plus its rating on the BBB and whether or not it has BBB accreditation.
- Customer service: To rate customer service, we look at BBB customer ratings plus Trustpilot scores. We also note whether the company is a direct warranty provider.
Advertiser Disclosure: Consumer Review Center might earn compensation from the companies featured on this page. This compensation could affect the placement, order, and visibility of products, but it does not affect the recommendations made by the editorial team. Not every company, product, or offer has been reviewed.
Related Resources
Does a Car Warranty Come With 24/7 Roadside Assistance?
Car warranties have 24/7 roadside assistance in most cases, but there can be limits to usage amount and frequency.
Used Vehicle Warranty Guide
A used vehicle warranty protects your car by covering selected repair costs and can cost between $2,000 and $6,000 on average.
Is a Dealership Warranty on a Used Car Worth It?
A dealership warranty for a used car can cover mechanical repairs on pre-owned vehicles for a certain period of time and miles, but is it worth it?
