What is the best used car warranty company?

Extending the car warranty is a way to offset repair costs and give you peace of mind.

With so many providers and contract options, it’s hard to know what to look for when purchasing an extended warranty for a used car.

Read our shopping tips, then see our top six used car warranty picks, including our top choice, Endurance.

When you buy a used car, you may not know the whole story about its current condition. An extended warranty may be your best hope for keeping repair costs low.

After our comparison of six of the best used car warranty companies, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of getting the best extended car warranty for a used car to help you make the best decision for your wallet.

Featured Extended Warranty Companies

We reviewed the industry’s top extended auto warranty providers, and here are our featured picks.

Best Overall

Best for Used Cars

Low-Cost Plans

Endurance

CARCHEX

Select Auto Protect

Get Quote

Get Quote

Get Quote

(866) 990-3410

(866) 950-7122

(860) 294-4933

The 6 Best Used Car Warranty Companies

1. Endurance: Best Overall

2. CARCHEX: Best for Used Cars

3. CarShield: Most Affordable

4. Protect My Car: Best Maintenance Benefits

5. autopom!: Best Customer Service

6. Liberty Bell Auto Protect: Best Military Discount

Finding the Best Used Car Warranty Company

Dealer Warranty

Manufacturer’s Warranty

Third-Party Warranty

Used Car Warranty Coverage Options

How to Choose an Extended Auto Warranty

What to Avoid When Buying an Extended Warranty for Your Used Car

Our Verdict

Why Endurance Is Our #1 Used Car Warranty Company

Get A Free Used Car Warranty Quote

Q&A: Used Car Warranty Companies

The 6 Best Used Car Warranty Companies

Owners of older cars are twice as likely to spend more than $1,000 on maintenance and auto repairs, according to the NPD group. In 2017, Growing Industry Analysts, Inc. found that cars are lasting longer, including used cars, and the global aftermarket industry is projected to grow to $1 trillion by 2022.

It’s no wonder there are so many extended auto warranty companies. It can be hard to navigate all of them, but we picked six well-known used car warranty companies and compared their strengths and weaknesses.

Best Used Car Warranty Companies

Our Rating

Award

Coverage Levels

Highest Mileage Limit

Endurance

Best Overall

6 coverage levels

200,000+ miles

Get Quote

CARCHEX

Best for Used Cars

5 coverage levels

250,000 miles

Get Quote

CarShield

Most Affordable

6 coverage levels

200,000 miles

Get Quote

Protect My Car

Best Maintenance Benefits

3 coverage levels (plus 3 maintenance plan options)

125,000 miles

Get Quote

autopom!

Best Customer Service

4 coverage levels

150,000 miles

Get Quote

Liberty Bell Auto Protect

Best Military Discount

3 coverage plans

140,000 miles

Get Quote

1. Endurance: Best Overall

Years in Business: 15

Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating: C+ (not BBB accredited)

Number of Plans: Six levels (direct provider)

Affordability: Endurance claims to save you up to 60 percent more than brokers.

Featured Plan: The EnduranceAdvantage plan is best for used vehicles and high-mileage vehicles. It can cover vehicles for over 200,000 miles.

Endurance Pros

Endurance Cons

Endurance warranties are honored nationwide at a variety of repair facilities.

There aren’t many plans to customize to your vehicle’s needs.

Endurance is a direct supplier, so you won’t have confusion about who takes care of the claim.

While Endurance Elite Membership is a great benefit, it is only included for the first year.

Endurance Elite Membership includes extra perks like tire repair and replacement.

Best Overall

Get Quote

(866) 990-3410

A direct supplier of five protection plans honored at repair facilities nationwide

2. CARCHEX: Best for Used Cars

Years in Business: 22

BBB Rating: A+ (BBB accredited since 2009)

Number of Plans: 5 levels (21 available contracts from suppliers)

Affordability: Monthly payment plans and $0 deductibles are available.

Featured Plan: The Platinum and Gold plans are best for high-mileage cars.

CARCHEX Pros

CARCHEX Cons

Some coverage plans have terms as long as 10 years.

As a broker, there are many different contracts to read to fully understand the terms among suppliers.

Small or no down payments and $0 deductibles make CARCHEX an affordable option for budget-conscious car owners.

Coverage for hybrid vehicles costs extra.

CARCHEX has an excellent reputation, few customer complaints, and endorsements from Kelley Blue Book, the Vehicle Protection Association, The Motoring Club, Edmunds, and more.

Best for Used Cars

Get Quote

(866) 950-7122

Top-rated provider that protects cars up to 250,000 miles

3. CarShield: Most Affordable

Years in Business: 16

BBB Rating: F (not BBB accredited)

Number of Plans: Six coverage levels and 19 plans (including motorcycle and ATV coverage)

Affordability: Month-to-month plans and $0 deductibles available.

Featured Plan: The Diamond plan is the company’s most popular because it’s comparable to a manufacturer’s warranty.

CarShield Pros

CarShield Cons

Month-to-month contracts allow flexibility.

Catalytic converters aren’t covered.

One plan is specifically for covering electrical and high-tech features, which can be expensive to repair.

Rental reimbursements are lower than average.

Most Affordable

Get Quote

(877) 265-5123

Our research found this provider to be the most affordable. Plus, it offers monthly plans.

4. Protect My Car: Best Maintenance Benefits

Years in Business: 15

BBB Rating: Not rated (not BBB accredited)

Number of Plans: Three plans, as well as the Ambassador Maintenance Plan.

Affordability: Flexible payment terms make monthly payments affordable, and deductibles are $100.

Featured Plan: The Supreme vehicle service contract is the most comprehensive, offering optional coverage for navigation systems.

Protect My Car Pros

Protect My Car Cons

The Ambassador Maintenance Plan includes free oil changes and tire rotations, as well as 25 to 50 percent off repairs.

You have to wait for repairs to be approved before they can begin. If you need a rental car while you’re waiting, Protect My Car provides only $30 a day.

Best Maintenance Benefits

Get Quote

(888) 430-0227

A provider that offers maintenance and warranty plans to fit your needs

5. autopom!: Best Customer Service

Years in Business: 11

BBB Rating: A+ (BBB accredited)

Number of Plans: Four coverage levels with 19 plans available

Affordability: After your initial down payment, you have up to two years to pay the remaining balance.

Featured Plans: Exclusionary Plans are comparable to manufacturers’ original warranties. Some of these warranty options are technically mechanical breakdown insurance for customers in Idaho, Oregon, and California.

autopom! Pros

autopom! Cons

The variety of plans makes it easy to find the right fit for your vehicle.

autopom! doesn’t cover luxury brands and limits coverage for Audi, BMW, and Mercedes vehicles.

The customer service team acts as an advocate and consultant for customers.

Other providers may be more affordable, as deductibles cost up to $500.

The Powertrain Plus tier also includes traditional powertrain coverage options.

Best Customer Service

Get Quote

(888) 691-2354

Customer service advocates with a variety of plans for your vehicle

6. Liberty Bell Auto Protect: Best Military Discount

Years in Business: 10

BBB Rating: B (not BBB accredited)

Number of Plans: Three coverage levels

Affordability: Affordable but you may be asked to pay a down payment.

Featured Plan: Platinum Prime is the most comprehensive, including coverage for high-tech electronics and turbo/superchargers.

Liberty Bell Auto Protect Pros

Liberty Bell Auto Protect Cons

Plans are transferable.

Platinum Plus only covers one more system than Platinum (steering).

ASE certified master technicians are available to assist in the claims process.

Customer service hours are limited.

Best Military Discount

Get Quote

(732) 963-0063

A solid provider that offers a price match guarantee

Finding the Best Used Car Warranty Company

There are three types of car warranties you’ll come across in your search.

Dealer Warranty

The worst-case scenario when buying a used car is that it doesn’t even make it through the drive home. One of the most basic forms of a car warranty is one provided by the dealership. These usually cover limited repairs, and coverage ends within a few months or years after the purchase or a certain mileage.

Manufacturer’s Warranty

A manufacturer’s warranty or factory warranty comes at no additional cost with the purchase of a new car. It covers auto repairs and replacements due to faulty factory materials or workmanship. Many of these warranties are transferable to a subsequent owner.

On the other hand, an extended manufacturer’s warranty or service contract offers continued coverage at an extra cost. Be aware that while coverage is usually comprehensive, these warranties tend to be more expensive than warranties from third parties.

Third-Party Warranty

This type of extended auto warranty can be administered by a broker or a company that directly handles car repairs. A broker will help you choose a coverage plan that we normally see backed by an auto insurance company. In other words, the broker itself is just an intermediary.

Because independent extended used car warranty companies are not highly regulated, their reliability varies. Some companies have the financial responsibility to meet claims and others do not, according to the South Carolina Bar, so you should check the BBB for ratings and customer complaints.

When your car breaks down, a third-party extended auto warranty offsets repair costs.

Used Car Warranty Coverage Options

Before you decide on a car warranty plan for your used vehicle, you should have a local repair shop do a health check. You’ll learn about any warning signs or weaknesses that could leave you stranded on the side of the road in the future. Plus, you’ll gain better insight into the level of coverage you need.

There are several types of vehicle service contracts, but most companies focus on these few:

Powertrain/drivetrain warranty: This warranty covers the engine, transmission, and related components. Powertrain warranties are normally less expensive, as they don’t include electrical systems, braking systems, heating/cooling, etc. They tend to last five years or 60,000 miles on average.

Powertrain Plus warranty: This common type of plan includes powertrain coverage and additional components, such as air conditioning, electrical systems, and fuel delivery systems. It’s still a step below full coverage.

Bumper-to-bumper warranty: Sometimes called exclusionary plans, you’ll get a short list of components that are not covered rather than a list of items that are covered. Bumper-to-bumper coverage is closest to the comprehensive coverage offered by many manufacturers. Though more expensive, this protection can be the difference between a small deductible and a costly repair.

Always read the fine print in a contract before making a decision so that you don’t fall victim to certain limitations. Vehicle service contracts often have the following exclusions and limitations:

Mileage limits

Commercial vehicles

Limited choices for local repair shops

Items like brake pads, tires, wiper blades, etc

Ineligibility for car owners who fail to perform routine maintenance

Repairs due to normal wear and tear (covers only a mechanical breakdown) or pre-existing conditions

How to Choose an Extended Auto Warranty

If you believe buying an extended auto warranty will help you breathe a bit easier, then you should know the criteria for a good coverage plan.

What should you look for in the best used car warranties?

Search a company’s BBB rating to gauge trustworthiness or see common customer complaints.

Roadside assistance and related services are included in most extended warranty plans. Make sure these perks are part of your contract.

Find a service contract that pays for repairs upfront rather than reimbursing you later. Reimbursement could take months in some cases.

Some extended car warranty companies do not allow you to choose your own repair facility. Companies that offer more flexibility are a better option.

Look for a service contract with low deductibles, especially if a deductible is required for each repair. Your repair should cost more than the deductible.

Is there a mileage limit on the contract? Some companies provide coverage for high mileage vehicles – protection your used vehicle probably requires.

Service contracts underwritten by insurance companies are more reliable, so stick to those. Insurance regulations require companies to maintain enough financial reserves to pay your claim.

These are all important factors to consider during your research. Don’t allow price to be your only driving factor when buying an extended auto warranty.

What to Avoid When Buying an Extended Warranty for Your Used Car

Just as there are many features to look for in a service contract, there are also red flags to avoid. It can be costly to succumb to the pressure of buying a used car extended warranty right away.

Avoid these warning signs and drawbacks:

Non-transferable warranties

Sample contracts that aren’t readily available

Pressure to buy coverage immediately over the phone

Contracts that don’t explicitly explain the claim process

Providers that seem like a scam and do not have online reviews

No choice of repair facility or extreme limits when away from home

Contracts that don’t allow cancellations or a typical 30-day money-back guarantee

Lack of roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, trip interruption service, or towing reimbursement benefits

Deceitful coverage (e.g. something that says it covers the engine yet excludes most of the engine’s internally lubricated items)

Remember, the most important thing you can do is read the entire contract.

No matter the provider, it’s important to read your auto warranty contract to understand exactly what’s covered and what’s not.

Our Verdict

The Best Used Car Warranty Companies:

#1 Endurance: Best Overall

#2 CARCHEX: Best for Used Cars

#3 CarShield: Most Affordable

#4 Protect My Car: Best Maintenance Benefits

#5 autopom!: Best Customer Service

#6 Liberty Bell Auto Protect: Best Military Discount

While Endurance is our top recommendation, we do encourage you to consider the other car warranty providers and to get quotes to make it easier to compare. Some providers may be able to provide better coverage at a better price, depending on the age, make, and model of your car. Check out our Endurance vs. CARCHEX, CARCHEX vs. CarShield, and CarShield vs. Endurance reviews.

If you want to learn more, feel free to continue to our article on extended warranties for cars over 100k miles, where we take a look at warranty providers for cars with high mileage.

Why Endurance Is Our #1 Used Car Warranty Company

After reviewing Endurance’s plans and ratings, we think that the provider is a trustworthy and reputable extended auto warranty company. Its coverage options and exceptional benefits are just some of the reasons why they stand out compared to other providers. The EnduranceAdvantage plan is one of the best options available for used cars.

Not only will you save money on expensive car repairs, but you’ll also receive these benefits:

Transferable contracts

Tire repair and replacement

Direct payment to repair shops (no waiting for reimbursement)

Full refund if you decide to cancel your contract in the first 30 days

24/7 roadside assistance, travel interruption service, towing, and rental car reimbursement

The network of 30,000 mechanics and flexibility to use smaller repair shops or large chain facilities

Get A Free Used Car Warranty Quote

With Endurance, you can speak to a used auto warranty and car insurance expert over the phone to answer your questions and get a free quote based on your budget, driving habits, and vehicle.

Best Overall

Get Quote

(866) 990-3410

A direct supplier of five protection plans honored at repair facilities nationwide

Q&A: Used Car Warranty Companies

Q: What’s the cost of an extended warranty?

A: An extended car warranty can cost as lost as a few hundred dollars to several thousands of dollars. It depends on the car, plan provider, length and amount of coverage, deductible, and many other factors.

Q: Will my extended warranty coverage start right away?

A: Most extended warranties do not start until after 30 days or a certain number of miles (usually 1,000 or 3,000).

Q: How do I know if the used car I want to purchase already has a warranty?

A: When purchasing a used car from a dealership, you will typically find a Buyer’s Guide sticker on the car. This guide will tell you whether the vehicle is covered by a warranty or if it’s being sold “as is.”

Q: What is an aftermarket warranty?

A: An aftermarket warranty is from a third-party company. These warranties do not always use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. This shouldn’t have any serious effects, but it isn’t always ideal to have parts that are not specifically made for your car.

Q: Is AA Auto Protection part of AAA?

A: No. They are separate companies that offer different vehicle services.

Q: What is the difference between a certified pre-owned vehicle (CPO) and one that’s not?

A: CPO vehicles may come with manufacturer’s warranty and pre-inspection. Compared with uncertified used cars, you will pay a higher price for these used cars.