The Best Car Warranty Companies of 2024

Let our warranty experts do the research for you!

Verified Partner

  • Unlimited Miles for Cars Under 20 Years
  • Maintenance Coverage Available
  • Salvage or Rebuilt Cars Are Covered
  • 24/7 Roadside Assistance
  • Direct Administrator of Claims
  • 1-Year FREE Endurance Elite Benefits
Best Overall
  • Unlimited Miles for Cars Under 20 Years
  • Maintenance Coverage Available
  • Salvage or Rebuilt Cars Are Covered
  • 24/7 Roadside Assistance
  • Direct Administrator of Claims
  • 1-Year FREE Endurance Elite Benefits
Best Overall

Call Now
(800) 268-5080

  • Coverage for High-Mileage Vehicles
  • Lower-Cost Plans Available
  • 30-Day Return Policy
  • 24/7 Roadside Assistance
  • Plan Options From Different Providers
  • Not a Direct Administrator of Claims

Call Now
(800) 268-5080

  • Coverage for High-Mileage Vehicles
  • Lower-Cost Plans Available
  • 30-Day Return Policy
  • 24/7 Roadside Assistance
  • Plan Options From Different Providers
  • Not a Direct Administrator of Claims
  • Coverage Available Under 300k Miles
  • Motorcycle & ATV Coverage
  • Six Levels of Coverage
  • 30-Day Full Refund Cancellation Policy
  • Affordable Monthly Payment Plans
  • Rental Car Reimbursement Not Included With All Plans

Call Now
(800) 268-5080

  • Coverage Available Under 300k Miles
  • Motorcycle & ATV Coverage
  • Six Levels of Coverage
  • 30-Day Full Refund Cancellation Policy
  • Affordable Monthly Payment Plans
  • Rental Car Reimbursement Not Included With All Plans
  • Plans Available Under 200k Miles
  • All Plans Administered In-House
  • Four Levels of Coverage
  • 24/7 Roadside Assistance
  • Affordable Monthly Payment Plans
  • Coverage Level Determined by Mileage

Call Now
(800) 268-5080

  • Plans Available Under 200k Miles
  • All Plans Administered In-House
  • Four Levels of Coverage
  • 24/7 Roadside Assistance
  • Affordable Monthly Payment Plans
  • Coverage Level Determined by Mileage
  • Multiple Levels of Coverage
  • 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
  • Free Oil Changes & Tire Rotations
  • Ambassador Maintenance Plans Provide Added Benefits
  • 24/7 Roadside Assistance
  • Plans Aren't Administered by Protect My Car
  • Not Available in AK, CA, HI, MO, OK or WA

Call Now
(800) 268-5080

  • Multiple Levels of Coverage
  • 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
  • Free Oil Changes & Tire Rotations
  • Ambassador Maintenance Plans Provide Added Benefits
  • 24/7 Roadside Assistance
  • Plans Aren't Administered by Protect My Car
  • Not Available in AK, CA, HI, MO, OK or WA
  • Multiple Levels of Coverage
  • Coverage for Cars up to 15 Years Old
  • Small Down Payments
  • 24/7 Roadside Assistance
  • Extra Benefits at no Additional Charge
  • No Online Quote Process

Call Now
(800) 268-5080

  • Multiple Levels of Coverage
  • Coverage for Cars up to 15 Years Old
  • Small Down Payments
  • 24/7 Roadside Assistance
  • Extra Benefits at no Additional Charge
  • No Online Quote Process
  • Coverage for Cars Up to 100,000 miles
  • 30-60 Days Money Back Guarantee
  • Choose Your Own Repair Service
  • 25,000 Dealerships & Repair Shops
  • Reseller of Policies
  • No Live Chat or Contact Form

Call Now
(800) 268-5080

  • Multiple Levels of Coverage
  • Coverage for Cars up to 15 Years Old
  • Small Down Payments
  • 24/7 Roadside Assistance
  • Extra Benefits at no Additional Charge
  • No Online Quote Process
  • Affordable Prices
  • Monthly Coverage Options
  • 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
  • Cancel Online Any Time
  • Coverage Up To 250,000 Miles
  • Delays in Repairs
  • High Cost For Optional Coverage

Call Now
(800) 268-5080

  • Affordable Prices
  • Monthly Coverage Options
  • 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
  • Cancel Online Any Time
  • Coverage Up To 250,000 Miles
  • Delays in Repairs
  • High Cost For Optional Coverage
  • Affordable Prices
  • 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
  • Transferable Warranty Coverage
  • $0 Deductible
  • Not Sold Directly to Consumers
  • No Online Quotes For Route 66 Warranty
  • No Sample Contracts On Website

Call Now
(800) 268-5080

  • Affordable Prices
  • Transferable Warranty Coverage
  • 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
  • $0 Deductible
  • Not Sold Directly to Consumers
  • No Online Quotes For Route 66 Warranty
  • No Sample Contracts On Website

Extended Auto Warranty Basics

While new vehicles come with a manufacturer’s warranty, many consumers choose to buy an extended car warranty to cover the costs of repair and maintenance after their initial warranty has expired.

Consumers can buy an extended auto warranty at any time, even after their original manufacturer’s warranty has expired. Not all warranties cover the vehicle bumper-to-bumper, so it’s important to understand what is and is not covered with your extended auto warranty.

Car warranty plans are typically offered in three types. The most common is the powertrain warranty.  The powertrain is comprised of the the components responsible for creating power within the car: the engine, drive shafts, and transmission.  If any of these parts fail, the repair cost is covered by the warranty.  However, the typical vehicle is made up of thousands of parts so the few covered by the powertrain warranty make it comparably limited.

The Inclusionary Warranty

This warranty, also known as the named parts warranty, provides coverage for parts listed in the contract terms.  If a part not listed in the contract malfunctions, the vehicle owner must pay for repairs.  Be sure to read the fine print of the contract to determine which parts are actually covered.

The Exclusionary Warranty

This is the most comprehensive auto warranty plan. Also known as a bumper-to-bumper warranty, this plan provides coverage for an array of parts and systems. It covers so many vehicle parts, it is easier to state which parts are excluded. This is why it is called the exclusionary warranty. This coverage applies to the major systems of the vehicle including the electrical components, engine, air conditioner, brakes, transmission, fuel system, transfer unit, front and rear suspension, and more.

Component Coverage

This coverage accounts for factory brakes, air conditioner, electrical components, engine cooling system, fuel system, front and rear suspension, convertible motor, mirror electronics, door locks and more.

Powertrain Coverage

This coverage includes the transmission and engine and drive axle assembly.  All of those internally lubricated parts positioned within the differential housing, final drive housing and trans-axle housing are also covered.

Specialty Coverage

This coverage includes business/commercial use, high tech electronic components, navigation system, key loss/damage, components for hybrids/electric/natural gas and even windshield repair.

Additional Benefits

A number of extra benefits are available under the majority of extended car warranties yet they are paid for separately.  Examples of such additional benefits include rental car coverage, roadside assistance, fuel delivery, lockout assistance, substitute transportation, and towing.

Top Warranty Considerations

How We Compare Extended Car Warranty Companies

There are plenty of considerations to ponder when selecting an extended car warranty.  Auto warranty providers offer premiums and deductibles according to the vehicle make and model, mileage, and age. So be sure to provide accurate data about your vehicle. Otherwise, the warranty could be voided. In general, extended policies are provided for automobiles outside of the original manufacturer warranty as long as they have been driven fewer than 100,000 miles. A vehicle with miles beyond this level will ultimately prove somewhat costly to cover through a warranty.

Contract Length

The length of the contract depends on the maximum number of miles and years. Once either of these maximums is reached, the warranty is voided. The vehicle must meet the eligibility requirements in order for coverage to be renewed. If the policy is canceled by the provider during the policy review period, typically 30 days, a refund will likely be issued within the first month.

Read the Contract

The top complaint of those who have an extended car warranty is claim denials. These complaints could have been avoided if the vehicle owners read the policy. Use the policy review period to ensure you are getting exactly what you need in terms of coverage. If changes are necessary, make sure to request them during this review period.

Can the Policy Follow the Vehicle?

The majority of extended car warranty companies are willing to transfer these coverage plans without any issues. The warranty follows the vehicle rather than the driver. Be sure to check out the minimal transfer requirements before moving forward.

The Claim and Repair Process

If a repair is necessary, the extended car warranty provider might require a certain auto expert to do the work. However, if the repair facility you have in mind is licensed or ASE certified, the warranty provider should not have an issue with the work being done there. Always check with the extended car warranty company prior to bringing the vehicle to a specific shop. Bring it to an approved facility, present the warranty agreement or a membership card, and the wheels will be in motion to have your vehicle repaired. The issue will be diagnosed and the mechanic will contact the claims administrator to obtain authorization for repair. Don’t forget to get a rental vehicle, most extended policies come with rental benefits.

Deductibles

Vehicle warranties typically have deductibles. This is the amount the vehicle owner pays prior to coverage kicking in. Be sure to find out if the deductible of a prospective warranty is on a per-repair or per-visit basis. A per-repair deductible results in a separate fee for each part serviced, which is less common. There is a fixed cost with the per-visit deductible, you only pay once per visit no matter how many parts had to be repaired. Keep in mind you will be on the hook for the full cost of repairs until the waiting period passes. This period is typically about a month in length or upwards of 1,000 miles driven. Some policies have a 60-day waiting period, make sure to check with your warranty company.

Selecting a Warranty Provider

About Extended Vehicle Warranties

Extended car warranties differ according to the nuances of each individual plan as well as the nuances of the provider. Some extended car warranties are limited to costs associated with break downs. Others provide extensive coverage. Typical items not covered range from brakes to tires, and light bulbs. The cost of this type of warranty depends on an array of variables like the vehicle make and model, its mileage, year, and even the manner in which the owner drives.

One Final Consideration: Financial Backing

Certain companies underwrite their own policies.  Others have the backing of an insurance company. If the provider is backed by an insurer, it makes sense to do some digging on the insurer to boot. The moral of the story is to make sure all of your bases are covered before moving forward with any type of auto warranty.

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