Best Extended Car Warranty Plans and Coverage (2024) (2024)

In our extended auto warranty study, we looked at each provider’s coverage plans and ranked their value based on customer service, cost and transparency. Our team found the top extended auto warranty plans overall, across bumper-to-bumper, mid-level and powertrain coverage.

Best Bumper-to-Bumper Extended Warranty Plans

Bumper-to-bumper warranties offer the most comprehensive level of coverage you can buy. These plans are also called “exclusionary warranties” because they come with a list of what’s not covered rather than what is. The coverage found in these plans tends to be similar to the manufacturer’s warranty that comes with new cars.

1. Endurance: Supreme

Endurance Supreme earned the highest score in our extended car warranty study due to its impressive coverage and the company’s role as a direct provider. This bumper-to-bumper option covers the vast majority of vehicle components and has only a short list of exclusions.

You’ll receive a free year of Endurance Elite Benefits if you pick the Endurance Supreme plan. This package includes perks such as key fob replacement, a tire allowance, collision discounts and up to $1,000 in total loss replacement. Endurance Elite Benefits also feature benefits like roadside assistance, towing services and rental car reimbursem*nt.

2. Olive: Complete Care

Olive Complete Care doesn’t offer a long list of benefits and additional coverages like the other best extended car warranty plans. What it lacks in extra features, however, Olive more than makes up for in usability, customer experience and value.

Unlike most extended auto warranty providers, Olive uses a monthly payment model that lets customers start and stop coverage at any time. Car owners can manage their accounts, file claims and look at billing schedules all through the user-friendly Olive app.
Olive also holds one of the highest customer satisfaction scores in our extended warranty study. Customers consistently cite the easy and efficient claims process and the quotes we received from Olive show that it’s a great option for a cheap car warranty.

3. Omega Auto Care: New Exclusionary

Omega Auto Care’s New Exclusionary plan is a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty that covers nearly every component and system in your vehicle. It also pays for two hours’ worth of labor if you need an emergency repair.

The New Exclusionary plan also includes a robust roadside assistance package that includes towing, lock-out assistance, fluid delivery, jump starts and flat tire assistance. If you opt in to the Tire Hazard Protection program, tire replacements and repairs will be covered by Omega Auto Care.

Best Mid-Level Extended Warranty Plans

In contrast to exclusionary coverage, mid-level and powertrain plans are two types of stated-component coverage. This type of contract lists every component that’s covered. If it’s not listed, it’s not covered. Many reliable warranty companies offer several mid-level contracts for people to choose from.

Also called “named-component” or “inclusionary” warranties, these contracts vary between providers more, compared to bumper-to-bumper or powertrain plans. Due to their balance of cost and coverage, stated-component plans tend to be good options for used cars with high mileage.

1. CarShield: Platinum

The CarShield Platinum plan is one of the more comprehensive stated-component extended warranties we found through our research. It features coverage for 15 of a vehicle’s major systems, including for its air conditioning, power steering and cooling parts.

While there are some exclusions, the CarShield Platinum plan covers much of a car’s electrical system, including its power windows. It even takes care of high-tech electronics such as GPS units and infotainment systems.

2. Endurance: Superior

Endurance offers one of the most complete stated-component coverage plans available with its Superior plan. This option covers nearly everything from the company’s bumper-to-bumper Supreme coverage minus your car’s seals, gaskets and a few minor items.

The Superior plan also comes with the same free year of Endurance Elite Benefits as Supreme does. That coverage is in addition to more basic benefits like trip interruption coverage and roadside assistance that last for the duration of your extended warranty contract.

3. Carchex: Platinum

The Carchex Platinum plan is another of the most comprehensive stated-component plans on the market. It covers hundreds of components across 15 major systems in your vehicle, including high-tech electronics, audio, emissions and brakes.

While the plan covers a wide range of parts, it doesn’t protect wear-and-tear items like hoses, housing units, individual bulbs or serpentine belts. There’s also a limit to the plan’s roadside assistance, capping at $125 per occurrence.

Best Powertrain Extended Warranty Plans

Powertrain extended warranties are the lowest coverage tier and usually have the most affordable plans available. They offer basic protection for a car’s most vital systems, making them the best extended car warranty plans for those on a budget. While there are differences between powertrain choices, they typically cover the engine, transmission and drive axles.

1. Olive: Powertrain

Olive’s Powertrain plan is a great option for basic powertrain coverage. Even on a monthly subscription basis, the plan is cheaper than most comparable options from competitors. Despite that low price point, the Powertrain plan offers coverage for engine seals and gaskets, which are a common reason for auto repairs.

Customers still receive the helpful customer service and strong user experience that Olive is known for at the Powertrain level. The company is one of the first extended warranty providers to fully embrace the online model, making it easy for customers to manage their policies, file claims and get help from representatives through the Olive app or website.

2. Carchex: Powertrain Coverage

Drivers looking for bargain-priced coverage from a reputable provider have a strong option with Carchex’s Powertrain Coverage. The plan is bare-bones and only offers coverage for essential components, but it has a low price to match. Still, the Carchex Powertrain Coverage plan is administered by American Auto Shield and includes perks like roadside assistance and towing coverage.

3. Omega Auto Care: Powertrain

If you need a simple and affordable warranty plan that protects the most vital parts of your vehicle, Omega Auto Care’s Powertrain plan might fit the bill. The company offers three different powertrain plans to choose from, ranging from basic protection to enhanced coverage. All Omega warranties are administered by Lyndon Southern Insurance Company and are available across the nation.

When it comes to purchasing an extended warranty, the best coverage will depend on your needs. Our editorial team took an in-depth look at the extended warranties and coverage offered by warranty providers throughout the industry to provide you with guidance on what may work best for your situation. We provided each company with a coverage score that’s based on the variety of choices for warranty coverage, contract term lengths and added benefits.

The table below shows the companies that received the highest coverage rating from our team, along with the number of plans and whether the company offers a maintenance option.

Bumper-to-bumper warranties offer the most comprehensive level of coverage you can buy. These plans are also called “exclusionary warranties” because they come with a list of what’s not covered rather than what is. The coverage found in these plans tends to be similar to the manufacturer’s warranty that comes with new cars.

Below, we’ll take a look at all plans each of our top picks offers. If you want more information on these companies, check out our ranking of the best extended warranty providers.

#1 Endurance

Endurance is our top pick because you can meet many of your needs through the extended warranty company. Endurance offers a wide selection of coverage plans plus an option that covers maintenance like oil changes and brake pad replacements. Here are the details.

Learn more about what makes Endurance coverage stand out in our Endurance warranty review.

#2 CarShield

CarShield has some of the best extended car warranty plans for those on a budget. The company lets owners use a month-to-month payment plan, requiring less of a commitment for those who are unsure about whether they want coverage.

Purchasing an extended warranty is a significant financial investment. That’s why it’s important to evaluate your needs before you are stuck with coverage from a low-quality provider. We put together the following sections as an extended warranty guide to help you make an informed decision about the best extended car warranty coverage plans.

What Does an Extended Vehicle Warranty Cover?

What a vehicle service contract covers depends on the level of coverage you choose and on the company you buy it from. Bumper-to-bumper extended warranty plans cover everything that’s not specifically listed as an exclusion in the contract. Stated-component, powertrain plus and powertrain plans list out the components and systems they do cover.

Bumper-to-bumper plans offer the most comprehensive coverage and powertrain warranties offer the least protection. Other stated-component plans fall somewhere in between.

Extended Car Warranty Plan Exclusions

All extended warranty contracts have some exclusions, most of which are common across the industry. Unlike some auto insurance policies, warranties don’t cover collisions, environmental damage, theft or vandalism.

Extended warranties also don’t cover some specific parts, such as cosmetic items or emissions components. They also generally don’t cover routine maintenance services, like oil changes, or normal wear-and-tear parts, like brake pads.

Depending on the company you select, you may find warranty options that include maintenance plans. These let you pay a specific amount up front to cover routine maintenance items for a certain period of time.

If your warranty provider doesn’t offer a maintenance package, you may want to look into purchasing mechanical breakdown insurance from your car insurance company.

Inclusionary vs. Exclusionary Coverage

In terms of the kinds of warranty coverage available, you’ll see that most plans fall into one of two categories: exclusionary or inclusionary.

Inclusionary Car Warranty

When looking through an inclusionary car warranty, you’ll find a list detailing exactly what the service contract covers. Because these plans only show you what’s covered, you’ll sometimes see them referred to as stated-component warranties.

Most extended warranty contracts are inclusionary. Though higher-level inclusionary warranties tend to offer comprehensive coverage, it’s not quite as extensive as a bumper-to-bumper plan. Mid-level inclusionary contracts split the difference between basic and more comprehensive coverage.

The lowest-tier inclusionary plans most companies offer resemble powertrain warranties, which only cover the engine, transmission and drive axles. These are the most expensive and basic components of automobiles.

Exclusionary Car Warranty

You’ll usually see exclusionary auto warranties referred to as bumper-to-bumper warranties. These kinds of protection plans cover nearly every component and all major systems of your vehicle, including the:

• Engine
• Transmission
• Drive axle
• Electrical systems
• Alternator
• Air conditioning

These warranty contracts are called exclusionary because they only list exclusions — the parts not covered. So, if a part isn’t listed in the exclusionary contract, you can safely know that it’s covered.

Most extended warranty companies only offer one exclusionary warranty, which is usually the highest level of coverage available. Bumper-to-bumper warranties are most similar to factory warranties, and because they cover the largest number of components, they tend to be the most expensive coverage option.

Types of Extended Car Warranty Plans

As discussed throughout the article, there are several different types of extended car warranty plans. Each type of plan covers different components and is targeted toward covering specific parts of your vehicle.

Bumper-to-Bumper Extended Warranties

A bumper-to-bumper extended warranty is the highest level of coverage typically available for vehicle service contracts. These plans take care of most mechanical breakdowns caused by defects in materials or workmanship and protect nearly all parts and systems of a car.

While details may vary by provider, most plans exclude wear items such as tires, brake pads and windshield wipers, in addition to routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations.

Stated Component Extended Warranties

Most stated-component extended warranties cover the most vital parts of your vehicle. They can range from basic powertrain warranties, which cover your vehicle’s most essential parts, to more comprehensive coverage plans that cover components like the water pump, air conditioning, gaskets and alternator.

And while most stated-component plans come with roadside assistance, towing, trip interruption and rental car coverage, they typically won’t cover any wear-and-tear or maintenance.

Powertrain Extended Warranties

A powertrain extended warranty covers the parts that are integral to a vehicle’s movement. These typically include components like the engine, transmission, drivetrain and drive axles.

Powertrain warranties are different from bumper-to-bumper extended warranties because they only cover the powertrain, while a bumper-to-bumper warranty covers almost every non-powertrain component.

Extended Warranty Coverage Benefits

The best car warranty companies throw in a few bonus perks with each of their service plans, such as:

• Rental car reimbursem*nt: If your car’s in the shop and you need transportation, your warranty company will help you get a rental car.
• 24-hour roadside assistance: If you get a flat tire or need a jump-start when traveling, your warranty company will send someone to help.
• Towing services: If your car breaks down and isn’t driveable, your provider will send a truck to tow your vehicle to the nearest repair shop.
• Trip interruption coverage: If your vehicle breaks down and you can’t make it home, your warranty company will help cover your lodging and food expenses while your car gets fixed in the repair facility.

How Does Extended Car Warranty Coverage Work?

An extended auto warranty is an optional protection plan that covers the cost of repairs and parts replacement if your car has a mechanical breakdown. You’ll sometimes see extended car warranties referred to by their more technical term: vehicle service contracts.

When you purchase a new car from a dealership, it usually comes with a factory warranty — also known as a manufacturer’s warranty. These are service contracts backed by the automaker that guarantees certain repairs and parts will be covered by the manufacturer.

These car warranties cover most of your new vehicle’s components, but typically only last for the first few years that you own the car. They also have low-mileage limits, so if you drive quite a bit, factory coverage may expire quickly. An extended car warranty continues your protection coverage, whether you bought it from a manufacturer or an aftermarket provider.

Coverage Periods

Most car warranties, whether a manufacturer warranty or extended, are set for a specific distance in miles and period of time. For a factory warranty, most coverage lasts for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.

But with an extended car warranty, term lengths tend to be customizable and last for an extended period of time. For example, you can purchase a vehicle service contract with a company like CarShield and have your car covered up to 300,000 miles on the odometer.

In addition to customizable coverage lengths, most extended warranty companies will allow you to transfer your contract if you sell your vehicle. Your extended warranty will essentially be taken over by the buyer, who will continue making monthly payments or just use the contract if it’s already been paid off, which can actually make your vehicle more marketable when selling.

The best car warranty companies also allow you to cancel your policy within a specified time frame. In general, companies will provide you with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not happy with your extended warranty purchase.

Using Extended Car Warranty Coverage

If you are using your extended car warranty coverage for the first time, there are a few things you should know. Most vehicle service contracts only cover specific components, which likely means not every part of your vehicle is covered under warranty. It’s important that you read the fine print to know what is and isn’t covered if your vehicle has a mechanical breakdown.

Most car warranty companies allow you to take your vehicle to any repair shop that is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). However, you will want to confirm this as you’re purchasing your warranty contract. Some companies will only allow you to take your vehicle to specific repair shops or dealerships, which may not be accessible depending on where you live.

If your car does break down, however, here are some things you should immediately do:

• Take your vehicle to a licensed repair shop or dealership that is associated with your car warranty company
• Have the facility call your warranty provider for authorization
• Pay your deductible if you have one

Your warranty provider will then likely pay the repair shop directly for any vehicle repairs that are covered under your extended warranty.

How to Find the Best Extended Car Warranty Coverage

Finding the best extended car warranty coverage can be challenging, as there are many factors that will influence the overall price you will pay for coverage. You’ll have to decide how much protection you want for your vehicle, along with how much you are willing to pay.

Extended Warranty Coverage Factors

Because there are several different factors that affect costs, the prices for the best extended car warranty plans will vary widely. These include:

• Coverage level: The higher the level of coverage you choose, the higher your warranty will cost. The most expensive type of extended warranties tend to be bumper-to-bumper because they are more comprehensive, while powertrain warranties are usually the cheapest.
• Vehicle make and model: Vehicles that are more expensive to repair or more likely to need repairs generally cost more to cover.
• Vehicle age: Older cars are more likely to break down, which means that warranty companies tend to charge more for them.
• Mileage: When older or used vehicles have more miles on the odometer, they are more likely to break down, leading to pricier coverage.
• Deductible: The best extended car warranty providers allow you to choose your own deductible. A lower deductible means you will have less to pay for repairs, but will likely pay more for extended warranty coverage.

Is It Worth Getting an Extended Warranty on a Car?

Overall, an extended auto warranty can be worth it if the covered repair costs meet or exceed the total price of the plan. There are usually other benefits that make these plans worth it, even if you don’t use all the coverage you pay for.

Some benefits of extended car warranties include:

• Peace of mind: A vehicle service contract can remove stress concerning when the next big repair bill is coming, especially for those with older cars. It can also add peace of mind and make car ownership less of a hassle.
• Knowing your expenses: Extended warranty plans help you avoid expensive and costly repair bills in exchange for upfront and monthly payments. This can make ironing out your finances easier and more predictable over time.
• Perks: The best extended auto warranty plans come with perks like roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage, rental car reimbursem*nt and maintenance benefits, like free oil changes and tire rotations. These perks can be valuable as you would otherwise have to pay out of pocket for them on your own.

Where To Buy an Extended Vehicle Warranty Plan

Generally speaking, you have two options for where to buy extended coverage: your automaker or an aftermarket warranty provider. The option that is right for you depends on your vehicle, coverage needs and personal preferences.

Manufacturer Extended Car Warranty Plans

Today, many automakers offer branded extended warranty plans. These coverage options can be attractive to people who like their car dealership and trust their automaker. However, there are a few aspects of manufacturer extended warranties that are worth considering:

• Purchase limitations: Many automakers require you to select extended coverage plans from the dealership before your new vehicle limited warranty expires.
• Service requirements: Most manufacturer extended warranty plans require you to have services performed by a car dealer using only brand-approved parts.
• Limited selection: Automaker warranties often have only one or very few plans to choose from, meaning you may end up purchasing more coverage than you need.

Aftermarket Extended Car Warranty Plans

Many of the best extended car warranty plans come through third-party providers rather than from an automaker. These plans don’t have the backing of major automobile manufacturers, but they still offer a few advantages over automaker warranties. These include the following:

• Coverage choices: Independent vehicle protection plan providers tend to have more coverage levels than automakers. This offers car owners more choice about how much vehicle protection they want to buy.
• Purchase flexibility: Unlike manufacturer extended warranties, aftermarket providers don’t require you to purchase coverage while your new vehicle warranty is still in effect. Most allow you to buy a warranty plan well after your vehicle reaches 100,000 miles. You can also get an independent warranty online or over the phone, eliminating the need to work with the dealership.
• Large repair network: Aftermarket extended coverage plans typically give you the choice of any certified repair shop. This means you can have covered repairs done at one of thousands of repair facilities nationwide, even if you’re far away from home.

Extended Car Warranty Quotes

Extended car warranty quotes can help you estimate how much a car warranty provider will charge to protect your vehicle. We recommend reaching out to a minimum of three of the companies that offer the best extended car warranty plans, so you can compare your options. In addition to checking out our top recommendations, it’s a good idea to read customer reviews and research companies through online resources like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website and Trustpilot.

To get a car warranty quote, you will need to provide each company with some basic information about your vehicle, such as its mileage, make and model, which will be used to estimate your price.

The best extended car warranty plans for 2024 come from Endurance, Omega Auto Care, Olive, CarShield and Carchex. Our team evaluated these plans based on their value to customers in terms of coverage plans, prices and service quality.

When shopping for coverage, take time to carefully consider your needs and the plan options available to you. The best extended auto warranty for you may not necessarily be the top-ranked plan from this article. Getting multiple free quotes and comparing prices, coverage and providers can help you to find the right plan for your vehicle.

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