Extended car warranties, also known as vehicle service contracts, offer crucial protection against unexpected auto repair costs. As vehicles become increasingly complex, the potential for expensive breakdowns rises, making extended warranties a valuable consideration for car owners. Choosing the right extended car warranty can be daunting, with numerous providers and plans available. This guide will navigate you through the top extended car warranty companies in 2025, highlighting their strengths and helping you determine which extended car repair options are the best for your needs.
Top Extended Car Warranty Companies: A Detailed Breakdown
Based on extensive research and analysis, we’ve identified the leading extended car warranty companies that stand out in the industry. These companies were evaluated based on coverage options, cost, industry reputation, customer service, and transparency, providing a comprehensive overview to aid your decision-making process.
1. Endurance: Best Comprehensive Coverage
Did You Know? While often called “extended car warranties,” third-party providers technically offer vehicle service contracts. These terms are frequently used interchangeably in the industry.
Overall Score: 4.6/5
Endurance emerges as our top pick for best comprehensive coverage, securing the coveted 2025 award. This direct provider distinguishes itself with a wide array of flexible coverage plans and the absence of intermediaries, streamlining the claims process. Endurance’s commitment to customer satisfaction and robust coverage options solidify its position as an industry leader.
Key Highlights:
- Most Comprehensive Coverage: Offers the most extensive protection plans available.
- Mileage Covered: Protection for vehicles with up to 200,000 miles.
- Longest Warranty Term: Coverage terms extending up to 8 years.
- Money-Back Guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee for peace of mind.
- Coverage Options: Six distinct plans catering to diverse needs and budgets.
- Discounts: Attractive discounts, including a $300 same-day signup bonus and a $250 shopping voucher.
Plan Coverage & Endurance Elite Perks™:
| Plan coverage includes | Endurance Elite perks™ |
|---|---|
| Exclusionary plan | One-year membership for free |
| Powertrain plan | Tire repair and replacement |
| Maintenance coverage (Advantage plan) | Key fob replacement |
| Roadside assistance | Total loss protection |
| Towing | Collision discount |
| Rental car | $250 rewards voucher |
| Trip interruption coverage | Endurance Protect app |
Endurance Performance Breakdown:
| Category | Endurance Rating | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 4.6 | 3.9 |
| Coverage | 4.9 | 4.2 |
| Cost | 4.4 | 3.9 |
| Transparency | 4.9 | 3.7 |
| Customer Experience | 4.2 | 3.6 |
| Overall Score | 4.6 | 3.9 |
Endurance provides six vehicle service contracts, spanning from basic powertrain to comprehensive exclusionary coverage. Notably, the Endurance Advantage plan includes maintenance coverage, and a Highline add-on is available for luxury vehicles. All plans include standard benefits like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage, enhanced by a complimentary year of Endurance Elite Benefits.
Cost Considerations:
Endurance plans typically range from $85 to $146 per month, with total costs varying from $2,500 to $4,500 for a 2.5-year term. Deductible options include $0, $50, $100, and $200, offering flexibility to suit different budgets.
Customer Reviews and Satisfaction:
Customer feedback for Endurance is largely positive, frequently highlighting exceptional customer service and efficient claims processing. Endurance holds a 3.7-star rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a 3.9-star rating on Trustpilot, indicating strong customer satisfaction. A 2024 survey revealed that 64% of Endurance customers were “very satisfied” with their service.
Key Plan Details:
- Number of plans: 6
- Cost range: $85 to $146 per month
- Highest mileage limit: Unlimited
2. Autopom!: Best Customer Service
Overall Score: 4.4/5
Autopom! excels in customer service, earning high ratings on both the BBB and Trustpilot. The company’s dedication to resolving customer issues and providing friendly, helpful service makes it a top choice for those prioritizing a positive customer experience.
Key Highlights:
- Best Customer Service: Recognized for outstanding customer support and responsiveness.
- Customer-Focused Approach: Proactive in addressing customer concerns and ensuring satisfaction.
- Money-Back Guarantee: Up to 60-day money-back guarantee on select plans.
- Comprehensive Coverage Options: Three plans ranging from comprehensive to powertrain coverage.
Autopom! Performance Breakdown:
| Category | autopom! Rating | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 4.3 | 3.9 |
| Coverage | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| Cost | 4.2 | 3.9 |
| Transparency | 4.6 | 3.7 |
| Customer Experience | 4.4 | 3.6 |
| Overall Score | 4.4 | 3.9 |
Autopom! offers three coverage levels: comprehensive, mid-level, and powertrain. While not offering a strictly defined powertrain plan, their powertrain coverage includes additional systems for broader protection. All plans include roadside assistance, trip interruption benefits, and rental car coverage, with tire protection included in most plans.
Cost Considerations:
Autopom! plans range from $66 to $126 per month, with costs influenced by vehicle age and mileage. Deductible options of $0, $50, $100, and $200 are available.
Customer Reviews and Satisfaction:
Autopom! boasts overwhelmingly positive customer reviews, consistently praised for exceptional customer service. The company holds an A+ rating on the BBB with accreditation and a 4-star customer rating. Trustpilot reviews are equally impressive, with a 4.6-star average. Customer surveys further validate this, with a high percentage of respondents reporting satisfaction with Autopom!’s service.
Learn More About Autopom!
Key Plan Details:
- Number of plans: 3
- Cost range: $66 to $126 per month
- Highest mileage limit: 150,000
3. Carchex: Best Industry Reputation
Overall Score: 4.4/5
Carchex stands out with its long-standing industry presence and partnerships with reputable organizations like Carfax and Kelley Blue Book. Operating since 1999, Carchex has built a solid reputation and offers extensive contract terms, making it an excellent choice for owners of older, high-mileage vehicles.
Key Highlights:
- Best Industry Reputation: Established industry leader with strong partnerships and a long history.
- Extensive Contract Terms: Offers some of the longest-lasting contracts in the market.
- Variety of Plans: Five coverage plans ranging from powertrain to comprehensive.
- Month-to-Month Options: Flexible month-to-month contract options available.
Carchex Performance Breakdown:
| Category | Carchex Rating | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 4.7 | 3.9 |
| Coverage | 4.9 | 4.2 |
| Cost | 3.8 | 3.9 |
| Transparency | 4.9 | 3.7 |
| Customer Experience | 4 | 3.6 |
| Overall Score | 4.4 | 3.9 |
Carchex provides five plans, encompassing powertrain to comprehensive coverage, all including roadside assistance, trip interruption, and rental car reimbursement. Contracts are offered as both month-to-month and fixed-term options, providing flexibility for different needs.
Cost Considerations:
Carchex quotes range from $100 to $150 per month after negotiation, with initial quotes potentially higher. Deductible options include $0, $50, $100, $200, and $250.
Customer Reviews and Satisfaction:
While positive reviews emphasize a smooth claims process, some negative feedback mentions communication issues. Carchex holds an A+ rating from the BBB and accreditation but has a lower 2.8-star customer review score on Trustpilot. Despite mixed online reviews, a 2024 survey showed a high satisfaction rate, with 88% of Carchex customers reporting being “very satisfied.”
Learn More About Carchex
Key Plan Details:
- Number of plans: 5
- Cost range: $150 to $170 per month (initial quotes)
- Highest mileage limit: 250,000
4. Everything Breaks: Best Contract Term Selection
Overall Score: 4.2/5
Everything Breaks stands out for its diverse contract term options, particularly its month-to-month plans. Their most affordable plan resembles an auto club, covering a portion of repair costs, making it suitable for older vehicles prone to more frequent issues.
Key Highlights:
- Best Contract Term Selection: Offers a wide range of contract durations, including month-to-month options.
- Flexible Plans: Five plans catering to various coverage needs and budgets.
- Auto Club-like Option: Critical Coverage plan provides partial repair cost coverage.
Everything Breaks Performance Breakdown:
| Category | Everything Breaks Rating | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Coverage | 4.7 | 4.2 |
| Cost | 4 | 3.9 |
| Transparency | 4.1 | 3.7 |
| Customer Experience | 4.1 | 3.6 |
| Overall Score | 4.2 | 3.9 |
All five Everything Breaks plans are month-to-month contracts. The Critical Coverage plan offers an annual payment option with added maintenance benefits. All plans include roadside assistance and rental car coverage, with trip interruption coverage on all but the Critical Coverage plan.
Cost Considerations:
Everything Breaks plans range from $30 to $120 per month, with luxury vehicles qualifying for “Elite” versions at a higher cost. A $100 deductible applies to most plans, except for Critical Coverage, which has no deductible.
Customer Reviews and Satisfaction:
Everything Breaks has an A rating with the BBB, but customer reviews on the BBB and Trustpilot are mixed, averaging around 2.8 to 3.2 stars. Positive reviews highlight a smooth shopping experience and helpful customer service, while negative reviews mention slow claims processing or denials. However, a 2024 survey indicated that all respondents with Everything Breaks plans were at least somewhat satisfied.
Learn More About Everything Breaks
Key Plan Details:
- Number of plans: 5
- Cost range: $30 to $120 per month
- Highest mileage limit: 250,000
5. Omega Auto Care: Best Maintenance Benefits
Overall Score: 4.3/5
Omega Auto Care distinguishes itself by offering a year of free maintenance with all vehicle service contracts. This unique benefit, coupled with standard road hazard tire repair, adds significant value to their plans.
Key Highlights:
- Best Maintenance Benefits: Includes a year of free maintenance with all plans.
- Road Hazard Tire Repair: Standard benefit included in all contracts.
- Comprehensive Coverage Range: Plans from exclusionary to powertrain protection.
Omega Auto Care Performance Breakdown:
| Category | Omega Auto Care Rating | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 4.4 | 3.9 |
| Coverage | 4.9 | 4.2 |
| Cost | 3.7 | 3.9 |
| Transparency | 4.7 | 3.7 |
| Customer Experience | 3.6 | 3.6 |
| Overall Score | 4.3 | 3.9 |
Omega Auto Care offers a range of plans from exclusionary to powertrain coverage. All plans include 24/7 roadside assistance, road hazard tire coverage, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage. The free maintenance benefit covers oil changes, brake pad replacements, safety inspections, and more for the first year.
Cost Considerations:
Omega Auto Care plans range from $120 to $155 per month, with total costs between $2,880 and $3,720 for a 2-year term. A $100 deductible applies, reduced to $0 when using a RepairPal Certified mechanic.
Customer Reviews and Satisfaction:
Customer reviews for Omega Auto Care are generally positive, highlighting effective communication with repair shops. The company holds a 3.7-star rating on Trustpilot based on over 1,200 reviews. A 2024 survey showed 81% of Omega Auto Care customers were “very satisfied” with their experience.
Key Plan Details:
- Number of plans: 3
- Cost range: $120 to $155 per month
- Highest mileage limit: 250,000
Best Extended Car Warranty Plans: Plan Type Breakdown
While the companies above offer excellent overall service, specific plan types may be better suited to different needs. Here’s a breakdown of the best bumper-to-bumper, mid-level, and powertrain plans.
Top Bumper-to-Bumper Plans
Bumper-to-bumper warranties, or exclusionary warranties, offer the most comprehensive coverage, similar to a new car factory warranty. They list excluded components, meaning everything else is covered.
| Best Bumper-To-Bumper Plan | Why It’s the Best |
|---|---|
| 1. Endurance Supreme | Extensive exclusionary coverage with very few exclusions. Includes Endurance Elite Benefits for added value. |
| 2. Omega Auto Care New Exclusionary | Near-complete vehicle coverage, mirroring factory warranty protection. Enhanced by a year of free maintenance and tire repair benefits. |
| 3. autopom! Exclusionary | Factory-like coverage at a competitive price. Excellent value considering the coverage duration relative to cost. |
Top Mid-Level Plans
Mid-level or stated-component plans list covered components. These plans balance cost and coverage, often ideal for used, higher-mileage vehicles.
| Best Mid-Level Plan | Why It’s the Best |
|---|---|
| 1. Endurance Superior | Comprehensive coverage, nearly identical to the Supreme plan, excluding only seals, gaskets, and minor components. |
| 2. Carchex Platinum | Covers hundreds of components across 15 major vehicle systems, including advanced electronics, audio, emissions, and brakes. |
| 3. Omega Auto Care Used Stated | Covers 12 essential vehicle systems, providing substantial protection at a good value. |
Top Powertrain Plans
Powertrain warranties are the most basic and affordable, covering essential engine, transmission, and drive axle components. Ideal for budget-conscious buyers seeking fundamental protection.
| Best Powertrain Plan | Why It’s the Best |
|---|---|
| 1. Carchex Powertrain | Basic coverage for essential components at a very affordable price point. |
| 2. Omega Auto Care Powertrain | Offers three powertrain plan variations, from basic to enhanced coverage, allowing customization based on budget and desired protection level. |
| 3. Everything Breaks Standard Powertrain | Affordable coverage for vital vehicle systems up to 250,000 miles, priced at approximately $79 per month. |
Best Extended Manufacturer Warranties
Manufacturer-backed extended warranties offer assurance and often superior service, though they can be pricier and have stricter eligibility. Audi, Ford, and Honda stand out for their extended manufacturer warranty programs.
Audi: Best Overall Manufacturer Extended Warranty
Audi’s extended warranty program offers coverage for up to 10 years or 150,000 miles, surpassing many competitors. They provide three plan levels, from bumper-to-bumper to powertrain, ensuring comprehensive vehicle protection.
Read more: Audi Extended Warranty
Ford: Most Coverage Levels
Ford’s extended warranty program offers four coverage tiers and terms up to 10 years or 175,000 miles. With a $100 deductible on most plans, the highest tier covers over 1,000 components, while even the basic plan covers 29 essential parts.
Read more: Ford Extended Warranty
Honda: Robust Vehicle Protection
Honda Care, Honda’s extended warranty, offers a single, comprehensive plan for new Honda vehicles, purchasable at the time of vehicle purchase. It provides robust protection for powertrain, electronics, AC, heating, suspension, brakes, and steering, along with benefits like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement, up to 8 years or 120,000 miles.
Read more: Honda Extended Warranty
Finding the Best Extended Car Warranty: Key Considerations
Choosing the right extended car warranty requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure you get the best value and protection for your vehicle.
Common Exclusions
Be aware of common exclusions in extended warranty contracts:
- Wear and tear items, routine maintenance
- Collision damage
- Damage from neglect, misuse, or modifications
- Environmental damage
- Incidental damage
Some warranties offer maintenance plans to cover routine services for an additional upfront cost.
When is an Extended Warranty Worth It?
An extended warranty may be beneficial if:
- You seek peace of mind regarding repair costs.
- You prefer predictable auto expenses.
- You plan to keep your car beyond 100,000 miles.
- You value extra benefits like roadside assistance.
- Your car has a history of high repair costs.
Company Reputation and Reviews
Assess company reputation through resources like the BBB and Trustpilot. While negative reviews are common, prioritize companies that respond to and attempt to resolve complaints, indicating better customer service.
Direct Provider vs. Broker
Direct providers, like Endurance, administer their own plans, potentially offering a smoother claims process. Brokers sell plans from administrators, adding a layer of separation.
Cost Factors
The average extended warranty cost is around $142 per month, but costs vary based on:
- Deductible amount
- Coverage length and plan level
- Vehicle make, model, age, and mileage
Payment Options
Payment options include upfront payment, monthly installments, or financing. Upfront payments and higher deductibles typically reduce overall costs.
Contract Terms: Fixed vs. Unlimited
Unlimited term contracts offer month-to-month payments, providing flexibility but potentially becoming more expensive long-term. Fixed-term contracts are generally more cost-effective for longer coverage periods (4+ years).
Getting the Best Price
Compare quotes from multiple providers (at least three) to find the best deal. Bargaining over the phone is often effective in securing lower prices.
Where to Get Quotes
Obtain quotes from both third-party providers and manufacturers. Third-party plans are often cheaper with more options, but manufacturer warranties offer factory-trained technicians and genuine parts. Dealership markups on manufacturer warranties are possible.
Contract Details to Review
Carefully examine contract details, asking about:
- Labor rate coverage limits
- Definition of mechanical failure
- Maximum payout limits
- OEM parts coverage
- Waiting periods or inspections
- Maintenance documentation requirements
- Emergency repair procedures
- Cancellation policies and money-back guarantees
- Contract transferability
Repair Shop Networks
Inquire about repair shop networks. Some warranties restrict repairs to specific shops or dealerships, which may be inconvenient. Ensure repair facilities are ASE certified. Some shops may refuse to work with certain third-party providers.
Extended Car Warranty: FAQ
What are the best extended car warranty plans?
Based on our research, the Endurance Supreme plan and the autopom! Exclusionary plan are top-rated for comprehensive coverage.
What is an extended car warranty?
It’s a service contract covering mechanical breakdowns beyond the factory warranty. Third-party contracts are technically vehicle service contracts, often called extended warranties.
How is it different from car insurance?
Extended warranties cover mechanical failures from defects, not accidents or collisions, unlike auto insurance. Mechanical breakdown insurance, a car insurance add-on, offers similar mechanical failure coverage but isn’t standard.
Are extended car warranties worth it?
They can provide peace of mind, predictable auto budgets, and coverage for potentially costly repairs, especially for owners of older or less reliable vehicles.
What is a fair price for an extended car warranty?
A reasonable price range is between $1,000 and $4,000, which aligns with what most consumers report paying for their service contracts.
Our Methodology: Rating Extended Warranty Companies
Our extended car warranty ratings are based on a comprehensive system evaluating numerous factors to ensure objective and accurate information.
Rating Factors:
- Coverage (30%): Variety of plans, contract terms, and added benefits.
- Cost (30%): Affordability and deductible options.
- Transparency (20%): Contract clarity and money-back guarantee availability.
- Reputation (10%): Industry standing, expert ratings, and years in business.
- Customer Experience (10%): Customer satisfaction ratings and service responsiveness.
Credentials:
- 500+ hours of research
- 40+ companies reviewed
- 2,000+ consumers surveyed
*Data accurate at time of publication.
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