9 Best Used Car Warranty Companies (2021)

A used car warranty is a contract that pays for auto repairs should certain specified parts break or fail. Whether you purchased the vehicle from a close friend, a reliable car dealership, or a stranger, you’re bound to run into trouble at some point during the car’s lifetime, an extended warranty, also known as a vehicle service contract, is a common means to finance the cost of these repairs.

Those who choose to purchase a used car warranty should make sure to choose a reputable extended warranty provider. The value of a warranty is only as good as the reliability of the warranty administrator to meet customer claims obligations. We've performed extensive research into the industry's best used car warranty companies. Read on to learn more about our choices and get free quotes from each below.

In this article:

What Is A Used Car Warranty?

A used car warranty is a contract that promises to pay for the cost of certain car repairs. These warranties work similarly to the manufacturer's warranty. When you experience a mechanical breakdown, bring your vehicle to a licensed repair shop for diagnosis. If your needed repair is covered by your warranty, the administrator will pay the repair shop directly, minus your deductible.

It's important to note that warranties are intended to pay for repairs when car parts fail or break as the result of normal use. This means that a used car warranty does not pay for damages that are the result of an accident or improper maintenance. Replacements for wear-and-tear parts like wiper blades and brake pads are not typically covered under warranty.

There are several levels of warranty coverage available to drivers, each promising to pay to repair or replace a certain number of vehicle parts. From comprehensive coverage to just the essentials, here’s an overview of the types of used car extended warranties available:

If you want to ensure your car stays in good condition for years to come, a bumper-to-bumper warranty would likely be best for you. On the other hand, if you are only concerned with your used car’s essential systems, you may opt for powertrain coverage.

Keep in mind that the coverage categories above are generalized, and what’s covered and excluded will vary by provider. Here are some of the common limitations and exclusions that you might run into when shopping for the best used car warranty companies:

• Limited repair shop choice
• Maintenance requirements for coverage of certain components and systems
• Mileage and time limits
• Exclusions for specific items like brake pads, wiper blades, and tires

Used Car Warranty Cost

The cost of a used car warranty can vary from provider to provider. Your specific vehicle as well as the level of coverage you choose will also impact the final price. A four year bumper-to-bumper warranty can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,500. Some warranty providers ask you to pay the entire cost upfront, while others allow you to pay on a month-to-month basis.

To give you some idea of used car warranty cost, we provide sample bumper-to-bumper warranty quotes from several of our recommended providers in the table below. Contracts are for a 2016 Honda CR-V with 45,000 miles on the odometer.

Your own quotes may vary. The best way to find out how much an extended warranty would cost you is to reach out for your own individualized quote. Use the tool below to get started.

9 Best Used Car Warranty Companies

From warranty plans to what customers have to say, there’s a lot to consider when shopping used car warranty companies. These nine providers are among the highest-rated in the industry in areas such as industry standing, coverage, cost, transparency, and customer service.

Along with big-picture questions like the level of auto protection you want and how much you’re willing to pay, here’s a short list of questions to ask during your search:

• Is the company known for reliable and fast customer service?
• Does the company have high ratings from expert sources?
• What are consumers saying in online reviews?
• Can you file claims on the weekend?
• How many years has the company been in business?
• Do the customer service representatives seem more eager to make a sale than to meet your needs?
• Are warranty plans transferable?
• Are there restrictions, limitations, or inconveniences outlined in the fine print of the provider’s contracts?
• Is this the best used car warranty for me?

Once you have a better idea of what you’re looking for, it’s time to find a provider. We took all of the above into consideration – plus added perks like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement – to provide an in-depth overview of the top nine used car warranty companies.

#1 Endurance: Best Coverage

Among used car warranty companies, Endurance is our top recommendation for comprehensive coverage and exceptional service. The extended car warranty company serves every state except California and has overall positive reviews and some of the best benefits in the warranty industry.

Endurance holds a place on the 2019 Inc. 5000, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing companies, and sponsors Jarett Andretti of Andretti Autosports.

An Endurance extended car warranty covers 200,000+ miles, and you have access to six plans with varying levels of coverage:

• Supreme: Bumper-to-bumper exclusionary warranty that covers most components of your car
• Superior: Stated-component coverage for hundreds of parts
• Secure Plus: Enhanced powertrain plan that covers steering, electrical, and braking systems
• Secure: Most affordable plan focused on protecting essential components
• Select Premier: Protection for high-mileage vehicles
• EnduranceAdvantage™: Covers mechanical breakdowns as well as maintenance, like oil changes and engine diagnostics

With every Endurance auto warranty, you get a one-year Endurance Elite Membership. The program includes roadside assistance, tire repairs and replacements, key fob replacements, repair financing, and more.

Learn more about the provider in our complete Endurance warranty review, and get a free quote below for your used car.

#2 CarShield: Best Value

The most popular used car warranty company, CarShield, is known for its low prices and complete coverage. It's the only provider on our list to offer coverage for motorcycles and ATVs, and it also has a plan specifically for high-tech vehicles. Used cars can get coverage for up to 200,000 miles.

All CarShield plans come with roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage. Here are the plans you can get for cars:

• Diamond: Bumper-to-bumper warranty offering comprehensive coverage
• Platinum: Stated-component plan that covers the engine, transmission, electrical system, air conditioning, and more
• Gold: Mid-level plan covering a variety of essential systems
• Silver: Basic powertrain coverage for your engine, transmission, and drivetrain
• Aluminum: Coverage for high-tech electronics

Learn more about the provider in our CarShield review, and get a free quote to see how much you would pay for your vehicle coverage.

#3 CARCHEX: Best For Used Cars

CARCHEX has been in business for more than 21 years and is known for its impeccable industry reputation. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) rates CARCHEX at A+, and the extended warranty provider partners with experts like Edmunds.com and Kelley Blue Book. With coverage for vehicles up to 250,000 miles, CARCHEX is one of the best choices among used car warranty companies.

There are five extended warranty plans available with CARCHEX:

• Titanium: Exclusionary protection similar to a bumper-to-bumper factory warranty
• Platinum: The highest level of stated-component coverage
• Silver: Protection for all major systems and a good choice for vehicles over 60,000 miles
• Gold: Enhanced powertrain coverage for major components
• Bronze: Basic powertrain coverage for high-mileage vehicles

Perhaps CARCHEX's greatest strength is its commitment to customer service. The company is highly reviewed by customers for its efficient claims processing.

Read more in our full CARCHEX review, and a get a personalized quote below.

#4 Protect My Car: Best Maintenance Benefits

Protect My Car is unique on our list of top used car warranty companies because it offers both traditional extended warranty coverage and maintenance plans to help pay for regularly scheduled maintenance. The company has been in business for 16 years and has overall positive reviews.

Protect My Car offers three extended warranty options that can cover your vehicle for up to 125,000 miles. Used cars beyond 125,000 miles should look into the company's Ambassador Maintenance Plans for discounts on maintenance and repairs.

• Supreme: Coverage for most vehicle systems
• Select: Coverage for major vehicle systems and a good choice for vehicles over 50,000 miles
• Driveline: Enhanced powertrain coverage for essential systems

Read up on both types of coverage in our Protect My Car review, and get a quote for your used car below.

#5 autopom!: Best Claims Process

Known for its great customer service, relative newcomer to the extended car warranty autopom! is a good choice for a used car warranty. The provider has high ratings from industry experts, including an A+ rating from the BBB and regularly receives positive reviews from customers.

With autopom!, you can get four types of extended warranty plans:

• Exclusionary: Covers the most mechanical and electrical components for your vehicle
• High-Level: Named-component plan with coverage for the engine, transmission, steering, fuel system, and more
• Mid-Level: Coverage for the most important systems of your vehicle
• Powertrain Plus: Enhanced powertrain coverage for the engine and more

Read our autopom! review for more information, and get a customized quote for your used car to see how much you would pay for coverage.

#6 Concord Auto Protect: Best For Luxury Cars

Concord Auto Protect is a relatively newer extended warranty provider. We like this provider because of it's higher reimbursement limits for benefit services like rental car coverage. We named the provider as the best for luxury cars because Concord offers warranty coverage for exotic car brands like Bentley and Maserati. Most auto warranty providers will not cover these vehicles.

Concord offers three coverage plans:

• Premium: The most comprehensive level of coverage, covers most vehicle components with a short list of exclusions. This plan is similar to a bumper-to-bumper warranty.
• Advanced: This plan provides mid-level coverage for the engine, transmission, brakes, steering, suspension, electronics.
• Powertrain: This plan provides coverage for older vehicles, paying to repair essential systems like the engine, transmission, brakes and select electrical components.

Each Concord plan comes with benefits including roadside assistance, rental car benefits, and trip interruption reimbursement.

To learn more, read our full Concord Auto Protect review.

#7 Liberty Bell Auto Protect

Liberty Bell Auto Protect might be a good option for military members, as it offers a generous military discount. However, those in the armed services aren't the only drivers who should consider a contract with the company.

While it is not accredited by the BBB, Liberty Bell Auto Protect holds a respectable B rating and has a very high customer review score of 3.59 out of 5.0 stars. For an extended warranty provider, this is notable.

There are three contract options for Liberty Bell Auto Protect customers:

• Platinum Prime: A full-coverage, bumper-to-bumper warranty that includes most vehicle components with only a handful of stated exceptions
• Platinum Plus: Includes everything covered by the Platinum plan as well as coverage for the steering system
• Platinum: Offers coverage for a number of important vehicle systems, including the engine, transmission, cooling system, drive axle, brakes, 4x4/all-wheel drive, and some electrical components

Contracts provide coverage up to 140,000 miles and include benefits such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and a trip interruption benefit. Read our Liberty Bell Auto Protect review to learn more.

#8 Olive Warranty

Olive.com is a digital warranty company that allows customers to buy and manage their warranties entirely online. While the company was only recently founded in 2020, the owners have been in the car warranty business since 2000.

Olive warranty is not listed on the BBB website, but it does have a Google Review score of 4.7 out of 5.0. Customers are pleased with the easy sign-up process and low costs.

Olive offers three levels of coverage. Contracts are only purchased in three-year periods, but cover vehicles up to 185,000 miles.

• Complete Care: A bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers most vehicle components minus a short list of exclusions.
• Powertrain Plus: Covers powertrain components and a few other critical systems such as steering, suspension, air conditioning, and electrical parts.
• Powertrain: Basic powertrain coverage for the engine, transmission, drive axle, and fuel system.

All plans include a towing benefit and rental car reimbursement. While Olive warranties are shorter than most (three years), they do cover high-mileage vehicles and can be less expensive than many competitor options. Read our full Olive warranty review to learn more.

#9 Toco Warranty

Toco Warranty Corporation was started in West Hills, California in 2013. It is a well-regarded provider with an A+ rating from the BBB. Perhaps even more impressive is its 4.45 / 5.0 BBB customer review score. Few used car warranty providers have BBB customer ratings this high.

Toco offers three coverage plans and availability depends on your vehicle's age and mileage.

• Orange: Toco's most comprehensive warranty plan, covers most vehicle systems and components minus a short list of exclusions. Designed for vehicles under 5 years old and with less than 60,000 miles.
• Yellow: Mid-level coverage that includes most major systems including the engine, transmission, brakes, steering, suspension, and high-tech electronics. Designed for vehicles under 10 years old with less than 100,000 miles.
• Blue: Basic powertrain coverage for the most essential components such as the engine, transmission, and fuel system. Designed for vehicles under 20 years old with less than 175,000 miles.

All Toco contracts include roadside assistance, rental car benefits, trip interruption coverage, and hotel discounts. Read our Toco warranty review to learn more.

What To Look For In Used Car Warranty Companies

The used car warranty market can be overwhelming to consumers, with hundreds of providers and plans available, varying payment and claim structures, and confusing fine print. Prior to contacting used car warranty companies for quotes, it’s important to understand the landscape and reflect on what your unique needs are. The best used car warranty for your neighbor may not be the best for you.

Ask yourself these questions to help identify your needs:

• Does your car’s make and model typically require expensive repairs?
• How much longer do you plan to keep the vehicle?
• What’s your car’s reliability rating?
• Does simple powertrain coverage give you peace of mind, or do you need bumper-to-bumper coverage to eliminate unnecessary stress?
• What monthly payment is appropriate for your budget? Would a month-to-month contract or an annual payment be better?

Manufacturer Extended Warranties Vs. Third-Party Provider Warranties

When a new car is purchased, it comes with the manufacturer’s warranty at no additional cost. If you purchased your used car while the manufacturer's warranty was still valid, most manufacturers transfer the warranty to you. However, if your older car was no longer eligible for the new or certified pre-owned factory warranty at the time of purchase, you have the option to purchase an extended auto warranty through the dealer.

It seems appealing to make the dealer a one-stop shop for both your vehicle and its protection plan. However, there are some limitations that apply to dealership extended warranties, including:

• Repair requirements: Dealers typically require that you have covered repairs and replacements performed by dealer technicians at the dealership’s auto shop.
• Increased cost: Extended warranties purchased from the dealer tend to be more costly than third-party warranties.
• Fine print: Limitations may prevent you from receiving certain types of repairs or from using non-manufacturer parts.

While there’s only one manufacturer for your car, there’s an abundance of third-party warranty providers that offer extended warranties for used vehicles with more flexibility in price, repair shop, terms and conditions, and coverage. Here’s an overview of what to expect from a third-party extended car warranty provider and why you might opt for one:

• Repair facility options: Most used car warranty companies allow owners to choose where they want their car serviced from a list of approved repair shops.
• Added perks: Third-party warranty customers may receive additional benefits like roadside assistance, towing, gas delivery, and more.
• Coverage choices: A greater variety of plans are available from third-party companies, typically offering tiered contracts that vary in length and coverage.
• Transferability: Almost all third-party car warranty plans are transferable, which increases both the appeal and value of your car for future buyers. 

How To Find The Right Third-Party Used Car Warranty Company

The company’s reputation is key. Much of your satisfaction with the warranty plan will depend on how helpful customer service representatives are throughout the entire process, from choosing your plan to submitting a claim. Trusted review websites, like the Better Business Bureau, can provide insight into customers’ experiences and help you find the best used car warranty.

Price, flexibility, and coverage are three other important factors. The company should be able to provide a coverage level at a price you’re comfortable with, and the plan should be as flexible as possible, with $0 deductible options and your choice of repair shop.

Is A Used Car Warranty Worth It?

Extended warranties for used cars can be worth the cost for drivers who want to make small monthly payments over time rather than paying upfront for repairs.

The cost of a used car warranty depends on several factors, such as:

• The provider
• The make and model of your vehicle
• The type of warranty you select 

In general, the cost of a used car warranty increases in conjunction with the number and complexity of components covered in the plan.

While some states have enacted laws to protect consumers from lemons, like the New York State Lemon Law, which requires dealers to give consumers a written warranty, other areas of the country leave consumers with little protection in the used car market. Even diligent consumers who thoroughly research a vehicle – reviewing its recall history on government sites, asking dealerships for used car sales policies, and having the vehicle in question inspected by an independent mechanic – are prone to hidden defects.

If you purchase a used car no longer protected under the car’s original factory warranty, an extended car warranty can offer peace of mind and offset repair costs. Research common issues car owners run into for your car’s make and model (and the associated repair costs) when evaluating whether a warranty is right for you. If these costs exceed what you feel comfortable spending on your vehicle during the time of ownership, an affordable monthly payment for a used car warranty could be a good option for you. 

Methodology

In an effort to provide accurate and unbiased information to consumers, our expert review team collects data from dozens of extended auto warranty companies to formulate rankings of the best providers. Companies receive a score in each of the following categories, as well as an overall weighted score out of 5.0 stars.

• Industry Standing: Warranty providers with a history of strong business practices and endorsements from experts receive the highest scores in this category.
• Coverage: This rating is based on types of extended warranty plans available, coverage terms, and added benefits like roadside assistance.
• Cost: Our research team reviews sample quotes for a variety of plans and vehicles. Companies with lower prices per year of coverage receive the best scores.
• Transparency: This score takes into account contract transparency and the availability of a money-back guarantee.
• Customer Service: We comb through customer reviews and perform our own shopper analysis to get a sense of the responsiveness and helpfulness of each warranty company.

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