Who Has the Best Car Warranty in 2022?

Finding the best car warranty plan takes a lot of consideration. When buying a warranty for a new or used car, many drivers struggle with answering the most basic questions:

• What does my new car warranty cover?
• Which company offers the best warranty coverage?
• What should I look for in a warranty provider?
• How do I get the best deal?

If you’re in the market for auto warranty protection, we’ll help you find the best coverage for your car. To learn how to choose the right extended warranty for your used car, click here.

Compare the Best Car Warranty Coverage

When you buy a new or used car from a dealership, you’ll likely get factory warranty coverage to help cover the risk of mechanical or workmanship errors. When it comes to selecting a vehicle, factory warranty coverage is something to consider for all car owners. After all, there is a lot of money on the line if your vehicle doesn’t turn out to be as reliable as you thought.

The Top Car Manufacturer Warranties

Based on warranty terms and additional benefits, we’ve come up with the top four factory warranties included with the purchase of a new car.

1. Hyundai Warranty: Best Overall Factory Warranty

The Hyundai powertrain warranty lasts for 10 years or 100,000 miles, and its bumper-to-bumper warranty lasts five years or 60,000 miles. These are some of the longest terms among car manufacturers. In addition, its corrosion warranty and roadside assistance warranty last seven and five years, respectively.

In addition, Hyundai covers items that are not frequently covered by factory warranties, including:

• Audio systems—Three years or 36,000 miles (Equus coverage is longer)
• Paint—Three years or 36,000 miles
• Battery—Up to three years and unlimited miles, or a lifetime warranty for hybrid batteries
• Air conditioner refrigerant charge—One year or unlimited miles
• Adjustments to the vehicle—One year or 12,000 miles
• Wear items—One year or 12,000 miles

This extensive coverage makes Hyundai a top choice for the best car warranty.

2. Lexus Warranty: Top Luxury Vehicle Coverage

Lexus factory warranties cover powertrain components for up to six years or 70,000 miles, far better than the luxury industry’s average plan of four years or 50,000 miles. This allows you to rely on your vehicle’s engine and major systems for longer, saving you money in the long run. If you want to maintain luxury, this warranty provides the reliability you need.

3. Kia Warranty: Longer Coverage Plans

The Kia manufacturer warranty provides much longer coverage than many competitors. You’ll have bumper-to-bumper coverage for five years or 60,000 miles and powertrain coverage for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Additional limited warranties are available for service adjustments, paint, audio and entertainment, and other accessories.

Roadside assistance is also included at five years or 60,000 miles. In addition, your car will be protected from perforation and corrosion for five years or 100,000 miles.

4. BMW Warranty: Extra Luxury Perks

Though the BMW factory warranty only covers powertrain and bumper-to-bumper components for up to four years or 50,000 miles, its rust-through warranty is the best car warranty in the category, at 12 years or unlimited miles.

Yet, BMW adds convenience to its luxury brand by offering wheel alignment, wheel balancing, and wiper blade inserts. These perks are covered for the first 2,000 miles.

Manufacturer Warranties by Automaker

Here is a breakdown that compares 2021 factory warranties from other car companies:

Do You Need an Extended Car Warranty?

Manufacturer warranties’ coverage seems adequate—right?

• But what happens when the factory warranty expires?
• What if your repair costs aren’t covered by the warranty?
• If you’re purchasing a used or certified pre-owned vehicle, do you even have any protection at all?

You may have to pay for your repairs out of pocket.

Did you know that 89% of cars on the road are in need of at least one repair? And while the majority of cars are in need of repairs, most drivers can’t afford to have their cars fixed, even drivers of luxury brands. In fact, 63% of Americans do not have the money to pay for a $500 car repair. As you may know, repair costs add up fast in the auto shop, especially when parts and labor are added.

Whether big fixes or small, it’s neither smart nor safe to drive an unreliable vehicle. An extended car warranty can offer peace of mind and save you from having to choose between your safety and finances.

However, there are still limitations with factory warranties. Repairs are not covered if the following are true:

• Your car’s damage is caused by regular wear and tear.
• You haven’t kept up with routine maintenance, leading to a part failure or total breakdown.
• You need a repair or replacement due to weather or natural disaster.
• You need a repair or replacement due to an accident.
• You need frequently replaceable items, such as new tires, brake pads, or windshield wiper blades.
• You wish to receive repairs from an unauthorized dealer or shop.

In fact, most repairs and replacements are only covered if they are caused by faulty factory materials or workmanship.

An extended car warranty covers repairs for damage that is otherwise outside of your control. Consider purchasing an extended car warranty for a used car that has higher mileage and is more likely to need major repairs.

How to Find the Best Third-Party Car Warranty

Once your manufacturer’s warranty expires, your wallet is no longer protected in the case of needing costly repairs. Most manufacturers offer an extended warranty to continue coverage for your vehicle’s most vulnerable parts, but these warranties don’t often come with the competitive prices and flexibility of an extended car warranty from a third-party provider.

As you’re shopping around, here’s what you should find out to purchase the best car warranty:

• Exactly what parts and systems are covered? More importantly, what’s not covered?
• How long am I covered, and what are the mileage restrictions?
• What is the monthly payment, and is a down payment required?
• What is the deductible?
• Where can the car be taken for service—only to the dealership or to any licensed auto shop that’s convenient?
• What is the plan’s cancellation policy? What about a money back guarantee?

Compare the Best Car Warranty Companies

When selecting your car warranty, taking the time to do your research can help you find the best deal and fit for your vehicle. There are plenty of auto warranty providers in the marketplace. But how do you know which one is the best?

First, check out third-party car warranty company reviews and see how the competition stacks up.

Next, note that there are several factors that separate the best warranty providers from the pack. When weighing your warranty options, consider these attributes:

• Number of Available Plans: How many plans does a warranty company offer? If there are only a handful, can they tailor them to a driver’s specific needs? Flexibility and coverage options matter, and a good warranty company offers both.
• Better Business Bureau Accreditation and Rating: Does the Better Business Bureau (BBB) believe that the company is committed to its customers, serves them in good faith, and works quickly to resolve issues? A BBB rating is based on how many complaints a company gets and other information from the business, so it’s a great starting place when you’re looking for a reliable company.
• Better Business Bureau Complaints: How many customers were unhappy with a particular car warranty company? You deserve to know about potential issues with a company’s customer service or product coverage.
• Industry Endorsements: Does the auto warranty company have partners? Are they trusted in the industry? This is a good sign of a strong and reputable company.
• Years of Experience: How long has a company been in business, and how experienced is it at providing warranties and matching coverage to driver needs?

CARCHEX has provided extended protection plans for longer than many of its competitors, and customers are more satisfied with protection from CARCHEX than from the competition. Below, compare some of the best car warranty companies in the industry on these factors:

Updated June 2021.

You can see that CARCHEX comes out ahead as the best extended vehicle warranty company:

• We have two decades of experience in the warranty business.
• We maintain a great reputation with the Better Business Bureau. It gave us an A+.
• We are proud to hold many key industry endorsements, including CARFAX, MotorWeek’s Pat Goss, Kelley Blue Book, Assurant, Edmunds, and RepairPal.
• You can get an instant quote online.

Benefits of CARCHEX Extended Warranties

Warranty coverage is not only about the protection from paying for expensive car repairs. Here are some other benefits to purchasing extra protection for your car with CARCHEX:

• More Coverage, More Savings
  • CARCHEX offers several high-quality, affordable auto warranty plans to ensure that you get the best coverage for your car. Check out our best car warranty plans:

• Up That Resale Value—If you decide to sell your car, having an extended warranty will usually increase your car’s resale value. When you’re ready for an upgrade, a used car that is armed with an extended warranty can make you more money.
• Satisfaction or Your Money Back—CARCHEX offers a money back guarantee for 30 days. If you aren’t satisfied with your plan or want to cancel, you’ll get a prorated refund.*
• Looking Out for You in the Shop—When you have a warranty, you’ll know you’re not alone. CARCHEX provides support for customers, so drivers can be sure they’re dealing with honest and fair mechanics.
• Extra Benefits—When you have a car protection plan with CARCHEX, you’ll get additional benefits such as fully transferable terms, free XM radio trials, vehicle history reports, and free road service, rental car, and trip interruption protection.

Tips for Buying Car Warranties

Look Out for Scams

Finding the best auto warranty also means keeping your eye out for a scam. While many of the top car warranty companies have been vetted and are insured, there have been several notable auto warranty scams over the years.

The good news is that with today’s advances in readily available information, many low-quality warranty “companies” have been outed in the marketplace. With just a few clicks and a couple of minutes of research, you can easily figure out which companies are honest, knowledgeable, and fair.

Understand What Your Policy Covers

Different warranties grant different levels of protection. Make sure the policy you choose covers your greatest concerns and even things you hadn’t thought about before. If you are aware of what your warranty covers, you’re better prepared to take full advantage of it. You also won’t waste money on repairs you shouldn’t have to pay for.

Know What You’re Going to Pay

Once you settle on a plan, the next step is to decide if you’ll pay upfront or through monthly payments. Be sure to make note of the final cost you’ll pay to avoid surprises in your budget.

Read the Fine Print

It sounds obvious, but it’s a very important tip for shoppers. You need to see in black and white what is and isn’t covered and for how long. Be sure that your plan mentions the following:

• Which repairs are covered and which are not
• Additional surcharges for special vehicle features
• The beginning and end date of your policy
• Which repair shops are approved
• A clear process to address any service mishaps
• Whether the warranty is transferable to a new owner
• The start date of your policy
• A 30-day money back guarantee for new customers
• The price and recurring charges like deductibles

If You Buy, Go Big

You won’t find much of a price difference between top-tier warranty plans and slimmed-down versions. Consider getting the most comprehensive warranty plan offered to get the most bang for your buck.

Get the Best Car Warranty with CARCHEX

Now that you know your options for top vehicle service contracts, speak with the specialists at CARCHEX to find the most competitively priced and quality warranty options available.

CARCHEX ensures affordable, pay-as-you-go plans that don’t skimp on coverage. You’ll have access to a larger network of repair facilities, as well as roadside assistance coverage in the case of a breakdown. If you’re not satisfied, you’ll get your money back.

Above all, we strive to inform each customer about the best extended car warranties for their vehicles and wallets.

To get the best car warranty today, call CARCHEX at 866-261-3457.

Sources:

Edmunds: https://www.edmunds.com/auto-warranty/warranty-and-roadside-assistance-coverage.html

Car Care: carcare.org/car-care-service-schedules/general-service-schedule

PR Newswire: prnewswire.com/news-releases/63-of-americans-cant-afford-500-car-repair-or-1000-emergency-room-visit-300200097.html

Thoroughly Reviewed: thoroughlyreviewed.com/car-warranty/extended-car-warranty-company-reviews/

STL Today: stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/former-president-of-us-fidelis-sentenced-to-years-on-state/article_aa320daa-0c03-11e2-9bed-0019bb30f31a.html

FBI.gov: archives.fbi.gov/archives/stlouis/press-releases/2012/final-u.s.-fidelis-co-owner-sentenced-on-conspiracy-and-tax-fraud-charges

Factory Warranty List: https://www.factorywarrantylist.com/

*Refund methods vary by state. See extended service plan for complete details, including refunds, exclusions and limitations.