Best Extended Car Warranty For 2021

What Is An Extended Car Warranty?

An extended car warranty, also called a vehicle service contract, is an optional service plan that helps cover the cost of certain car repairs or part replacements that your car may need while you own it. Unlike car insurance, extended warranties only cover damage caused by normal use. An extended service plan usually takes effect after your manufacturer’s factory warranty has expired, though the two warranties sometimes overlap.

The main difference between a manufacturer’s warranty and an extended auto warranty is that a manufacturer’s warranty is included at the time of sale. Extended car warranties, on the other hand, cost an additional fee.

What’s Covered Under An Extended Warranty?

Extended car warranties cover repairs and replacements for breakdowns that come from normal use. Depending on your plan, it may cover your powertrain, electrical system, air conditioning, and other systems.

Most extended warranties do not cover routine maintenance for your vehicle. Things like oil changes, brake pads, and tires are usually the owner’s responsibility. The best extended car warranty companies have several coverage options, so you can select a plan that fits the needs of your vehicle.

How Much Does An Extended Auto Warranty Cost?

Based on our research, extended warranties lasting between three and six years cost anywhere from $1,600 to $4,500 on average. Bumper-to-bumper warranties tend to be more expensive, as they cover more components. Longer-lasting coverage also increases the contract price. Other factors that affect warranty costs include:

• Deductible
• Vehicle age, make, model, and mileage
• Existing coverage
• Location
• Provider

12 Best Extended Car Warranty Companies

Our research team compiled key information on all of the most popular extended auto warranty providers. Criteria included industry standing, coverage, cost, transparency, and customer service. Based on these overall ratings, here are the best extended car warranties in the industry:

The chart below goes into more detail about the factors that comprised each company's ranking:

#1 Endurance: Best Coverage

A direct provider for vehicle protection, Endurance is an extended car warranty company with over 10 years of experience that is backed by an AM Best A-rated insurance company.

Unlike most car warranty companies, Endurance is a direct administrator of warranty plans, which means it handles all claims directly, so there’s no middleman involved. You talk to just the Endurance team at every point of the process. Not only can this speed up the claims process, but you won’t be wondering who you should call for what issue.

Endurance offers six levels of protection: 

Maximum term lengths aren’t listed on the Endurance website. In our secret shopper analysis, the longest coverage we could get was 8 years/200,000+ miles. We recommend calling Endurance to get a quote for your car, since vehicle age and mileage factor into the overall cost.

Each Endurance plan covers roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, trip interruption coverage, and a one-year Endurance Elite membership that includes tire repairs and replacements, key fob replacements, repair financing, and more. These benefits are some of the best you will find in the extended auto warranty industry.

Additionally, the EnduranceAdvantage plan is unique in the industry because it offers both extended warranty coverage and vehicle maintenance. There are three levels of coverage within the plan – Prime, Plus, and Preferred – all of which include high-level, stated-component coverage and many maintenance services.

Other features that make Endurance our top-rated provider include:

• Quick and easy claims process: Planholders can make a claim online or by phone.
• Identity theft protection: Every plan includes identity protection tools to ensure you receive reimbursement should your identity be compromised. 
• Personal assistance: When you invest in a plan, you get personalized assistance from a live, responsive concierge who can assist when an emergency arises.

For more information on this extended car warranty provider, check out our complete Endurance warranty review. If you are ready to get a free quote and compare Endurance to competitors, simply use the tool below.

#2 CarShield: Best Value 

CarShield started in 2005 and has since protected over one million vehicles. We’ve recognized it for having the Best Value because of its low rates and positive online reviews. CarShield boasts more than 16,000 Trustpilot reviews, much more than the competition, and over 6,000 Google reviews. It ranks 4.0 stars or higher on both sites.

CarShield brokers plans from multiple providers, like American Auto Shield, and operates as the middleman between the customer and a warranty company. It has several levels of coverage for new and used cars, but we especially like its protection for specialty vehicles and high-tech systems and components.

We found CarShield to be a popular choice among consumers because of its many perks, including:

• Low or $0 deductibles
• 24/7 roadside assistance
• Courtesy towing
• Claims paid directly to the auto repair facility
• Rental car reimbursement included in most plans

For more information on this vehicle service contract provider, check out our CarShield review. To get a free, personalized quote for your car, click below.

#3 CARCHEX: Best For Used Cars

CARCHEX’s credentials speak for themselves. CARCHEX has been in the business for more than 20 years, has an A+ BBB rating and accreditation, and is endorsed by industry leaders like Kelley Blue Book, the Vehicle Protection Association, CARFAX, and Edmunds.com. The company has also received numerous awards for outstanding customer service, including:

• 2017 Top Pick by ThoroughlyReviewed 
• TopConsumerReviews.com 5-star rating for 6 consecutive years
• BestReviewsHub.com Best Choice Award for 4 consecutive years
• Golden Bridge Awards^® “Silver Status” for 3 consecutive years for customer service

On customer service, the company’s No-Haggle, Low-Price, Everyday Guarantee™ is a differentiator from competitors, as CARCHEX aims to provide the best possible experience where coverage and pricing details are clear, you aren’t pressured to buy, and your questions are fully answered – an experience that can be hard to find in the car warranty industry. 

Additionally, CARCHEX’s 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee means you can give the company a try and get a full refund if you’re not satisfied with the service within 30 days. We found a 30-day guarantee period is fairly standard among the car warranty companies we reviewed.

CARCHEX offers five coverage tiers with several plan options under each tier – a total of 16 different warranty plans. Sample contracts are available on the company’s website, and though the contracts are long (14 to 34 pages), CARCHEX representatives will walk you through them to help you understand what is and is not covered.

Let's take a closer look at what each tier the CARCHEX extended car warranty coverage includes:

Other reasons we recognized CARCHEX as one of the top choices for the best extended car warranty include: 

• Added perks: CARCHEX protection plans include 24/7 emergency roadside assistance, gas delivery, trip interruption services, lost key or lockout services, and more. 
• Choice of your favorite auto shop: You won’t be limited to a dealership or a certain repair shop with CARCHEX. You can go to your favorite licensed repair facility, including your local dealer, independent repair shop, or a national chain like Firestone or Pep Boys. 
• Claims paid to repair shops: Instead of having to pay for your car’s repairs and then endure a lengthy claims process to get reimbursed, CARCHEX pays your repair shop directly.

For more information on this extended car warranty provider, check out our CARCHEX review. You can also use the tool below to get a free quote.

#4 Protect My Car: Best Maintenance Benefits

Established in 2005 and today based in Saint Petersburg, Florida, Protect My Car is a popular choice among car owners for vehicle service contracts. On the surface, the company looks attractive, with hundreds of five-star customer reviews on the BBB, as well as over 1,400 on Trustpilot. 

Regardless of which level of protection you choose with Protect My Car, you will have a $100 deductible. A $0 deductible option is not available.

Although vehicles over 13 years old can’t take advantage of an extended warranty with Protect My Car, the company does offer Ambassador Maintenance Plans. These car maintenance contracts offer guaranteed discounts between 25 and 50 percent on repairs, 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and more for older cars. However, they do not provide protection on the same level as an extended car warranty.

Added benefits of Protect My Car include:

• 24/7 roadside assistance is included with all warranty plans.
• Protect My Car customers have access to PMC Rewards, a shopping and dining discounts reward program.
• Protect My Car has flexible payment terms, with monthly payment plans that last between 36 and 60 months, allowing you to finance your coverage over many years.

For more information on this extended car warranty provider, check out our Protect My Car review. Use the tool below to get a free quote from Protect My Car.

#5 Concord Auto Protect: Best For Luxury Cars

Concord Auto Protect is another direct provider of extended car warranties. Founded in 2013, the relatively young company has a B rating from the BBB and many positive customer reviews. Concord has earned a 4.72-star rating from customers on the BBB and a 4.7-star rating on Trustpilot – which are higher scores than any other provider on our list of the industry's best extended car warranty companies.

With Concord Auto Protect, you have access to three plans with varying levels of coverage. There isn't a bumper-to-bumper plan, which might turn away some drivers, but the three warranties provide good coverage for most drivers.

With each of the plans, you can get benefits like towing, rental car reimbursement, trip interruption coverage, flat tire support, lockout service, and dead battery and fuel assistance.

As for pricing, Concord Auto Protect is cheaper than many other top providers of vehicle service contracts. Our team reached out for multiple quotes for different vehicles and received extended warranty rates that were consistently lower than other leading companies. That being said, most of the quotes we received required payment in full rather than over a period of months. If this is within your budget, a plan from Concord Auto Protect could provide great value.

#6 autopom!: Best Claims Process

Autopom! is named after the company’s mission: to provide automotive peace of mind. Since its founding in 2010, the company has earned BBB accreditation and an A+ rating, with only a few customer complaints, compared to dozens if not hundreds of complaints for most other competitors. Autopom! is rated 4.7 stars on Trustpilot with over 80 customer reviews.

The warranty company prides itself on its consultative approach to customer service and a low-pressure quotes process, which we like. Of the companies we've reviewed, autopom!’s quotes process was the fastest and most convenient. Within just a few minutes of submitting a quote request on autopom!’s website, we received an email with details on the recommended plan, term, waiting period, deductible, down payment, and total price, in addition to a sample contract. The quote also included the email address and direct phone number to a Coverage Consultant for questions and to complete the warranty purchase. 

Autopom! also promises never to leave customers to fend for themselves through the claims process, and its agents will investigate on behalf of the customer when a claim is taking too long to process. The company works with the claims administrator to understand why a claim was denied if you feel you were entitled to coverage. 

Autopom! offers four levels of protection, though some plans are only available in California.

For more information on this extended vehicle warranty provider, check out our autopom! review. If you are ready to get a personalized quote, click below.

Types Of Extended Warranties

Similar to manufacturer’s warranties, extended warranties generally fall under three main types. Of these service contract types, most extended warranties are either exclusionary or inclusionary. Exclusionary contracts only list items specifically excluded from coverage, while inclusionary warranty contracts list all parts that are included in the coverage. Be sure to read the fine print of your warranty or take a look at a sample contract to make sure you know what type of service contract your extended warranty falls under.

We’ve outlined some of the basics for each type of warranty below: 

Benefits Of An Extended Car Warranty

Purchasing an aftermarket car warranty can be a great way to continue to protect your car after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. As cars become more complex, there is a higher chance that something could go wrong. 

With so many computers, parts, and systems controlling your vehicle, it probably doesn’t surprise you that these technological advances might fail. Unfortunately, if your vehicle is only covered by a manufacturer’s warranty for, say, three years, your warranty may be expired by the time you really need it. Extended car warranties keep your car covered in the case of a mechanical or technological failure. Based on what type of car you have and how much it costs to own over its lifetime, this can potentially save you money.

Besides protecting your vehicle after the manufacturer's warranty expires, the best extended car warranties provide benefits such as:

• Convenience: If you have an issue covered by your service contract, you’ll know exactly who to call to get it fixed. Most warranty providers let you choose your own mechanic or repair facility. The best companies will pay your repair shop directly, meaning you won’t have to wait for reimbursement.
• Risk mitigation: While some vehicles cost less than others to repair, any car with recurring issues – or even just one costly repair – can quickly add up to a hefty repair bill. An aftermarket car warranty alleviates those potential repair costs as your vehicle ages.
• Added perks: Many of the best extended car warranty companies include added benefits with their protection plans, such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, or towing services.

Should I Get An Extended Car Warranty?

If you’re on the fence about whether you could benefit from an extended car warranty, we’ve compiled a few of the top reasons you might consider adding a protection plan to your vehicle. We also recommend reading our article on pros and cons of extended car warranties.

If you are ready to get the best extended car warranty for your car, we recommend comparing free quotes from the industry's top three warranty providers:

Best New Car Warranties

If you're searching for new car warranties, our team has highlighted the top four brands that offer the best coverage and factory warranty plans below.

Hyundai: 5 Years/60,000 Miles

With its great bumper-to-bumper and powertrain protection, Hyundai’s factory warranty tops our list for the best new car warranty in 2021. Hyundai’s warranties offer some of the longest coverage terms on the market, with bumper-to-bumper coverage lasting 5 years or 60,000 miles, and a powertrain warranty that lasts 10 years or 100,000 miles.

Hyundai includes roadside assistance (5 years) and a corrosion warranty (7 years), both with no mileage limit, which sets its warranty plans apart. The provider is also known for its high reliability ratings, making it a top choice for factory warranties.

Kia: 5 Years/60,000 Miles

With its affordable vehicles and quality warranty coverage options, Kia stands out as one of the top brands in the industry. It offers the same impressive coverage terms as its sister brand, Hyundai, with bumper-to-bumper protection lasting 5 years or 60,000 miles and powertrain coverage for 10 years or 100,000 miles.

The main difference between the Kia and Hyundai factory warranties is Kia’s shorter term lengths for roadside assistance and corrosion. Roadside assistance is capped at 60,000 miles, while the corrosion protection ends with 100,000 miles. This still sets Kia’s factory warranty apart with some of the longest coverage terms on the market.

Genesis: 5 Years/60,000 Miles

As the luxury brand associated with Hyundai, Genesis offers one of the best new vehicle warranties on the market. The automaker has a positive industry reputation and offers factory warranties with long coverage terms. It also matches Hyundai’s 5 years or 60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper protection and 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain protection.

Volkswagen: 6 Years/72,000 Miles For 2018 And 2019 Models

Volkswagen is known for offering quality, reliable vehicles, so it makes sense that the company offers one of the longest warranty terms. While our team didn’t select Volkswagen’s 2021 new car warranty as one of our top recommendations, the factory warranty offered for its 2018 and 2019 models is one of the best on the market. If your vehicle falls into that category, you are protected with 6 years or 72,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage, which is hard to beat.

FAQ: Best Extended Car Warranty

How Much Does An Extended Car Warranty Cost?

A new car warranty is included in your car’s purchase price. Extended warranties are service contracts that are purchased separately. When purchased from a dealership, an extended car warranty costs between $1,000 and $4,500. This purchase is often wrapped in your car financing, so you may end up paying interest on your vehicle protection plan. Most third-party warranty companies offer several plans and payment options, so you can more easily select a plan that fits your budget.

Is A Car Warranty The Same As Car Insurance?

No. Car warranties and car insurance cover different things. Car insurance is required by most states and pays for damages caused by collisions or other accidents, such as theft or fire. An extended car warranty, on the other hand, provides coverage for mechanical breakdowns.

Is An Extended Warranty Worth It On A New Car?

A new car is usually covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. Generally, your new car will not need an extended car warranty while it’s under the factory warranty. However, buying a car repair warranty when your car is still new can save you money in the long run. Vehicle service contract prices often take vehicle age and mileage into account. A new car may get you a lower aftermarket auto warranty price.

According to Fool.com, the average American spends $1,986 on vehicle repairs and maintenance over the course of five years. Based on our research, the average extended car warranty costs between $1,600 and $4,500. To determine whether an extended warranty is worth it on a new car, ask yourself if you are prepared to cover small repairs and the occasional larger, more expensive repairs that you may encounter.

Should I Buy An Extended Warranty On A Used Car?

Alternatively, used cars are often sold “as-is,” meaning there is no warranty attached (unless you're purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle from a dealership). Purchasing an extended warranty can provide coverage from breakdowns that you wouldn’t have without the warranty. These vehicle service contracts typically cover used cars, including those with 100,000 miles or more.

Can You Buy An Extended Car Warranty After Purchasing Your Car?

Vehicle eligibility for extended warranties varies between providers. Manufacturers usually require that you purchase an extended warranty on the day the vehicle is purchased or before the factory warranty expires. Third-party contracts can be purchased for new or used vehicles at any time. Some third-party provider coverage extends up to 250,000 miles.

What's The Difference Between Manufacturer And Third-Party Extended Warranties?

A manufacturer extended warranty is a vehicle service contract purchased from an automaker, while a third-party extended warranty is purchased from an independent warranty company. Manufacturer coverage typically comes with benefits such as guaranteed use of OEM parts and service by a factory-trained technician. Warranty companies generally have greater plan variety and benefits such as the flexibility to have your car serviced at the repair shop of your choice.

What Voids A Car Warranty?

Manufacturers can void your car warranty due to improper maintenance, aftermarket modifications, misuse of the vehicle, or tampering with the odometer. Your warranty can also be voided because of a total loss or severe environmental damage.

How Do I Check If My Car Is Under Warranty?

Your vehicle manufacturer can tell you if your car is still under factory warranty. You'll usually need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN).

Will My Extended Car Warranty Transfer To The New Owner If I Sell My Car?

Extended car warranty plans are typically transferable to new owners. You'll want to check with the provider for specific details before purchasing or selling a vehicle with a warranty, but the best extended car warranty companies will transfer coverage.

Do Car Warranties Have Deductibles?

An extended service plan usually has a deductible between $50 and $200, however some companies like Endurance, CarShield, and CARCHEX have a $0 deductible option. The factory warranty that comes with new vehicles does not have a deductible.

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.

More On Warranties:

Extended Warranty Comparison: CarShield Vs CARCHEX

What You Need To Know About Your Ford Warranty

Do You Need An Audi Extended Warranty?

What Does A Car’s Factory Warranty Usually Cover?

Should You Get An Extended Auto Warranty?

What Exactly Is A Drivetrain Warranty?

Are Extended Car Warranties Worth It?

15 Most Expensive Vehicles To Maintain And Repair

Read our guides to other warranty providers: