- Customizable plans
Disclosure: This content was produced by an independent editorial party for the purposes of educating our customers, and is not influenced by the other business operations of CARCHEX.
If you’re ready to purchase a used car warranty, it’s crucial that you look at the industry’s best extended car warranty companies. Do you know the difference between a trustworthy source and one marked with red flags?
5 Best Extended Car Warranty Companies
The best extended car warranty plans come from CARCHEX, AutoAssure, Concord Auto Protect, Endurance, and Protect My Car. We compiled our list after considering coverage plans, costs, and customer reviews for the top aftermarket warranty providers in the market.
Below, we’ll briefly explain why each extended warranty provider stands out.
#1 CARCHEX: Industry-Leading Experience and Reputation
Founded: 1999
Headquarters: Baltimore, Maryland
BBB Rating: A+
It’s been over 20 years since CARCHEX started protecting drivers, and it’s consistently ranked as one of the best extended car warranty companies. Drivers receive a strong commitment to “Customer Experience Above All,” as seen by the A+ rating and accreditation offered by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
CARCHEX customers can choose from five coverage levels, from the bumper-to-bumper coverage found in the Titanium plan down to the Bronze powertrain plan. Each of the best extended car warranty options from CARCHEX come with roadside assistance, towing coverage, rental car reimbursement, fuel delivery services, and trip interruption benefits. The CARCHEX claims process is straightforward, efficient, and generally receives positive reviews.
CARCHEX Pros | CARCHEX Cons |
---|---|
Excellent customer service scores | Some providers have more plans |
Wide-ranging coverage plans | |
Deep experience in the business |
From an exceptional customer service reputation to industry expertise, it’s tough to beat a CARCHEX extended warranty plan.
#2 AutoAssure: Strong Coverage, Questionable Services
Founded: 2010
Headquarters: Plano, Texas
BBB Rating: Not rated
AutoAssure extended warranties typically come with the backing of high-quality contract providers, so you’ll be sure to receive quality care from the company. Customer complaints usually get resolved to the complete satisfaction of customers, though the BBB’s lack of a ranking for AutoAssure makes this tough to verify.
While AutoAssure stands as one of the best extended car warranty companies around, its sales tactics leave much to be desired. Lawsuits have been filed against AutoAssure for falsely telling customers that their extended warranty was about to expire when this was not the case. While coverage itself is top-notch from AutoAssure, the company’s integrity has been called into question.
AutoAssure Pros | AutoAssure Cons |
---|---|
Strong complaint resolution | Uncertain scores from the BBB |
Well-regarded coverage | Questionable sales tactics |
There’s plenty to like about AutoAssure, but its commitment to customer service isn’t particularly strong.
#3 Concord Auto Protect: Excellent but Risky Warranty Plans
Founded: 2013
Headquarters: King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
BBB Rating: B
Plans backed by Concord Auto Protect offer a lot of benefits. In fact, the company’s flat tire support, jump-start services, and lockout assistance aren’t even offered by some of the best extended car warranty plans. There’s also a good number of positive customer reviews for Concord Auto Protect online.
This all comes with some risks, as Concord Auto Protect isn’t backed up by an insurance provider. In other words, you’re simply hoping that the company has enough money on hand to back your vehicle service contract. While it’s likely that customers won’t run into issues, the potential exists with Concord Auto Protect.
Concord Auto Protect Pros | Concord Auto Protect Cons |
---|---|
Added coverage benefits | Very little insurance backing |
Mostly positive customer reviews | Average BBB score |
Concord Auto Protect’s three coverage levels are both extensive and well regarded, but it’s still a risky choice.
#4 Endurance: Nice Benefits with Average Service
Founded: 2006
Headquarters: Northbrook, Illinois
BBB Rating: C
With an Endurance extended warranty, drivers receive one year of free benefits such as key fob replacement, collision discounts, and limited total loss protection. The company’s six coverage plans also make it one of the best extended car warranty companies, as they cover everything from the powertrain over to routine maintenance needs.
Endurance complicates matters with a somewhat mediocre customer experience, however. It’s not particularly reassuring to choose a provider with a C rating and no accreditation from the BBB, and the Endurance claims process doesn’t receive the highest marks.
Endurance Pros | Endurance Cons |
---|---|
Wide spread of warranty plans | Poor BBB ranking |
One free year of benefits | Troubling claims process |
You’ll likely be fine with an Endurance warranty, but the best extended car warranty companies typically have stronger claims procedures.
#5 Protect My Car: Expensive, High-Quality Warranty
Founded: 2005
Headquarters: St. Petersburg, Florida
BBB Rating: A+
Don’t expect to save money on a Protect My Car extended warranty plan. The company often has drawn-out payment periods which end up costing more than other best extended car warranty plans. Some customers may view Protect My Car as worth it, since it receives favorable reviews from drivers.
Protect My Car holds an A+ rating from the BBB, though it lacks accreditation. While the customer service commitment offered by Protect My Car stands out, other companies such as CARCHEX also hold high standards and tend to charge much lower rates.
Protect My Car Pros | Protect My Car Cons |
---|---|
Long-term payment plans | Significantly more expensive |
Respected warranty coverage | Few coverage plans |
While it can be somewhat costly, Protect My Car definitely stands as one of the best extended car warranty choices.
What Is an Extended Car Warranty?
An extended car warranty pays for mechanical breakdowns that occur after the expiration of your factory warranty, which typically lasts for around 3 years/36,000 miles. While auto insurance companies sometimes pay for damages caused by accidents or the environment, they’ll never cover mechanical breakdowns.
That’s where the best extended car warranty providers step in. Companies such as CARCHEX will protect your vehicle from issues that often pop up with older cars. With an extended warranty, you won’t have to pay for most repair costs and will only be responsible for your deductible and a small monthly payment.
Extended Car Warranty Average Costs
Costs for the best extended car warranty plans largely depend on your chosen provider and level of coverage. In our 2021 car warranty survey, we polled 1,000 consumers and nearly half paid between $1,500 and $2,500 for their extended vehicle service plans.
To find out how much the best extended car warranty from CARCHEX could cost you, call us at 866-261-3457 or fill out our online form.
Factors That Affect Car Warranty Costs
There’s no set amount that the best extended car warranty goes for, as prices are specifically calculated for each individual situation. However, the following are some elements that help determine how much you’ll pay:
- Level of coverage: The more extensive your coverage, the higher the price you’ll likely pay.
- Length of coverage: The best extended car warranty plans that last for many years will probably cost more than shorter options, though it’ll likely be less per month.
- Make, model, and age of your vehicle: Certain types of vehicles will cost more to cover, so the best extended car warranty companies will charge a rate specific to your own.
- Mileage on your car: Models with greater mileage on them will be more prone to mechanical breakdowns, so they’ll have higher extended warranty costs.
- Deductible amount: Higher deductibles lead to a lower monthly rate, though you’ll be liable for more money when a breakdown occurs.
What's Covered By a CARCHEX Extended Warranty?
Countless parts that can be covered by a CARCHEX extended warranty, and we’ll name a few below. From the Bronze plan up to top-of-the-line Titanium coverage, know that your needs will be well served by the best extended car warranty from CARCHEX.
Below is an overview of the coverage offered by each CARCHEX warranty plan:
- Engine: Titanium, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze
- Transmission: Titanium, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze
- Drive axle: Titanium, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze
- Transfer case: Titanium, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze
- Electrical: Titanium, Platinum, Gold, Silver (limited)
- Air conditioning: Titanium, Platinum, Gold, Silver (limited)
- Steering: Titanium, Platinum, Gold, Silver (limited)
- Brakes: Titanium, Platinum, Gold
- Seals and gaskets: Titanium, Platinum, Gold
- Wear and tear: Titanium, Platinum, Gold
- Suspension: Titanium, Platinum
- High-tech electronics: Titanium, Platinum
- Cooling system: Titanium, Platinum
- Fuel delivery: Titanium, Platinum
- Emissions: Titanium
- Factory navigation: Titanium
If you’re wondering about more specific car parts, head to one of the CARCHEX sample contracts to learn about your coverage.
Extended Car Warranty Benefits
Many of the best extended car warranty plans come with several benefits to complement your coverage. Below are some of the perks offered to CARCHEX customers:
CARCHEX EXTENDED WARRANTY BENEFITS
|
|
|
---|---|---|
|
|
|
Additionally, each of the best extended car warranty plans from CARCHEX comes with various standard services. We’ll list some of the most valuable ones below:
- Roadside assistance
- Towing coverage
- Rental car reimbursement
- Gas delivery
- Trip interruption services
CARCHEX stands as the best extended car warranty provider because it offers a plethora of services with all five coverage plans. Rather than cutting corners, we’d prefer to offer superb extended warranty coverage to every single CARCHEX customer.
Extended Car Warranty Exclusions
Plans from the best extended car warranty providers almost always cover your vehicle’s powertrain components such as the engine, transmission, alternator, and drive axle. Higher-level plans can cover nearly everything in your car, so choose a bumper-to-bumper protection plan if you’re looking for extensive coverage.
Even the best extended car warranty has some exclusions, though. Below, we’ll explain the most common:
- Wear and tear components: You’ll usually need to cover brake pad replacements, new windshield wipers, and other parts that break down after some time. Some plans from CARCHEX cover wear and tear components.
- Damage due to poor maintenance or misuse: If you fail to maintain your vehicle, the best extended warranty plans won’t resolve these preventable issues.
- Problems from a collision or the environment: Damages from car accidents, flooding, and hail may be covered by car insurance, but they’re excluded from the best extended warranty plans.
- Excluded components: Bumpers, headlights, tires, and glass will almost never be covered by even the top vehicle protection plans.
Remember that extended warranties are intended to cover mechanical breakdowns, not damages from outside factors. CARCHEX stands ready to protect cars as parts begin to fail, so make sure to pick up one of the best extended car warranty plans if you’re looking for some peace of mind.
How To Use a CARCHEX Extended Warranty
Exactly how your extended car warranty works depends on your contract administrator, but many of the best extended car warranty companies follow similar procedures. The claims process for CARCHEX coverage works as follows:
The exact way that each of the best extended car warranty plans from CARCHEX work depends on your contract administrator. However, your claims process will likely look similar to what’s listed below:
- As soon as you notice an issue, bring your vehicle to a repair shop certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
- Provide the mechanic with warranty information, including a number to contact your extended warranty administrator. Your specific number will be listed below.
- The mechanic will perform a diagnosis, which is reported to your extended auto warranty administrator.
- If the repair is covered, CARCHEX pays the repair shop directly, minus your deductible.
CARCHEX and some of the other best extended car warranty providers include rental car coverage while your vehicle receives covered repairs at the shop.
CARCHEX Claims Numbers
Since CARCHEX works with several administrators, your claims phone number depends on which contract administrator you have. If you have a problem with your administrator handling a claim, reach out to CARCHEX and we’ll resolve the issue.
Claims Administrator | Claims Phone Number |
---|---|
Administration Plus | 1-800-871-0467 |
Alpha Warranty Services | 1-800-662-5519 |
American Auto Shield | 1-800-531-1925 |
American Guardian Warranty Services | 1-800-579-2233 |
Assurant Solution | 1-866-305-4276 |
Century Warranty Services | 1-866-732-8503 |
Enterprise Financial Group | 1-800-527-1984 |
National Administration Services Co. (Allegiance) | 1-877-356-1500 |
Old Republic | 1-800-354-3953 |
Royal Administration Services | 1-800-871-0467 |
Universal Underwriters Service Corporation (CARCHEX Connect) | 1-800-643-9059 |
Vemeco/Warrantech | 1-800-723-5475 |
How to Cancel a CARCHEX Extended Warranty
You can cancel a CARCHEX extended warranty at any point as long as you have not yet filed a claim. If you cancel within 30 days, expect to receive a full refund. You’ll get a prorated refund instead if you cancel your contract after the first 30 days.
CARCHEX Extended Warranty Plans
CARCHEX offers five of the best extended car warranty plans on the market. Whether you’re looking for a powertrain warranty or something akin to bumper-to-bumper coverage for older cars or high-mileage vehicles, our car warranty options can easily fit your needs.
Take a close look at our various CARCHEX Extended Vehicle Protection Plans. You’ll find everything from exclusionary coverage to plans that cover standards such as the drivetrain, air conditioning, and electrical components.
Covered repairs vary across every plan, so look up exactly what’s covered before committing. If you have a used vehicle in need of something close to a bumper-to-bumper warranty, your needs may look different than of someone craving powertrain coverage because their manufacturer’s warranty just ended.
No matter which plan you choose, CARCHEX offers the best extended car warranty on the market. If you’re unsure about which coverage type works best, reach out to our representatives who will gladly walk you through the details.
What Makes CARCHEX Stand Out?
CARCHEX compares favorably with the competition in multiple ways. Our goal is to consistently lead the industry, and we strive to meet that standard each day. Below, you’ll see how we’re working to create the best extended car warranty on the market.
CARCHEX Benefits | Additional Details |
---|---|
Competitive pricing and payment plans | Our goal is to offer the market's most reasonable rates Monthly payments make it easier to cover extended car warranty costs than one upfront charge or down payment No repair bill and minimal deductibles We take pride in our value proposition, with low prices and top-notch customer service |
Wide range of coverage choices | Five coverage plans that cover all major systems and meet each motorist's needs From exclusionary Titanium coverage down to Bronze powertrain protection Warranties that can last for up to 10 years |
Complete transparency | We take a consultative approach with prospective customers to give them time and space We'll explain a competitor's car warranty to make sure you get the best coverage available Expect all your questions to get answered before purchasing the best extended car warranty |
Excellent customer service | "Customer Experience Above All" is a phrase we live by each day We refuse to strong-arm customers into purchasing plans You'll receive prompt service on the road when a breakdown occurs |
Included perks | Every plan covers standard 24/7 roadside assistance Complimentary roadside assistance, towing coverage, rental car reimbursement, oil changes, gas delivery, and trip interruption benefits |
Not all of the best extended car warranty companies or dealerships place the same emphasis on customer service as CARCHEX, so it’s critical to perform a car warranty comparison before buying. Ask providers about these benefits as you may find that they’re unavailable or hidden in the contract’s fine print. We believe they’re important enough for CARCHEX customers to receive right from the start.